Frequently Asked Questions
What are the school hours at The Child’s Primary School (TCPS)?
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We do not have a weekly minimum day.
My child loves art. Does TCPS offer art and other enrichment classes?
Yes! At TCPS we believe art and creativity are important elements of a balanced, progressive, education program. We offer fine art instruction and music. Other enrichment classes include science and Spanish for grades K-8, as well as coding, library, and P.E.
Does TCPS offer sports?
Yes, we offer a robust Physical Education program to all students. Our P.E. program has a full curriculum including learning the rules and skills for over twenty sports during the year including baseball, tennis, pickleball, cross country, flag football, volleyball, and much more.
Do you offer extended care/after school programs?
Extended Care is normally available before school beginning at 7:45 am and after school until 5:00 p.m. at a reasonable hourly rate. Students also have the option to join a variety of After-School Enrichment Programs throughout the school year when health and safety conditions permit. Our programs may include robotics, soccer, science programs, art programs, chess and many others.
What are the class sizes at TCPS?
No more than 12 students per class in K-2nd grade and 16 students per class in 3rd-8th grade. Our small class sizes enable a close teacher - student relationship and provide each student with the attention to individual needs necessary for maximizing growth and development.
What is the teacher-student ratio at TCPS?
We are very proud to have a low teacher-student ratio of 6:1. This provides an opportunity for teachers to get to know each child and how they learn best, providing individual attention and differentiation in the classroom, without the need for special aides. We feel this is the best way for all students to learn.
Is TCPS the right school for my child? How can I be sure?
We know this is the question that many parents are ultimately trying to answer when they look at schools for their child. We also know that after visiting many schools, researching schools online for hours, and talking with family and friends (each who may have their own opinion), parents often feel overwhelmed trying to find the right school.
The goal of the admissions process at The Child’s Primary School is to admit students who we believe will be successful in the unique program offered at TCPS. We strive to make certain that each student we admit is right for our school and that TCPS is the right school for your child. This helps to ensure teachers are able to provide a high level of individualized attention and appropriate differentiation in the curriculum for all children in the class. Children do not receive unique curricula - all students in the class will follow the same curriculum, with appropriate differentiation, for example, different reading levels within the grade.
Does TCPS offer special education services for students who need services?
No, TCPS does not offer special education services for students.
My child has an I.E.P. Does TCPS offer accomodations for students with an I.E.P?
We are able to offer some accomodations, depending on what is called for. During the admissions process we ask parents to provide all information that can help the admissions committee make a determination if TCPS would be a good fit for their student. This includes any evaluations or reports such as an I.E.P. We review the I.E.P. to see what learning accomodations are called for so we can determine if we can meet those needs that will be important to a student’s academic success. Many I.E.P.s call for accomodations such as small class sizes and individualized attention. These types of accomodations and several others we are able to provide in our small class sizes where the teacher is prepared to give individualized attention to all students in the class. However, there are some more specialized accomodations and services we are not able to provide. Please make sure to discuss any special circumstances so we can determine the b
How do you make the determination if my child is a good fit for TCPS?
We designed our admissions process to get to know each student. We believe this is the best way to determine if a school is likely a good fit for each child. By getting to know each child as an individual, we are able to assess each candidate’s academic, social and behavioral readiness for the grade to which they are applying. Following this process enables us to increase the likelihood of a positive school experience for the student, their family, their class, and the TCPS community at large.
What are you looking for in a successful TCPS applicant?
We admit students from a wide range of backgrounds and academic abilities. We have students at TCPS who have been accepted into gifted and talented programs as well as seminar programs. Like students everywhere, our students may excel in some subjects and may need support from an attentive teacher in others.
We see our students as individuals. A typical TCPS student is one who is eager to learn and fully participate in a robust and engaging academic program, who is curious and open to the idea that learning at a high level can be interesting and even fun! Some of our students start at TCPS having lost that love of learning and our goal is to revive their interest in exploring new ideas and encourage them to take risks in a safe environment supported by teachers and classmates, working together or individually to excel at their own level. A new elementary student excitedly remarked after his first day “this school is awesome!”.
Really, there is no “typical TCPS student.” We are looking for families who believe their child will flourish in an environment that allows for creativity within structure. We are looking for families that expect a challenging academic program but also want their child to develop skills such as:
How to be a successful student
How to become an independent thinker
How to communicate effectively with teachers and peers
How to work as part of a team
How to effectively resolve conflicts
How to become a responsible and motivated lifelong learner
We are looking for families who want their child to discover and reach their full potential.
How do I apply for admission to TCPS for my child?
The admissions process is covered in greater detail on the Application Process page. You can begin the process by calling a member of our admissions team at (858) 576-2120 or completing our online form to schedule a tour of the school. We encourage you to tour first, however you can apply online through our online Application Form at any time either before or after your tour.
Along with the written application, each applicant has a personal interview/evaluation with one of our teachers. Once the application and interview are completed, the Admissions Committee will make a decision. For best consideration apply in the fall for early consideration or by our priority application deadline of February 1. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in late February or early March (or for early consideration, in December). After that time, applications are considered on a space available basis.
How do I arrange for a personal Parent Tour of TCPS?
We recommend that all parents interested visit for a personal parent tour to learn what makes a small school like TCPS a great place for ALL students to learn and grow. We want to make sure you feel TCPS would be a good fit for your child so you can apply during our preferred timeline. Tours are offered every weekday at a time best for you and last approximately one hour.
Submit your tour request by completing our online tour request form, by emailing admissions@tcps.org, or by calling (858) 576-2120. Our Admissions team will work with you to find a tour date and time that best meets your schedule. We also welcome prospective families to attend admissions events during the school year.
How much is tuition at TCPS?
Tuition is set by the TCPS Board of Directors each winter for the following academic year. Tuition rates are tiered by grade level to provide a gradual progression through the years a student is enrolled from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Monthly payment plans are available for no extra fee.
2025-2026 Tuition Rates:
Elementary School
Kindergarten - 2nd grade
$17,400
3rd - 5th grade
$21,500
Middle School
6th - 8th grade
$23,900
Does TCPS offer financial assistance to make tuition more affordable?
Yes, financial aid is available. TCPS strives to keep tuition as low as possible to keep our independent private school education accessible to as many families as possible. To help meet this goal, financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Financial aid decisions are made by our Admissions Committee with guidance from our third party vendor, Clarity, which administers the application and determines a reasonable tuition discount for families who would not be able to afford the full tuition. Please see our Tuition and Financial Assistance page for important deadlines and information regarding the financial aid application process or call or email our Admissions office with any questions.
Does my child have to be immunized to enroll in TCPS?
Yes, immunizations are required, per California state law. Under a strict California law, SB277, families do not have the option to claim exemption from California vaccination requirements based on personal beliefs.
As of July 1, 2016, all children must be fully immunized before enrolling in public or private school or daycare.
Please note that no student will be allowed to attend The Child’s Primary School (or any other public, private or charter school in California) if they do not meet California vaccination requirements—this is the law.
Children with medical conditions, who meet specific criteria, may be exempt. Learn more about California immunization requirements and medical exemptions at the buttons below. This is not a school-based decision.
What about COVID vaccines? While not required for students attending school in California, we encourage those eligible to be immunized against COVID. We will continue to follow San Diego County requirements for schools as they are updated.