How to Apply

Interested in becoming a part of Dulin Cooperative Preschool?

Virtual Preschool Tour

 

2022-2023 Admissions

Applications for new families for the 2022 – 2023 school year will be accepted during General Registration from December 15, 2021 through January 31, 2022.

A virtual tour introducing the Dulin community and our approach to cooperative preschool learning is available.

If you have viewed our Virtual Tour and would like to learn more about what it means to be part of a cooperative preschool, a recording of our 2022 – 2023 Open House Presentation is available below. This will help you become more familiar with application and registration processes, as well as how our school operates.

Open House Presentation

 

If you have questions about Dulin admissions or our Open House, please contact our Admissions Chair. The 2022 – 2023 Application for Admission is available below.

2022 – 2023 Application for Admission

 

APPLICATION FEE (2022 – 2023): The NON-REFUNDABLE application fee for new families is $85 for the first child and $55 for each additional child. The NON-REFUNDABLE application fee for currently enrolled families is $55 per child.

2021-2022 Admissions

In light of the rapidly changing environment with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have closed admissions for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. This will help us to maintain distancing within our school spaces. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Admissions Chair.
 

Dulin Preschool is run by parents. That’s why we understand and appreciate that parents want as straightforward an admissions policy as possible. At Dulin Preschool, we don’t require families to get on wait lists years before children are eligible (or born!), nor do we expect families to camp out in a parking lot.

The application process begins with taking a tour of the preschool and/or attending our annual Open House, which takes place in January. Although it is not a requirement, we strongly encourage parents to view the virtual tour of the school and attend our Open House. We have found that this is the best way to make sure that Dulin is a good fit for your family’s needs. Being a member of a cooperative preschool is incredibly fun and rewarding for both parents and children, but it also requires a certain amount of time, commitment, and accountability. If you cannot attend our Open House, please contact our Admissions Chair.

Here’s what you need to know to apply.

When is the upcoming Open House?
Our Open House was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Parents or guardians were able to visit the school, chat with Dulin Cooperative Preschool board members, and get more information about Dulin’s philosophy and what to expect from a year with Dulin.

A virtual tour of the school is available.

Can I complete the application now for the following school year?
The application is available on the first day of general registration, December 15th. At the end of the general registration period on January 31st, a lottery will be held to fill our open slots for the 2022 – 2023 school year and establish our wait list.

Do I have to attend the Open House to apply?
No, you do not. However we encourage you to take advantage of the Open House Presentation, virtual tour, and other opportunities to get to know Dulin better!

When is the deadline for turning in next year's application?
The deadline for including your child(ren)’s application(s) for entry into our initial drawing for the upcoming school year is the end of our General Registration period on January 31st. All applications received after our first initial round of Admissions will be accepted and added to our wait list, as we will continue to fill spots as they open all the way up to the start of the school year.

What is the schedule for the Open House?
Our Open House included small group in-person tours, discussions with Dulin Cooperative Preschool board members, and an informational presentation.

Can I bring my child(ren)?
Our Open House was only open to adult visitors; we are not able to provide childcare during the Open House.

Do you have a make-up date for Open House due to inclement weather?

Dulin follows Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) inclement weather policy. If FCPS has a delay or closing, we will make every effort to reschedule the Open House (typically for the following week, at the same time) or other events. Please see our Home Page for specific and up-to-date information. We will do our best to update our home page if we have any last-minute weather cancellations, and post any notices to our social media accounts. Please check our site if weather is a question!

Our virtual tour and open house presentation are available via this site. If you have any questions in the event of a weather-related cancellation, please contact our Admissions Chair.

What if I missed the Open House?
All is not lost! If you could not make the Open House, or ended up missing it at the last minute, please contact Dulin’s Admissions Chair with questions or view the presentations available on this page.

Do I have to reapply if I applied last year and didn't receive a spot at Dulin?
Yes, you have to apply each year if you are interested in a spot for the upcoming school year. We do not have rolling admissions.

How will I learn if I’ve been accepted to Dulin?
Once the lottery has taken place after general registration closes on January 31st, the Dulin Admissions Chair will notify all those who have received a spot, as well as those who have been placed on the wait list.

Any applications received after our first round of admissions will be added to the wait list. Didn’t get a spot this go-around? Let us know of your continued interest. Due to relocations and other factors, we almost always draw upon our wait list over the spring, summer, and occasionally through the fall.