Preschoolgate Continues

More drah-mah! As it turns out, there were several current families at our preschool whose applications for their next children did not get accepted. There was a priority application period. Then enrollment was open to the public. Everyone who turned their form in late (well, later than me because mine was late too) didn't get in.

But here is the kicker.

This school has NEVER filled up before. Not in the last 17 years. So, the priority application period was really pointless. They are normally out advertising for kids. But for some reason, this year is different. There must be a bumper crop of two-year olds. So leisurely turning in those forms bit the current parents in the proverbial butt. So now, everyone is furious. There's talk of a petition, calling a meeting, writing letters.

In my mind, the Right Thing to Do is for the school to extend the priority period and accept the kids of current families. It sucks to turn away kids, but you also can't treat the families who have been supporting you like disposable crap (can ya tell I'm still pretty pissed?) just because times have changed and no one realized it.

I know this stuff happens everywhere. Preschool is a competitive thing in the DC area. I know parents who have slept overnight in cars waiting to be first in line to apply. But, it's never been like that in my little corner of DC. And at my little, happy, old-fashioned preschool. Things have changed. I'm glad this is my last preschooler. I am certainly not sleeping in my car to get her in anywhere - unless it's a Hannah Montana concert. I've got my priorities!