​Q: Why choose Miss Cheyenne’s Pre-K Academy (MCPKA)?
A: Miss Cheyenne is a certified early childhood (Pre-K–3rd grade) and ESOL (Pre-K–12th grade) teacher with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education. She designed MCPKA specifically to meet and exceed the kindergarten and first-grade readiness standards outlined by HCPSS. Families choose MCPKA for its intimate classroom setting, low student-teacher ratio, and the high level of care, attention, and expertise that each child receives. Enrolling at MCPKA isn’t just joining a school—it’s joining a family.
👉 Read testimonials from current and past families here.

 

Q: What is your enrollment process?
A: You can find detailed information about our enrollment process here.

 

Q: How many classes do you have?
A: Students learn together in one intentionally designed mixed-age classroom. With a maximum of just 16 students and three dedicated teachers, we are able to provide individualized instruction while fostering meaningful friendships, peer mentoring, leadership, and collaboration across age groups. Every child is challenged at their own developmental level, allowing them to learn, grow, and thrive in a nurturing community.
Note: We do not enroll infants or toddlers.

 

Q: What happens during inclement weather?
A: MCPKA follows the Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) inclement weather decisions. If HCPSS is closed, delayed, or dismissing early due to weather, MCPKA will do the same.

• Families will be notified as early as possible.

• If severe weather is expected later in the day, we will close at 12:30 PM.

• On non-HCPSS school days, Miss Cheyenne will make a decision based on the weather forecast.

 

Q: How long is the school year?
A: We typically begin the school year on the same date as the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), and our last day of school is the final Friday in May. Please refer to our Academic Calendar for all school year dates, closures, conferences, and special events. We also offer a June Summer Session following the school year. Participation in the Summer Session requires separate registration and tuition and is not included in the regular school year program.

 

Q: What if I’m late for arrival or dismissal?
A: Timeliness is essential for a smooth school day. Late pickups are subject to an additional fee. If you anticipate being late, notify us as soon as possible and arrange for an emergency contact to pick up your child. Repeated tardiness may lead to removal from our program. Students will not be admitted before their scheduled arrival time.

 

Q: Can I pick up my child early?
A: Yes! Please inform Miss Cheyenne in advance to minimize classroom disruption. Early pickups are not permitted during quiet time.

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Q: What should my child bring to school each day?
A:

• A packed lunch (ready to eat – no heating, peeling, or cutting).

• A spill-safe water bottle.

• A seasonally appropriate change of clothes.

 

Q: Can I stay with my child on the first day?
A: We encourage children to begin building independence from day one, so we ask parents not to stay. However, we welcome families throughout the year for volunteer opportunities and school events.

 

Q: Do you provide lunch or snacks?
A:

• Lunch: Provided by parents; should be ready to eat.

• Snacks: Provided by MCPKA unless your child has specific allergies or dietary restrictions.
  Note: MCPKA is not a peanut-free school.

 

Q: Are there field trips or in-house events?
A: Yes! We offer at least two field trips or in-house enrichment experiences each school year. A parent or guardian is required to attend off-site field trips. If your child does not attend school that day, you're welcome to meet us at the field trip location.

 

Q: Do students participate in enrichment activities?
A: Yes! We offer special enrichment activities on most Fridays, all of which are included in tuition. Students who attend on Tuesdays also participate in our weekly Spanish class, which is included in tuition as well. Please refer to our Academic Calendar for scheduled enrichment activities and special events.

 

Q: How do you track academic progress?
A: Students are assessed informally each day and more formally at the end of each quarter to ensure they’re meeting goals and objectives.

 

Q: Do students receive report cards?
A: Yes. In addition to day-to-day communication and parent-teacher conferences, students receive a quarterly report card.

 

Q: Are teachers and staff CPR and First Aid certified?
A: Yes, all staff are certified in CPR and First Aid.

 

Q: Should I notify you if my child is absent?
A: Yes, please message Miss Cheyenne on Brightwheel before arrival time with the reason for the absence.

 

Q: Can you administer medication to my child?
A: Yes. Miss Cheyenne is certified in Medication Administration, and at least one Medication Administration-certified staff member is present each school day.

Per MSDE regulations:

• A Medical Authorization Form must be completed for any medication.

• Students must receive the first dose at home and remain home for 12 hours to monitor for side effects.

• Medications must be in their original containers.

• Medications taken once or twice daily should be administered at home.

 

Q: Do I have to pay tuition if my child is sick or on vacation?
A: Yes, tuition is due regardless of attendance. Please refer to the academic calendar when planning vacations.

 

Q: Can my child make up a missed day?
A: Unfortunately, we do not offer make-up days. Students may only attend on their scheduled school days.

 

Q: What if my child gets hurt during school hours?
A: Your child’s safety is our top priority. All accidents are documented and communicated to families through Brightwheel. For urgent situations, you will be contacted immediately.

 

Q: What if my child gets sick during the school day?
A: Sick children will be isolated and must be picked up immediately to prevent the spread of illness.

 

Q: Does my child need to be potty trained to attend?
A: Yes. Children must be fully potty trained, meaning they can independently recognize when they need to use the bathroom, undress/dress themselves, get on and off the toilet, and handle hygiene without assistance. Pull-ups are not permitted.

 

Q: Do you offer transportation?
A: No. MCPKA does not provide transportation. Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting their child to and from school, as well as to and from field trips. Exceptions may be made only in the event of a health or safety emergency.