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Thomas Metcalf School

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers

  • How old does my child need to be to attend Preschool or Kindergarten?

Preschool: 4 years old on or before 9/1/2025 OR 5 years old on or after 6/1/2025

Kindergarten: 5 years old on or before 9/1/2025

  • How can my child attend Metcalf School?
Children are enrolled using an application system. Applications are open each year from February 1 - March 1. You can view more under the admissions procedure tab or apply tab.
  • If I turn my application in first, will I be first on the list?
No. Every completed application that is submitted by the deadline will be considered equally.
  • Do you charge tuition?
Tuition is charged only for the preschool program. Registration fees are charged for students in grades K-8; these vary according to grade level. Fees/tuition may be waived or reduced for families qualifying for the free or reduced lunch program. You can view more under the fee tab found on the admissions page.
  • Who decides if a student is admitted?

An admissions committee uses a blind draw process to select applications for any available slots at Metcalf School.  The committee is not privy to the student's identity and does not see the full application; only the questionnaire and supporting documents provided by the student's family and/or current teacher.

  • What time does preschool meet?

The full day class meets from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The half day class offers a morning and after noon section. The morning section meets from 8-11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and the afternoon section meets from 12-3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Once admitted, you will be asked for your section preference, but your child is not guaranteed to be placed in that section.

  • My child is enrolled in the Metcalf preschool. Will he/she automatically be enrolled in the 5-year-old Kindergarten?

Admission is not automatic into kindergarten. All preschool famililes will have to reapply if they are interested in attending Metcalf for K-8th grade.

  • If my child is not admitted to Thomas Metcalf School, can his/her name be placed on a waiting list?

No, we do not maintain a waiting list for admission through the year. Should a spot open up after the regular admission process has been completed, alternates are selected using the same blind pull process. If this should happen, and your child's application is selected, the Metcalf office staff will reach out to your family via phone and email.

  • Is it true that Metcalf is a school only for gifted students?

No, we do not identify students as gifted nor do we offer programs or services specifically targeted at gifted students. We strive to offer a rich curriculum for all students.

  • What special education services does Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association (HILIA) offer through Thomas Metcalf School?

Thomas Metcalf School has the resources to provide special education services to students who have low vision/blindness or who are deaf/hard of hearing.  Students needing these services attend through HILIA'S cooperative agreement between their home district and the Lab Schools.  Our Support Services staff serves the needs of students with mild to moderate learning challenges. If a student has needs that go beyond this level, we team with the home district to determine where the services should take place.

  • If I apply, how likely is it that my child will be accepted into Metcalf?

On average, Metcalf receives between 300 and 600 applications each year and admits approximately 40 to 60 students. However, these numbers change each year. During the application period, you can view current openings under the procedure tab on the admissions page.

  • Is it possible to get a tour of Metcalf?

Due to the high interest in our school, we only provide tours during our annual open house. Families are welcome to attend this informational open house which is typically held during the first part of February.  Please watch our website during January for this date to be announced.