FAQ

(803) 256-8542

Frequently Asked Questions

historically great

Parents

WHY SJPS IS THE BEST ENVIRONMENT FOR MY CHILD?

SJPS is designed to provide an atmosphere that offers each child the opportunity to realize his/her optimal emotional, social, educational, moral and physical development. Mastery of readiness skills is emphasized and a wide use of audio-visual and manipulative instructional tools is implemented to ensure high quality learning. The Preschool meets South Carolina accreditations and is licensed by the Department of Social Services.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU REQUIRE FOR YOUR EDUCATORS?

All educators meet or exceed the state of South Carolina requirements for preschool staff. All of our teachers at Saint John Preparatory School are registered with the Child Development Association. Our teachers have Early Childhood Certificates or degrees or are pursuing college degrees through the TEACH program for early childhood educators. All staff members are First Aid and CPR certified.

HOW DOES SAINT JOHN PREPARATORY SCHOOL COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS?

SJPS truly understands the importance of creating a partnership with the families we serve. To have a successful partnership means open communication between the entire staff and families. We make every effort to keep families informed through many methods that include Brightwheel daily updates, monthly newsletters, meal menus, monthly calendar, PTO meetings, Parent Workshops, and daily verbal communications. SJPS also offers written report cards and parent-teachers conferences, as requested by parents to review their child’s developmental progress.

WHEN CAN I APPLY?

Right now. We are currently accepting applications for fall 2018/2019 school year.

Apply Here

WHAT PROGRAMS DO WE OFFER?

We offer full time programs for children 2 – 5 years old.

Our Programs

IS ADMISSION HANDLED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS?

You may submit an application anytime between September 6 and December 15th. However, submitting an earlier application gives you the benefit of more, and earlier, playdate options.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A TOUR?

Right here!
Or feel free to stop by the school and book a tour in person.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE TOUR?

Each tour will be at the school locaiton. Plan to arrive promptly at 9 am. Tours last from 9 to 10am. Tours are for parents only with the exception of babies in slings or packs. We walk around the area in all kinds of weather, and need to be able to transition quickly between spaces.

DO I HAVE TO GO ON A TOUR IN ORDER TO APPLY?

No. Attending a tour is not necessary for applying.

AFTER WE APPLY, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Someone from the Administrative Staff will contact you.

WHERE ARE SJPS CLASSROOMS LOCATED?

Our classrooms are at the following location: 3404 W Beltline Boulevard, Columbia SC 29203.

CAN I CHOOSE MY CHILD’S CLASS LOCATION?

We will take your request for a particular classroom into account, but we cannot assure your child will be placed there. In choosing where to place children, we consider carefully how the placements will work to create a balanced, cohesive group.

HOW DOES MY CHILD’S BIRTHDATE AFFECT HIS OR HER PLACEMENT?

We consider many factors when deciding where to place your child, including his or her birthdate. In making a placement, we strive to ensure that your child is, in developmental terms, a good fit for a particular placement. We consider your input and our own observations, and weigh such factors as class size and teacher-child ratio in the classroom.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE AT SJPS?

Visit the school to find out!

WHEN CAN I OBSERVE OR VISIT MY CHILD AT SJPS?

SJPS has an open door policy and we encourage visits and participation with your child’s class.

DO THE CHILDREN NAP?

We are required by the Department of Health to provide a period (approximately an hour) during which the lights are lowered, quiet music is played, and the children rest on cots (and may sleep).

HOW DOES SJPS HANDLE LUNCHES AND SNACKS?

In order to ensure that special dietary needs and allergies are respect, children will not be allowed to share any part of their snack or lunch with other children.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE PEANUT AND OTHER NUT ALLERGIES?

SJPS is not a nut-free school. When a classroom includes a child with a nut or other food allergy that requires an EPI pen, all families are informed and every effort is made to ensure that the allergen is not brought into the classroom.