Frequently Asked Questions

Preschool: 4 years old on or before 9/1/2026 OR 5 years old on or after 6/1/2026

Kindergarten: 5 years old on or before 9/1/2026

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.) After the application period ends, an admissions committee uses a blind lottery 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. These items are only viewed after the application has been selected by the randomizer tool.

Tuition is charged only for the preschool program. Registration & technology 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.

The preschool program follows the same attendance calendar as the K-8th program. School runs from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. On early dismissal days, school runs from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

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 lottery 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. Open spots will be filled through the start of the school year.

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.

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.

On average, Metcalf receives between 400 and 600 applications each year and admits approximately 40 to 70 students; most of which are for the preschool and kindergarten age level. However, these numbers change each year. During the application period, you can view current openings under the procedure tab on the admissions page.

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