Kindergarten

We welcome you to the Kindergarten Admissions process, and we appreciate your interest in GFS for your child. We are here to help you through the process and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Application Deadline

Though our application deadline of December 7, 2012 has passed, we will continue accepting applications. Late applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they become complete, based on availability of space in each grade. It is beneficial to you and helpful to us to submit the application as soon as possible.

To apply online, click the "Apply Online" button on the right hand side of this page.  You will be asked to set up a username and password, which will allow you to complete, edit, and review your application before electronically submitting it to us. You will also be able to log in later to view application requirements and check to see if we have received all parts of your child's application.  You can request that we send you a paper application in the mail by clicking "Request Application Packet" on the right hand side of this page. 

Kindergarten applicants must be five years old by September 1st of their Kindergarten year.

Parent Interview (and Tour)

After you have submitted your application, please call the Admissions Office to arrange your interview.  The parent interview is a chance for you to find out more about GFS and for us to find out about your child.  The interview includes a tour of our campus and the Kindergarten classrooms.  We ask both parents to come together when possible. Kindergarten sibling applicant parents are invited to interview over the summer.

Kindergarten Playdays

The Kindergarten playday takes place on a Saturday morning and lasts an hour and a half.  It is a group play for Kindergarten applicants, taught by our Kindergarten teachers.  The morning includes story time and free play, as well as a snack. It is a chance for our teachers to observe the applicants in a group setting. While the children are in the Kindergartens, all parents of applicants will come to the Social Room of the Meetinghouse to hear remarks from our Head of School, Lower School Principal, and have their questions about GFS answered. 

The dates for the playdays are as follows: 

Saturday, Nov. 10th (for sibling applicants), 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8th,  9:00-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 5th,  9:00-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 12th, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Please park behind the Meetinghouse in the Pennsbury Playground.

Confidential Teacher Recommendation

Please give the recommendation form included in the application packet to your child’s current classroom teacher to be completed in early December. Kindergarten applicants must submit (1) teacher recommendation. The Teacher Recommendation form is also available at the right in the "Download Supplemental Forms" box.

Readiness Assessment

After receiving your application, we will contact you to arrange your child’s readiness assessment. This is a brief, one-on-one assessment, which is done in our office, and will last approximately forty-five minutes. Parents should plan to wait in our waiting room.