When families begin exploring preschool options, many naturally hope for a morning schedule, and it’s true, our morning program at Coastal Day School tends to fill quickly. But our afternoon preschool program isn’t a backup plan or a lesser option. It’s a thoughtful, enriching experience and, for many families, an unexpectedly perfect fit. Our afternoon preschool offers the same high-quality program as our morning classes. Children learn from the same wonderful teachers, follow the same engaging curriculum, and explore the same themes and learning goals. The only difference is the time of day.
One of the biggest benefits of the afternoon program is availability. While morning spots can be limited, afternoon openings are often more accessible, making it a great entry point into our school family. Many families begin in the afternoon program and, as current students, have the opportunity to move into the morning program during re-enrollment the following year.
We also know that parents sometimes hesitate about an afternoon schedule because of nap time and we completely understand that concern. Transitions around sleep can feel challenging at first. What we’ve consistently seen, however, is that children adjust beautifully. Within a few weeks, students settle into the afternoon rhythm and feel comfortable, rested, and ready to learn. In fact, many families find that the afternoon schedule ends up working so well that they choose to re-enroll year after year, not because they can’t move to mornings, but because their child is thriving and the schedule fits their family’s life just right.
Afternoon students and their families are fully part of the Coastal Day School community. They participate in all school-wide events, celebrations, and traditions, building meaningful connections with classmates, teachers, and families across the school. While the morning program tends to be the more popular option, the afternoon program offers the same warmth, care, and sense of belonging. For many children, it’s not just a great alternative, it’s the perfect place to begin their CDS journey.
We invite new families to join us for our Open House on Thursday, February 19th from 6:00–7:00 pm. This is a relaxed opportunity to tour our school, meet our staff, ask questions, and get a feel for the community that makes Coastal Day School such a special place for young learners. Hope to see you then!
