You’re the parent of a four-year-old or soon-to-be four-year-old. First, you wonder where the time went. Then, you start thinking about where to send your child to school. Choosing the right school for your family can be overwhelming, and starting the enrollment process once you settle on a school can be even more daunting.
At Manzano Day School, the Admission Office is there to help you every step of the way.
Manzano Day School is a nonprofit school for children in pre-k through fifth grade where excellence in education meets the warmth of a close-knit community. For over 85 years, Manzano Day School has been devoted to Joy in Learning®. At the center of everything and everyone at Manzano Day School are their Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Striving for Excellence.
One of the most common mistakes parents make when considering a Manzano Day School education for their child is getting started too late. The admission process starts a year before your child starts. Applications are accepted beginning September 1st for the following school year.
Touring campus is a wonderful way to start your school search to learn more about the admission process and the Manzano Day School community. The campus is nestled between Central Avenue and Lomas Boulevard in the Old Town and West Downtown neighborhoods.
The Admission Office also hosts two open houses annually, one in the fall and one in the spring. Open Houses are a great way to meet current parents, teachers, and administrators.
The majority of students start Manzano Day School in pre-k or kindergarten. Pre-k and kindergarten applicants are invited to participate in a playdate on a specific Saturday morning to get to know teachers and complete an individual assessment with an administration staff member. First through fifth-grade applicants are invited to a visit day when they join a class for the day and experience the magic of Manzano Day School. Mid-January is the deadline for the general application pool, and admission decisions are made in mid-February.
It’s rare, but sometimes an applicant’s parents decide not to pursue a Manzano Day School education. Therefore, applications for all grade levels continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Spaces are offered as they become available.
A common question among prospective parents is, “Is financial aid available?” Yes! Manzano Day School understands that your child’s education is a significant investment in their future. The school offers financial assistance based on a family’s demonstrated need and available funds. The maximum award covers 50% of tuition. In recent years, the school has been able to offer a limited number of 75% awards. The financial aid process is separate from the admission process, with the deadline in December. The Board of Trustees at Manzano Day School set tuition each January for the following school year. Different payment plans allow families to spread out payments over the school year.
The Wings Scholarship at Manzano Day School is an amazing opportunity for children who have very limited economic resources but show the potential for educational achievement. This unique program provides full tuition for pre-k through fifth grade for one student each year.
As you navigate the admission journey, whichever school your family decides on, remember that it is not only an opportunity for a school to get to know the student. But it’s also for the student and family to discover the unique culture and values that define the educational institution.
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year at Manzano Day School are now available. Please contact the Admission Office at [email protected] or (505) 243-6659. You can find important dates and how to apply here.
