FAQ - Orchard

What age does Orchard Serve?

  • All Orchard School programs are open to children aged 2.5 years (30 months) to 5 years.

    • Children may start attending FCS on the day they turn 30 months old.

    • Children may attend up until the day before they turn six. Children must withdraw from FCS on their sixth birthday.

Can my child attend another school concurrently?

  • Fremont Community School DOES allow students to enroll in other preschools concurrent to their enrollment at Orchard. Since we currently only offer a morning program, some families seek a secondary preschool for afternoon care.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

  • Children attending any FCS program do not need to be potty trained and may still be in diapers. Parents will provide diapers and pullups for their children.

    Please let us know when you are ready to begin potty training so we can be consistent with the methods you are using at home. We recommend that children know their bodies well enough to use the toilet while at school. Consistency and repetition will yield the quickest and best results.

    While potty training:

    • Be prepared for frequent accidents as your child adjusts to their new routine.

    • Children may wear pull-ups as long as they pull apart at the hip and are easy to remove.

    • As they master potty training and have occasional accidents, children may progress to wearing underpants. Please send extra underwear during this time.

    • The training routine you use should be simple and replicable so your child can follow the same procedure while at school.

    A lot can happen when they are ready, and they may surprise you!

How should I dress my child for school?

  • We stay outside for the entirety of the program. Dressing appropriately for the weather is of the utmost importance when attending FCS, especially for children at school all day.

What is the Rhythm of Day?

  • Waldorf believed children thrive with strong rhythms. Every day has a rhythm, as well as every week and throughout the year. You can refer to our Rhythm of Orchard page for more detailed information.

When would my child be able to start?

  • We are currently welcoming students to our Orchard morning program! Make sure to note your preferred start date on your child’s application.