THE FRIENDSHIP SCHOOL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is The Friendship School?
The Friendship School is a leading magnet school for pre-kindergarten
and kindergarten aged children in Connecticut that partners with
families to foster kindness and a life-long love of learning through
exploration, curiosity, and leadership.
What is a magnet school?
A magnet school is a public school option for families. Magnet schools
are designed to bring students from different communities and
backgrounds together for their education. Magnet schools create perse
learning environments for students and offer specialized curriculum such
as Science, Technology, or Arts.
Who can attend The Friendship School?
Beginning in September 2017, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten aged
children who reside in any Connecticut community are eligible to attend
the school.
How do parents/caregivers enroll their child?
Do parents/caregivers living in Waterford or New London need to fill
out an application in order for their child to attend the school?
Yes. All parents/ caregivers must complete an online application in
order for their child to attend. If there are more applications received
than seats available, a lottery will be held. Children will be selected
randomly through the lottery. To submit an application, visit https://learn.novuschoice.com.
Is there a fee to attend The Friendship School?
Perhaps. Beginning in September 2017, even though The Friendship School
is a public school, a new CT law states that parents/caregivers of
pre-kindergarten aged children will pay a fee depending on family size
and income. This fee will not exceed $400.00 per month per child from
September 1 to June 30. Parents/caregivers will need to complete an
income survey once their child is accepted to the school. Families will
be informed as soon as possible if they must pay the $400.00 per month
tuition fee.
The New London Board of Education is analyzing the
costs of paying these fees for New London families. Once the analysis is
complete and a determination is made, New London families will be
notified. This information should be available by mid-February.
If a parent/caregiver's child already attends the school, do they need to fill out an application?
If a child currently attends the school and the parent/caregiver would
like that child to continue to attend in the 2017/18 school year, the
parent/caregiver must complete a seat reservation form and return it to
the school by March 31st. Forms are available in The Friendship School
office.
If a parent/caregiver's child already attends the school, do they need to pay the fee?
Perhaps. Beginning in September 2017, even though The Friendship School
is a public school, a new CT law states that parents/caregivers of
pre-kindergarten aged children will pay a fee depending on family size
and income. This fee will not exceed $400.00 per month per child from
September 1 to June 30. Parents/caregivers will need to complete an
income survey once their child is accepted to the school. Families will
be informed as soon as possible if they must pay the $400.00 per month
tuition fee.
The Boards of Education for New London and Waterford
are analyzing the costs of paying these fees for New London and
Waterford families with children already enrolled in the school. Once
the analysis is complete and a determination is made, families will be
notified. This information should be available by mid-February.
If
a child receiving services through the Birth to Three system and has an
IFSP, is that child able to attend The Friendship School when s/he
turns three?
All children are eligible to
apply to the school if they will be three by August 31. As a public
school, The Friendship School adheres to state and federal regulations.
Special education is available at the school through an integrated and
inclusive approach. Parents/caregivers should work with their Birth to
Three service provider and their school district special education
office to determine through the PPT and transition process if the school
is an appropriate educational environment for their child. We encourage
everyone to submit an application and then work through the process
should the child be selected through the lottery.
School Info
What are the school's hours of operation?
The school opens at 9:30 a.m. and has a 3:45 p.m. dismissal.
Does The Friendship School provide transportation?
The Friendship School does not provide transportation to or from the
school. New London and Waterford school districts do transport students
who reside in their towns to The Friendship School.
Is there care before and after school?
Is there care in the summer?
Yes. Please inquire in the school office (860)447-4049 for information about before/after and summer care.
Next Steps
When will families be notified if their child has been accepted to the school?
Parents/caregivers will be notified by mid-April if their child is accepted into the school.
Who can people call if they have questions?
Please call The Friendship School office at (860)447-4049 or Lisa
Cooney, LEARN's Development Department at (860)434-4800, ext. 165.
Can people visit the school?
Yes. To make an appointment to visit the school, call (860)447-4049.
Check our website www.thefriendshipschool.org for tour dates.