Are there additional time commitments outside of co-oping?

Families also support the school in several collaborative ways that help keep tuition low: at least one family member attends one of the two evening membership meetings held each year to participate in policy decisions and community-building; each family serves on a committee (assigned according to their time and skills) handling tasks like facilities, membership/recruiting, fundraising, communications, and health & safety; and every family takes part in one of the two three-hour work parties held annually to clean classrooms, perform repairs, and maintain the grounds.

How do the lottery and waitlist work?

Every child who has submitted an application and paid the application fee by the application deadline will be entered into a lottery to fill our classes for the upcoming school year and a waitlist will be established after the lottery. Students who are not offered enrollment at the time of the lottery will be notified of their waitlist position by mid-March. Applications received after the deadline will be added to the end of the appropriate class waitlist. We keep the waitlist on file for the duration of the school year in the event an opening occurs throughout the year.

Priority is given to current students, siblings of current students, alumni members, and Rock Spring Congregational Church members. In the listed order, these priority applicants are given first priority for enrollment. 

I have two children. Do I need to submit separate applications?

Yes. Each child (including twins) will need to complete separate applications and pay the appropriate fee for admission. A separate lottery is held for each class and once a child has accepted an offer of admission to the school, every effort is made to accommodate their sibling. 

How are decisions made for class placement?

Application priority is given to current members, siblings, alumni members, and Rock Spring Congregational Church members. In the listed order, these applicants are given first priority for enrollment. Parent/guardian preference is considered when determining the best program for each student, but please note that final offers for class placement are at the discretion of the RSCP Director and Staff based on child readiness, overall class balancing, and program availability. RSCP does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other protected class or characteristic.

If openings occur mid-year, a number of other overriding factors, such as gender balance and age mix for a class, may be considered as spots are filled. Applications received after classes have been filled will be added to the end of the appropriate waitlist. All waitlisted applications will be kept on file for the duration of the school year in the event an opening occurs throughout the year.

Is Financial Aid available?

Yes! Please check out our Scholarship page for more information.

My child was on the waitlist last year. Do I need to re-apply for the next year?

Yes. We conduct a new lottery and establish a new waitlist every year.

Is Rock Spring Cooperative Preschool affiliated with Rock Spring Congressional Church? Is there a religious curriculum?

No, the preschool is not affiliated with the church. The Rock Spring Cooperative Preschool has its own governing board of directors, rents space on the church campus, and has enjoyed a mutually supportive relationship since 1943. Children and parents of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. Our curriculum is not religious. If you would like more information about Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ, you can visit their website.

What is Rock Spring Cooperative Preschool’s student vaccination policy?

RSCP does not accept religious or personal belief exemptions from the required immunizations outlined in the Virginia School Entrance Form.