Parent Questions
Short, direct answers about programs, VPK, costs and everyday details. Some details change each school year, so where the answer depends on this year's classes, the office will give you the current information.
Programs and ages
What programs does New Horizons offer?
New Horizons offers preschool and Florida's free VPK on Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor.
For babies, toddlers or school-age children, call (727) 785-8591 to ask what's available this year.
What ages does New Horizons serve?
Class ages and openings can change from one school year to the next, so the office will tell you which class fits your child right now.
VPK is for children who live in Florida and are 4 on or before September 1. For any other age, call (727) 785-8591.
Do you have care for babies, toddlers or school-age children?
Call (727) 785-8591 to ask which age groups and schedules have space this year. Program pages on this site cover preschool and VPK.
Is preschool the same as VPK?
No. VPK is Florida's free program for children who are 4 by September 1. Preschool is the class or classes before that year. See all programs.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Expectations can differ from one class to another. Ask the office what applies to your child's class, and ask the teachers on your tour how the classroom handles toileting and accidents.
Wondering about readiness more generally? Read Is my two-year-old too young for preschool?
VPK
Is VPK really free?
VPK instructional hours are free for eligible children, regardless of family income: 540 hours in the school-year program, or 300 in the summer program.
VPK covers instruction only, not a full working day. Ask the office whether care before or after VPK hours is available and what it costs. See VPK hours and full-day care.
How do I sign up for VPK?
There are two steps. First, apply for your child's certificate of eligibility through Florida's Family Portal; the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County processes applications in the order submitted; normal processing can take up to 10 business days.
Second, register with the school. The certificate alone doesn't reserve a place, so call (727) 785-8591 about space. The VPK enrollment checklist walks through both.
What's the difference between VPK and pre-K?
VPK is Florida's state-funded program for four-year-olds. "Pre-K" is a general name for the year before kindergarten, which may or may not include VPK hours.
More in VPK vs. pre-K in Florida.
My child has a summer birthday. Should we wait?
If your child was born between February 2 and September 1, Florida lets you choose to start VPK at 4 or wait until 5.
It's a family decision. Teachers can talk it through with you on a tour.
Who do I call about my VPK certificate?
Certificate questions go to the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County. Questions about enrolling at New Horizons go to the office at (727) 785-8591.
Hours, costs and enrollment
What are the school's hours?
Call the office at (727) 785-8591 for current school hours and this year's VPK session times. Ask about both the school day and the VPK session times.
Is full-day care available?
Ask the office about current schedules and whether care before or after VPK hours is offered. VPK itself covers instruction only, so any extra care is a separate cost.
How much does preschool cost?
Tuition depends on your child's class and schedule, so the office gives quotes directly. Ask about the rate for your days and hours, any registration fee, and what's included.
See how costs work for a list of questions to ask.
How do I enroll?
Start with a tour or a call. The office will tell you which class fits and whether there's space, then walk you through registration. See the steps on Admissions.
Is there a waitlist?
If your child's class is full, ask the office how its waitlist works and how you'll hear when a place opens.
When can my child start?
It depends on space in your child's class. Call (727) 785-8591 to ask about current openings and possible start dates.
Daily life
How do meals and snacks work?
Ask the office how meals and snacks work for your child's class, including what's provided and what to pack.
If your child has a food allergy or a special diet, tell the office before the first day and ask how the school handles it.
What should my child bring?
The office will explain what to bring when you enroll. A labeled change of clothes is a common request at this age, but follow the school's list.
Is there a rest time?
Most preschool days include a quiet rest time. Ask how rest time works in your child's class and whether you should send anything from home.
How will I hear about my child's day?
Ask on your tour how teachers share updates in your child's room and the best way to reach the teacher or office with a question.
For questions worth asking any school, read teacher qualifications and progress updates.
How do drop-off and pick-up work?
Ask the office about arrival and pick-up times and procedures, and how to authorize another adult to pick up your child.
For easier goodbyes, read 6 tips for smoother drop-offs.
Visiting
How do I schedule a tour?
Pick a time on the Schedule A Tour page, or call (727) 785-8591.
Can I bring my child on the tour?
Yes. Seeing the room together can help you both picture the first day.
Do I need to tour before enrolling?
It's strongly recommended. A visit is the best way to see whether the school is right for your family, and it's when you meet the team.
Where is the school?
New Horizons Country Day School is at 2060 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. Get directions.
Still have a question? Ask it in person, or call (727) 785-8591.