What are the hours for the kindergarten school day?
The kindergarten school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Campus hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Is there an extra charge for extended care?
No, there is no additional cost. Extended care is included in your tuition fee.

How many kindergarten classes are there at the Northridge campus?
Currently, there are four classrooms. A fully credentialed teacher instructs in each classroom.

How many students are there per classroom?
There is a maximum of twenty students per class, however some classes are limited to fifteen students. In some cases, we will extend the limit to twenty-two students, should the necessity arise.

Are all of the classrooms the same academically?
Although the curriculum and goals are the same for each class, they are paced differently.

What is meant by paced?
Each child progresses at his or her own speed. Many different factors, such as maturity level and preschool experience will determine the pace at which the child will excel.

Are kindergartners assigned homework?
Yes, homework is assigned on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for approximately 20 minutes, and is placed in a homework folder along with any pertinent information. This homework folder must be returned the next day.

Do kindergartners receive an academic report card?
Yes, report cards are issued four times a year, in 10 week intervals.

Does Pinecrest provide a hot lunch? A snack?
Hot lunches are available at an extra cost. Hot lunch can be purchased on a daily or monthly basis. An afternoon snack is provided by Pinecrest. Parents MUST provide a morning snack for their child. This is imperative when the child arrives at school very early.

Are naps required in kindergarten?
Yes, all children have a one-hour nap in the afternoon. Children may bring a blanket, pillow, and a favorite sleep toy. As the school year progresses, nap time becomes shortened.

What extra curricular activities are offered?
Beyond the well-rounded curriculum, Pinecrest offers art lessons and piano instruction at an extra cost. After school, an independent company comes onto our campus to offer karate, dance, gymnastics, tennis, and other classes for those interested. These programs are also at an extra cost and are optional.

Do kindergartners go on field trips?
Yes, each class will go on 3-4 field trips throughout the school year. They will travel on a Pinecrest school bus. Parents will be asked to lend a hand if possible.

How will my child's class placement be determined?
The Kindergarten Director will administer a short (no longer than 20 minutes) evaluation to your child. The test will cover such areas as number and letter recognition, fine motor skills, auditory and visual sequencing, and body concepts. Your child will be placed in a class based on this evaluation.

Is every kindergarten student required to take this test?
No, students who have completed a Pinecrest pre-kindergarten program will be evaluated by his or her preschool teacher. Students coming from off-campus must take this test.

Are the children taught how to read?
Yes, during the first semester, all classrooms, with the exception of our advanced kindergarten class, will be taught a reading readiness program. The second semester will entail a structured reading program at the first grade level.

Are any specialty courses taught?
Yes, physical education, computers, music and Spanish are part of the Pinecrest kindergarten curriculum. The children will have P.E. four times a week and music, computers, and Spanish twice a week. Each class is one-half hour.

Do you require parents to volunteer their time at school?
No, parents are not required to volunteer their time, however, we welcome parent participation for special activities.

These are some of the questions asked most often. You, as a parent, may have specific questions not covered here. We recommend that you make an appointment to visit our campus at your convenience. It is important for a parent to feel comfortable with their child's environment. Choosing the right kindergarten for your child should be an exciting experience. Pinecrest hopes to help in any way to make this time easier.

For an appointment, please call us at (818) 368-0566.

Thank you for your interest in Pinecrest Schools.