New Family Welcome

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So your child's name was selected in our lottery?  Welcome! We want to help your child make a comfortable, positive transition to the Central Park School for Children.

Your first step is formal enrolling your child at CPSC. This page answers many of the questions new families ask about enrollment:

  • What is Kindergarten Screening?
  • What paperwork does the school need?
  • What immunizations must my child have?
  • What school supplies must we buy?
  • What should we know before the first day of school?

ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL to keep their slot.

Your next stop is our Parent Resources section, especially our What to Know page for answers to frequently-asked questions. Check CPSC's Academic Calendar for important dates. Parents who work full-time may be interested in our After School Program.

Clouds at entry to Aileen's kindergarten room

Transition to Kindergarten

Starting kindergarten marks a new phase in your child's life... and in yours!

We schedule Kindergarten Screenings in late April or early May for the coming school year. This is an opportunity for the children, parents and teachers to meet, and for your child to do some activities one-on-one with a teacher.

Part of the Kindergarten Screening process is fulfilling the State of North Carolina's requirements for enrollment, which includes a doctor's health assessment and proof of immunizations.

Kindergarten attendance is staggered during the first week to help everyone adjust smoothly. On the first Monday and Tuesday, only half of each teacher's class will attend; your teacher will tell you which day to come. Also, kindergartners are dismissed at 11:30 am during that first week.

June Mailing & Home Visits

In late June you will receive a thick envelope from the school with your child's teacher assignment, your Parent Handbook (also available for download), a draft of the School Directory, and several forms to complete before school starts.

Reading your teacher's online bio is a great first introduction to him or her!

At all grade levels, teachers make an effort to visit each of their students in the student's home before the opening of the school year. Parents may choose to meet at another location (or not at all) if they prefer.

cute rain boots

Read your Parent Handbook!

Look for your Parent Handbook in the June mailing, and please read it before the start of school. Three things in particular:

  • Your child should wear sturdy, comfortable play clothes to school. Our students get messy and play outside in all weather.
  • Car Line safety is very important. Please be familiar with our dropoff and pickup routines before the first day of school.
  • Be ready to get involved! By registering your child, your family is entering a partnership with Central Park School.

Get Connected!

Want to get connected before the school year starts? New families are invited to attend our Strawberry Festival, and are welcome to volunteer. 

Look in your June Mailing for information about committees you might be interested in helping with.  Volunteering as a Class Parent is a great way to get acquainted with other families.

Some families, particularly those of kindergartners, find it helpful to plan a playdate or a larger outing with their new classmates before school starts. Ask your teacher during your child's home visit.

Watch our Events Calendar and keep an eye on your child's Take Home Folder for "meet & greet" events and back-to-school nights held in the first few weeks of school.