Enrollment Information
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, please be advised that dates, as well as the process itself, may be adjusted due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation. We, like many other educational institutions, are navigating constant changes in regards to our operational parameters during this continuing pandemic. We appreciate your patience, understanding and flexibility.
Current and Returning Families¹: Reregistration/Priority Registration for the 2023-2024 school year will take place in February 2023. Instructions will be emailed out in early February to eligible families (this includes families who remained on the waitlist but were not offered a spot during the 2022/2023 school year.) Please note: returning families (those who have had children attend previously and would now like to enroll a new sibling) DO NOT need to tour again and may register in February along with currently attending families.
Registration for New Families takes place once annually, in March, for enrollment beginning Fall of that same year. All new students are started in September. We do not enroll new students mid-year (with the exception of those placed on the waitlist during Spring registration, as space becomes available²). Registration for the current 2022-2023 school year is closed. For those interested in enrolling in the 2023-2024 school year, registration will take place in mid-March and placement will be decided by lottery. In order to take part in the lottery, you must attend a tour prior to the registration date in March. Once your tour attendance has been confirmed, you will be given access to our online registration, which will be open for one day only in March (specific date TBD). Tours are offered, by appointment only, in January and February. If you are interested in enrolling in a future program, we ask that you call us beginning in October to schedule a tour for the following Spring registration period. Our tour calendar books up quickly, so the earlier you call (beginning in October), the better!
For further information or to schedule an informational tour, please call the Preschool Office, M-F from 9:00am-4:00 pm at (510) 537-0773 or send an email (preferred) to inquiries@happinesshill.org. If requesting a tour, please include your name, as well as the name and birth date³ of your child. Attending a tour is required prior to enrolling your child or taking part in the lottery.
¹Returning families – please contact the office prior to February to obtain information about our online registration process and to add your name to the list to receive the priority registration link via email. Registration for continuing students as well as new siblings must be completed by the end of February in order to receive priority registration and secure your spot for the next school year!
² We will continue to add students from the waitlist, as space allows, through January.
³Child’s birth date is required because our tours are age-specific, in an effort to ensure that you receive the most appropriate age group/classroom information pertaining to your child.
Meals
Children are provided a nutritious morning and afternoon snack. All lunch items are provided by the parent. During the winter months, hot soup may be provided by the school as an addition to the child’s lunch.
Ages
We accept children 2 years through 5 years. Children are grouped according to age (as of September 1) into one of six classes*:
Early 2 years
2 1/2 to 3 years
3 to 3 1/2 years
3 1/2 to 4 years
4 to 4 1/2 years
4 1/2 to 5 years
Children generally transition to a new class each fall when the new school year begins.
*Adjustments to the age range may sometimes occur, as necessary, in order for classrooms to maintain proper numbers and ratios, per state licensing regulations.
Curriculum
Age and developmentally appropriate activities are planned to allow each child to grow at his or her own pace. Indoor and outdoor activities include arts and crafts, science, music and movement, Bible stories, literature, dramatic play, math concepts, alphabet and numeral recognition and prereading skills. Circle time, snack time, and craft time along with free choice and play times allow much individual and group social interaction which are all vital experiences for young children.
Field Trips
A unique benefit that Happiness Hill offers your child is a chance to attend field trips. Classes visit a variety of age-appropriate locations, which offer hands-on learning opportunities in a new environment. Once a month* the children of Happiness Hill take an adventure on our school bus. Whether it be a trip to the San Jose Discovery Museum or a local park, your child is in store for a great experience. Parents and grandparents are welcome to sign on as chaperones and join in on the fun!
*Field trips are currently on hold due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, but will resume as soon as it is deemed appropriate.
