Frequently Asked Questions

What makes B.L.A. so unique?
Bonita Learning Academy is a private, state-licensed, bilingual preschool program in the south county offering a complete academic preschool and Kindergarten program in both English and Spanish, taught by highly trained, fully qualified teachers.

How old does my child need to be to enroll?
To be enrolled in the three, four, or Kindergarten (five year-old ) programs, a child must have reached the appropriate age on or before September 30th.

What about potty-training?
Children must be potty-trained by the time they begin classes. We recognize, of course, that accidents do happen, and remind and assist the children as needed.

What is the daily schedule?
Our day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 1:10 p.m. for 3 yr. olds, 1:20 p.m. for 4's, and 1:30 p.m. for the Kindergartners. Students spend half their day in an English curriculum, and the other half in a Spanish curriculum. The schedule includes lunch, (which the children bring from home) outdoor playtime, and resource classes, such as music, art, yoga, and motor development. It is a full and fun-filled day!

How many days per week do you offer?
Due to our emphasis on language, the students are expected to come 5 days per week.

Do you offer daycare before and after school?
As a convenience to our families, we offer the option of an "extended hour", which is a non-academic after school time, allowing parents to pick up children any time before 2:30 p.m. There is no before-school care.

How big are the class groups?
Twelve to thirteen children are assigned to each class group. Resource teachers often work with small groups, allowing more opportunity for individual attention to each student.

Are your teachers credentialed?
We are very proud of our teaching staff, all of whom exceed the requirements set by the State of California for preschool teachers. Our staff has been with us for an average of five years, and includes professionals with training and credentials in Child Development, Montessori education, and cognitive function, and degrees from the Associate through the Master's level. All staff is required to attend continuing education classes, as well as in-service workshops and presentations. In addition, our teachers have been fingerprinted and background checked by the Department of Justice, and have their certification in child CPR and First Aid.

Do the children get report cards?
Progress reports are given three times per year. Parent-teacher conferences are held twice per year, or at any time requested by either the parent or a teacher.

Is there a school uniform?
Yes. Uniforms can be purchased from Royal Blazers (619) 477-8220. Some items are available in local department stores. B.L.A. tote bags can be purchased in the school office.

What can I expect my child to learn?
You may expect to see many positive changes in your child: an increase in social confidence and self-esteem, as well as kindness and compassion for others--and these are a child's most important lessons! Academically, we have found that those children who enter B.L.A. at age three or four are usually able, by the end of their Kindergarten year, to read and write simple stories, add and subtract and follow directions, in both English and Spanish. They have had the opportunity to develop a multi-cultural appreciation of art and music, have strong motor skills, and speak and understand two languages. Our little graduates are well-prepared, both socially and academically, to take their places with ease and confidence in any first grade classroom.

How do I enroll my child?
You must first attend one of our Open House meetings for interested parents. You will be given a tour and have a chance to ask any questions you may have, and you will be given an application, which must be completed and returned to us, along with a non-refundable $75 application fee. (Admission is not guaranteed) Application forms will be processed in January for the school year beginning the following September. Once your application has been processed, we will contact you to schedule a private appointment for you and your child, so that we can get to know you better. Your child will also be evaluated for readiness, and observed in a classroom setting. You will be notified in early March regarding acceptance, and, if accepted, will receive an enrollment package and further information at that time.

When and how much do I pay?
A one-time, non-refundable fee of $75 is due upon submission of the application form. (Admission is not guaranteed) Once accepted for enrollment, a $300 annual fee for registration, books, and materials will be assessed, and 50% of the September tuition must also be paid at this time. These are non-refundable, and must be submitted with the completed enrollment package. Annual tuition for the school year 2008-2009 is $7,000, or $700 monthly installments. Tuition checks are due and payable no later than the 10th of each month.

Are there scholarships or sibling discounts available?
At this time, there are no scholarships available. There is a 10% sibling discount.