Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most frequently asked questions from parents seeking more information about our program. If you do not find what you are looking for, you may contact our office or email us with your inquiry.

What makes B.L.A. so unique?

Bonita Learning Academy is a private preschool and Kindergarten program in the South Bay area of San Diego County that is state-licensed through Community Care Licensing, with an academic, bilingual immersion approach for Infants & Toddlers, Preschoolers, TK, and Kindergarteners. We are proudly part of The San Diego Quality Preschool Initiative (SDQPI). Funded by Quality Counts California (QCC) and First 5 San Diego and operated by San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). This program is focused on continuous quality improvement of early education programs, enhancing the development and learning trajectory of children from birth through five, and supporting families with resources. SDQPI is an effort to strengthen San Diego’s early learning and care system to support young children and their families. We offer an inclusive program in both English and Spanish that addresses all areas of development of young children. Our teachers are fully qualified, experienced professionals who are continually studying and increasing their knowledge through classes, workshops, and in-service training, which is required to maintain their teaching credentials.

At what age does my child need to be to enroll?

To be enrolled in Infants & Toddlers (18 - 36 months), Preschool 1 (three-year-olds), Preschool 2 (four-year-olds), or TK / Kindergarten (five-year-olds) programs, a child must have reached the appropriate age on or before August 31st of the year of entrance. 

What about potty-training?

For our Infants & Toddlers Program, we assist with toilet training when necessary. Children must be potty-trained by their first day of school for Preschool 1, Preschool 2, and TK/Kindergarten. We recognize, of course, that accidents do happen. We will remind and assist the children as they learn to become completely independent.

What is the daily schedule?

The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. for TK & Kindergarten, 8:30 a.m. for Preschool 2, 8:45 a.m. for Preschool 1, and 9:00 a.m. for Infants & Toddlers. The school day ends at the following times: 1:30 p.m. for Preschool 1, 1:45 p.m. for Preschool 2, 2:00 p.m. for Infants & Toddlers, and 2:15 p.m. for TK & Kindergarten. Students spend half the day in an English curriculum, and the other half in a Spanish curriculum*.

The schedule includes lunch, recess, playtime, and enrichment classes, such as: Music & Movement, Art, Yoga, Physical Fitness, and Mindfulness. It is a full and fun-filled day!

 *This might vary with the pandemic. 

How many days per week do you offer?

The curriculum designed for our academic bilingual immersion program is a full-time curriculum. This is a Monday-Friday program. All enrolled students are required to attend classes five days a week. If choosing to attend part-time, families have the following options: Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays for 3 days a week, OR Tuesdays-Thursdays for 2 days a week. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate schedules outside of the specified days due to child-teacher ratio requirements. Please note that if enrolling in part-time days, your child may miss out on some (not all) school events if it is not their assigned day to attend, due to child-teacher ratio requirements.

Annual tuition is paid in 11 or 12 monthly installments. Families enrolling after the school year begins will have a prorated tuition. Numbers for a prorated tuition will be provided once the admissions process has begun.

Do you offer daycare before and after school?

AM

7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. = $150.00 per month (prepaid)

PM 

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: $125.00 per month (prepaid)

or

1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: $200.00 per month (prepaid) 

Before & After School Care - Monthly Flat rate $300.00 (prepaid only)

*Five students (prepaid) minimum are required to keep each of these programs open.

How many students are in each group?

Twelve children are assigned to each class group for Preschool 1, Preschool 2, and TK. There may be up to 17 students in Kindergarten. Infants & Toddlers have the following: 18 - 24 months 6:1 child-teacher ratio and 24 - 36 months 12:1 child-teacher ratio with an additional teacher assistant. In addition, we have supporting staff to aid in the daily tasks and may assist our teachers when needed. 

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, cognitive function, and degrees that range from the Associate through the Master's level. All staff are required to attend continuing education classes, as well as in-service workshops and presentations. Additionally, our teachers have undergone fingerprinting and background checks by the Department of Justice. They also hold their certification in pediatric CPR and First Aid. 

Do the children get progress reports?

Progress reports are a useful tool in measuring the development of children. We send home a progress report three times per year, at which time parent-teacher conferences are held. This is an excellent time for parents and teachers to review the child's progress and determine new goals. Parent conferences may also be scheduled at any time during the school year at the request of either the parent or a teacher. 

Is there a school uniform?

Yes, school uniforms are mandatory for all students. Uniforms are to be worn to school and when representing our school.

What can I expect my child to learn?

You can expect to see many positive changes in your child, including an increase in social confidence, self-esteem, kindness, and compassion for others. These are a child's most important lessons! Academically, we have found that children who enter B.L.A. at the age of three 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 will want to contact the school and arrange for a virtual tour, during which you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will also be given an application, which must be completed and returned to us, along with a non-refundable application fee of $75. (Admission is not guaranteed) Application forms will be processed in January for the school year beginning the following August. Once your application has been processed, we will contact you to schedule a private appointment for you and your child, allowing us to get to know you and your child 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?

Tuition may be paid in 12 monthly installments (July - June) or 11 monthly installments (July - July). Families enrolling after the school year begins will have their tuition prorated for the remainder of the school year. Numbers for a prorated tuition will be provided once the admissions process has begun. A one-time, non-refundable fee of $75 is due upon submission of the admission application (Admission is not guaranteed). Once accepted for enrollment, to reserve your child's space, a $525.00 enrollment fee (which includes books and materials) and the first tuition installment must be paid by the specified due date. These fees are non-refundable and must be submitted with the completed enrollment package.

Are there scholarships or sibling discounts available?

Discounts are only available to families whose children attend school full-time (5 days a week). We offer a 5% sibling discount, a 5% active military discount, and a 5% tuition discount when paying the full school year in advance. Only one discount may be used per family. Please note that there are no discounts for extended care hours.

Do you accept subsidy programs?

We accept the following subsidy programs: YMCA, CDA, and MCCYN.