Dear Hopeful Pre-K Parents:

Thank you very much for your interest in a Landmark Pre-Kindergarten program. We really appreciate your patience as we investigate this new opportunity. We have learned quite a bit and are still navigating through these new waters. Here is where we are today.

The State does not provide per pupil funding for Pre-K or Preschool programs. We also discovered that there currently is no funding available for this program through State or Federal grants, except for one very restrictive grant that would not meet our needs. In order for us to offer the quality program we (and you) desire, we must be able to charge a fee or receive some funding from the State.

Traditional school districts charge tuition to cover the costs of providing this type program. Whether through a legislative oversight or a purposeful discriminatory motive, charter schools are not permitted to charge tuition under current State law. We are looking into this matter and will be contacting our State Representatives to address what we hope is an oversight. This may take some time to come to a favorable resolution and we are willing to invest the time necessary.

Preschool programs must be licensed by the State, whether they are private or public. After weeks of no returned phone calls, we finally received word on the application process, which we will begin now. Unfortunately, the process takes approximately six months. At best we would be able to open a Pre-K program in January (which we are willing to do if we have enough parent interest).

Another option we considered would be to partner with an organization to offer this program. The program would certainly be consistent with Landmark’s ideals and philosophy. However, it would not technically be a Landmark program. This means that Pre-K students would not automatically receive placement in the Landmark Kindergarten classes.

That is the status of our efforts. It would be helpful if you would be willing to provide us with some additional information regarding your preferences and expectations. Please complete the attached questions and return them to Landmark at your earliest opportunity. Also, please feel free to contact me with any questions you have. Thank you again for your interest and your patience.

Sincerely,

Nancy J. Gardner
Executive Administrator

For the Landmark Academy Pre-Kindergarten Survey (Take II), please click here.