Question 1

What ages does Carpe Diem Private Preschool serve?

Accepted Answer

Our school welcomes children from six weeks old through kindergarten age, and our Cedar Park and Leander Campus also offers a private school kindergarten program for 5-to-6-year-olds. Each of our programs is built around the specific stage of development your child is in, so whether your little one is just learning to roll over or is ready for early reading, there is a thoughtful place for them in our community. You can explore the full range of Programs we offer here to find the right fit for your family, including infant care, toddler care, preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, and after-school options for older children.

Question 2

How do I schedule a visit and start the enrollment process?

Accepted Answer

We always recommend starting with an in-person visit because walking through our classrooms, meeting our staff, and seeing children fully engaged in real learning gives you a sense of our school that no website can capture. You can contact your nearest Campus to set up a time that works for your family, whether that is our Cedar Park and Leander location, our Frisco Campus, or our Richardson school. After your tour, our team will walk you through enrollment paperwork, health forms, and any other information needed to secure your child's place at our private preschool.

Question 3

Do you offer full-day child care services for working families?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer flexible full-day schedules built around the realities of busy working families, and we open our doors at 7:30am to make morning drop-offs easier. Our day is structured so that your child receives the same rich, intentional learning experience whether they are with us for the full day or part day. We know that finding child care services that match both your work schedule and your child's developmental needs can feel like a puzzle, and our staff is here to help you sort through what each campus offers so you can find the right balance for your family.

Question 4

What does tuition include, and how do families pay?

Accepted Answer

Tuition at our private school covers your child's curriculum, classroom materials, meals, and snacks prepared in our on-site kitchen, enrichment activities such as music and Spanish, and outdoor learning time. Specific pricing, registration fees, and payment information vary by Campus, so we encourage families to contact their preferred location directly for the most current details. Our team can walk you through what is included at each Campus, explain how to pay, and answer any questions about funding or available scholarship options.

Question 5

What information do families need to qualify for enrollment?

Accepted Answer

To enroll, we will need your child's birth certificate, an up-to-date immunization record, standard health forms, and emergency contact information. We also ask families to complete a getting-to-know-you form, so our staff can learn about your child's personality, routines, and any individual needs before their first day. As Jan Brooks, School Leader at our Richardson campus, shared, "We also ask that the parent complete a form to help us to know your child, because parents know them best." This little step makes a big difference in helping our teachers build a real relationship with your child from day one.

Question 6

What kind of curriculum does Carpe Diem Private Preschool use?

Accepted Answer

Our research-based curriculum is rooted in project-based, experiential learning, which means your child will build knowledge through hands-on exploration rather than worksheets and unimaginative memorization. We blend topics such as literacy, math, science, art, and social-emotional skills into each project. This means that your child will read books, build models, observe nature, and collaborate with friends, all in the same week. This approach reflects what research has shown about how young minds work best. According to the Learning Policy Institute, children who attend high-quality preschool programs are more prepared for school and show stronger gains in literacy and math than those who do not attend preschool.

Question 7

How does play-based learning give my child a head start before kindergarten?

Accepted Answer

Play is the most powerful way young children learn, and we believe in it deeply. As Jan Brooks, School Leader at our Richardson Campus, told us, "We use a play-based curriculum at our school, which gives every child the opportunity to learn through play. What child doesn't love to play?" Through play, your little one practices problem-solving, builds vocabulary, develops friendships, and gains the confidence to try new things, all of which give them a meaningful head start before kindergarten. The Harvard Graduate School of Education notes that play helps children build executive function skills such as memory, focus, self-control, and problem-solving, which together form the foundation for academic success.

Question 8

How do you bring STEM into early education?

Accepted Answer

Many preschools focus primarily on letters and numbers, but we take a different path by leading with STEM topics and naturally weaving language and literacy into them. A study of museums, for example, becomes a chance to explore paleontology, create exhibits, write captions, and present discoveries to friends and family. This interdisciplinary approach taps into your child's natural curiosity and turns it into deep, lasting learning. You can read more about why families choose our approach, which goes well beyond traditional early learning to spark real discovery.

Question 9

How do you support children who learn differently or need extra help?

Accepted Answer

Every child grows on their own timeline, and our teachers are trained to meet your child exactly where they are. With lower student-to-teacher ratios, our staff has the time and attention needed to notice how each child learns best. Myesha Butts, School Leader at Carpe Diem Private Preschool, shared, "Our educators build strong relationships with each child through intentional interactions, consistency, and a deep understanding of their individual needs, interests, and developmental stages." For families who need additional support, our Endeavor Academic Inclusive Team offers guidance and resources, and we partner closely with parents to make sure every child has what they need to thrive.

Question 10

What qualifications do your educators have?

Accepted Answer

Every classroom is led by a degreed teacher whenever possible, supported by experienced assistants with a strong background in early childhood education. Our staff complete 30 to 36 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) development each year, and they all maintain CPR and First Aid certification along with their Texas Food Handlers credentials. Endeavor Schools provides ongoing training in relational pedagogy, developmentally appropriate practices, and the creation of inspiring learning environments. Barb Sagehorn, School Leader at our Frisco Campus, told us, "We have several very experienced educators at Carpe Diem Frisco, administrators included. Endeavor continues to offer the latest and greatest in training so that we may all continue to learn and add new tools to our skill sets."

Question 11

What does a typical day look like for my child?

