LAKESIDE SCHOOL AT BLACK KETTLE FARM
where every day is an outdoor day
Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
ADMISSIONS
Enrollment at Lakeside School
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We invite you to come visit and experience Lakeside for yourself! Families are encouraged to attend one of our Community Days, listed on our website. If those dates don’t work for you, please send an email to development@lakesideschoolinessex.org—we’re happy to set up a visit that fits your schedule.
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Families with children currently enrolled in Lakeside, our Mountain Tots program, siblings, and children already on our waitlist are offered priority enrollment before open enrollment begins. These families will receive registration materials by the second week of March.
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If you’re new to Lakeside, here’s how to get started:
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Fill out the application form
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Submit a $25 application fee
Once we receive your materials, we’ll reach out to schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher. This is a chance for you to share more about your child and ask any questions about Lakeside. Afterward, we’ll be in touch—usually within two weeks—to let you know about next steps.
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If you decide to enroll, we’ll meet to go over tuition, financial options, and volunteer opportunities. All financial conversations are completely confidential. We’ll also provide you with a Parent Handbook and any other forms to complete before the school year begins.
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We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Lakeside School, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or
ethnic origin in its admission.
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Immunization Requirements
In accordance with New York State law, all children attending daycare or Pre-K through 12th grade must be up-to-date on all required vaccines in order to attend or remain in school—unless they have a valid medical exemption.
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This policy applies to all public, private, and religious schools in the state. A medical exemption may be granted if a child has a health condition that prevents them from receiving a specific vaccine, as certified by a licensed healthcare provider.
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Please note that New York State does not allow exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs.
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If you have questions or need more information about vaccine requirements or medical exemptions, feel free to contact our School Administrator.
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"Everyday, my sons are given new opportunities to explore the changing seasons, the natural landscape, and thier growing abilities as human beings. I can't think of a better way to be introduced to the magic of learning."
Application Process
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Contact our development director at development@lakesideschoolinessex.org to set up an observation during the school day. You can come during an Open House day or schedule another time. Visits are usually between 8:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays.
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After you have visited the school, set up an interview with the program teacher and the school administrator to learn more about the program you're interested in and to tell them about your child. (Children should not be present during this discussion.)
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Once you've decided Lakeside School is a good fit for your family's needs, submit an Application Form and a $25 application fee.
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After the faculty has reviewed your application and tuition needs, you will receive a decision letter, medical forms, and questionnaire to complete and return to us before your child's first day of school.
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Before your child's first day of school, the program teacher may contact you to arrange a home visit. This is an opportunity for your child and the teacher to begin building their relationship and parents are not expected to actively participate.
Applications are accepted through the TADS online system. Link here
Early Withdrawal Policy
If a family should decide to withdraw their child from Lakeside’s programs, cancellation must be made in writing before July 1, in order to receive a full refund.
Families who choose to withdraw a student:
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prior to October 13th (end of the six week trial period) will have tuition prorated and any unused portion returned.
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prior to January 1st will be responsible for 50% of tuition costs.
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prior to April 1st will be responsible for 75% of tuition costs.
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after April 1st will be responsible for 100% of tuition costs.
Any parent contemplating withdrawal should set up a meeting with the teacher or School Administrator to address any questions or concerns that the parent or teachers may have.
TUITION
Lakeside School was founded as a grassroots, parent-organized initiative—and that spirit of community continues to guide us today. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to making our programs accessible to families of all backgrounds.
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We do not list standard tuition rates online because tuition is individualized based on each family’s financial circumstances. We ask families to first consider whether they can afford the full cost of tuition. If not, we work closely with each family to determine what level of contribution is manageable and whether they qualify for tuition assistance.
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Our goal is to ensure that every child who would benefit from education at Lakeside has the opportunity to attend. We keep operating costs as low as possible and rely on volunteer efforts and fundraising to help meet our budget needs and support tuition assistance.
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If you are interested in enrolling your child, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a visit—we would love to meet you and share more about our programs and community.
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FINANCIAL AID
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Lakeside School offers a limited amount of tuition assistance each year to families who are unable to afford the full cost of tuition. If you are considering Lakeside for your child, we strongly encourage you to speak with the administrator about your family’s financial needs. We are committed to helping each family explore options and find a path forward—because we believe that every child who would thrive at Lakeside should have the opportunity to attend.
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Additional support is available through Essex County childcare subsidy program
Families may also qualify for the Essex County Child Care Subsidy, which provides funding for working parents with children under the age of 6 whose household income meets eligibility guidelines. Funding is currently available through this program. To learn more, visit the Essex County Department of Social Services or call their Day Care Unit at (518) 873-3431.
Our administrator is happy to provide more information and guide you through the application process.