my pre schooler failed?

First of all your child did not "fail" preschool. All the diploma is is a cute piece of paper given out to convince parents the money was well spent on preschool. It is meaningless and has no legal standing. Second, in public schools it is illegal to deny children access to kindergarten based on the screening. Check to see if this is true of private schools in your state. State Ed. may know. In any case, most of the testing they do on kids that young isn't all that reliable. If the kid had a fight with his brother or doesn't like his T-shirt that might affect the scores. before you get too upset ask to see his test and the scores and see what they are talking about. if they refuse, or still want to hold him back, you still have the option of enrolling him in public school kindergarten. Some private schools are so desperate to look good that they only want the kids with the highest scores to move on. Doing well isn't enough. They only want superior. If you decide not to enroll him there next year you should get your money back because you are paying for a service they denied you.

I'm an elementary school teacher and have to agree with a previous response that said that a preschool graduation is kind of meaningless. It's a way to mark the ending of a year and not a legal document or legal diploma.

That being said, you may have legitimate cause for complaint. Why did they take your 5,500? Was this payment in advance for kindergarten, to which they are now denying him entrance? Or was the money what you paid for him to attend preschool (in which case you may have no legitimate case for getting the money back)?

Please find out more information about why they hesitate to have him attend kindergarten. If this is at the same school, you may have a legitimate cause for complaint, particularly if you were in frequent contact with teachers and they gave no indication they had any concern. If this is at a different school or at a public school, your son may not meet their standards for readiness---but in any case, it doesn't sound like you know what they are or where he's falling short. Is it a behavior thing? School readiness thing? Some sort of academic concern?

I realize you're probably frustrated or angry at this point because it's no fun hearing this about your son. Might not even be true! That being said, at 4 he is a little young to be starting kindergarten---even if he has a summer birthday and turns 5 over the next few months, he'll still be on the young side for his class. If he is genuinely not ready, he doesn't have to be in with the 3 year olds. Many preschools have programs for 4 year olds and some even for 5 year olds who miss the kindergarten cut-off . Check these out and good luck!

Hi... okay, I have to ask how a preschooler fails preschool since preschool is not necessary. Kindergarten is when school begins, correct? I live in Canada and can't see it being that different anywhere else.

Here, if a teacher feels a child would benefit from another year of preschool (due to age, disability, etc...), the teacher recommends it to the parents. If the child moves on to Kindergarten, then he/she will have a TA.

I am not a lawyer, but I would definitely speak to the school about this especially if they took your money. I am interested to know what kind of test he had to take? Honestly, I have never heard of a preschool test. In my daughter's preschool next year (also a private school) they are starting assessments to see where the kids are at and what the teachers can do to better the program for the children. I taught preschool (4 year program) and I can tell you that not all of the kids knew their ABCs, sounds, counting, colours, and how to share. These skills are also taught in Kindergarten.

I wish you all the best... Sorry if I wasn't much help. Oh, and for the diploma... I agree. It's a cute piece of paper and not "official." Keep us posted.

They can refuse your child admission. And they would have given your child a little "diploma" even if he had failed the test prior to the little "graduation" ceremony. It's just a little end of year program with a cute piece of paper.

You can take him somewhere else. Public Kindergarten must take him or I'm sure there are other private K's. And I would demand my money back.

I would not send him to that preschool regardless. There is so much more to readiness then one test, and if they had not communicated any issues but now all of sudden there are - there is a problem with the organization of the school.

Get your money back and move on.

tests test exactly that. The ability to take a test. Maybe he has a slight learning disability or a short attention span. There could be numerous reasons why he did not pass. I do not think you have a legal claim here, by making payment was your kid guaranteed to be placed in kindergarten was that promised to you. If you son is 4 now is he a young 4 yr old or an older one when was his birthday. I had to stay back in 2nd grade although I did not like it I think it was for the best especially sports.

i would go to the school district building and complain. show them the diploma, make them talk to the teachers and then ask for your money back if they don't do what you want them to.

Amen...to EC Expert's answer.