Accepted Answer

Our days are intentionally structured to give your child a healthy balance of focused learning, free play, outdoor time, meals, and rest. We open at 7:30am, and the educational part of the day usually begins around 8:30am Your little one will take part in center time, circle time, small group work, and project-based exploration that touches all areas of learning. Music is part of every morning for all ages, and Spanish is part of the afternoon for our 3-to-5-year-olds. Nap or quiet time follows lunch, and afternoons include more outdoor play, snack, and creative activities before pickup. Each campus has its own rhythm, but the intentional structure is the same, and your little one will be engaged, cared for, and celebrated for their full day.

Question 12

How much outdoor time will my child get each day?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor learning is one of the most important parts of our day, and we make sure every age group goes outside at least twice a day. Our Frisco Campus has three playgrounds designed for specific age groups, and all of our locations offer outdoor spaces where your little one can run, climb, garden, and explore nature throughout the day. The benefits are well documented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity helps children build strong muscles and bones, improves attention and memory, and supports stronger academic performance. We see this each day as children come back inside ready to dive into the next part of their learning.

Question 13

What do meals and snacks look like at our school?

Accepted Answer

All our Campuses have an on-site kitchen that prepares nutritious meals and snacks fresh each day. Your child will enjoy a morning snack between 9:00 and 9:30am, a hot lunch around midday, and an afternoon snack after nap time. We work to accommodate food allergies and dietary needs whenever possible, and we encourage families to share specific information about their child's eating during enrollment. Sharing meals is also a wonderful social activity, and our teachers use this time to model grace, conversation, and healthy habits at every age and stage.

Question 14

How do you handle nap time and rest for different ages?

Accepted Answer

Rest is essential for growing children, and our nap or quiet time follows lunch and lasts about two hours. Infants follow their own sleep schedules based on what works best for each baby, while toddlers and older children settle into a consistent group rest period. Children who do not sleep are given quiet activities like books, puzzles, or soft sensory play, so the whole classroom benefits from a calm, restorative break in the middle of the day before the afternoon's learning begins.

Question 15

What enrichment activities are part of the day?

Accepted Answer

Beyond core learning, your child will enjoy daily music and Spanish lessons taught by full-time specialists at our Richardson Campus, along with access to multipurpose spaces at our Frisco Campus, including a Tinker room, a children's library, music and Spanish rooms, and two dedicated activity rooms. Our Endeavor Essentials and Endeavor Plus enrichment programs offer additional opportunities for STEM exploration, creative discovery, and engaging activities that bring extra joy to the school day. For school-age children, our after-school program offers a safe, structured place to complete homework, participate in enrichment activities, and continue learning through purposeful play.

Question 16

What safety measures are in place to protect my child while they are at our school?

Accepted Answer

The safety of a child in our care is our highest priority, and we have invested in systems to back that up within our environment. At our Frisco campus, for example, we partnered with SEC, a security firm run by former Secret Service members, who assessed our facility and helped us implement their recommendations. This includes the Raptor system, which runs background checks on visitors, lockdown locks on classroom doors, and continuous monitoring throughout the building. Every Campus follows strict check-in procedures, and only approved adults can pick up your child at the end of the day.

Question 17

How do you handle illness and prevent the spread of germs in your child care programs?

Accepted Answer

We follow clear health guidelines and exclude children who show signs of contagious illness, which protects every family in our school community. When a contagious illness is reported, we post signs on classroom doors and email parents directly so families know what symptoms to watch for at home. A professional cleaning crew works through the school each night, and our teachers sanitize toys, supplies, and surfaces throughout the day to keep our child care environment as clean and healthy as possible for everyone in our care.

Question 18

What health and safety training do your staff complete?

Accepted Answer

All of our staff maintain current CPR and First Aid certification, and our teachers complete required training in health and safety, child development, and emergency procedures. At our Richardson location, we are working toward Texas Rising Star status by August 2026, which will hold our program to even higher quality standards. As Jan Brooks, School Leader at our Richardson Campus, shared, "One of the main things that we focus on is safety, which is our highest priority at our school. We want you to be totally comfortable leaving your children in our care."

Question 19

How do you keep your facilities safe and well-maintained?

Accepted Answer

Our facilities are inspected regularly and continuously monitored to make sure they meet the highest standards for early education and child care services. Classroom materials are placed at a child's level, equipment is checked for safety, and outdoor play areas are designed with each age group in mind. The daily cleaning routines combined with overnight deep cleaning help us keep every space welcoming and ready for the next day of learning, exploration, and connection.

Question 20

How will I stay connected to what is happening in my child's classroom?

Accepted Answer

We use the ProCare app to keep families connected throughout the day, and we invite parents to join the app at enrollment. Through ProCare, you will receive photos of your child during the day, updates on what they are learning, and, for infants and young toddlers, real-time information on bottles, food, and diaper changes. The app makes two-way communication with your teacher easy, so you can ask a quick question or share a note about your child's morning. Our office also sends out monthly newsletters, calendars, and reminders for upcoming events, so you always know what is coming up.

Question 21

How do you build relationships with parents and involve them in the journey?

Accepted Answer

At our private preschool, we see parents as true partners in their child's education, and that partnership shapes everything we do. Myesha Butts, School Leader at our Cedar Park campus, shared, "We view parents as true partners in their child's education. We prioritize open, consistent communication through daily updates, in-person connections, and shared insights into each child's learning and development." We also welcome parent volunteers for book fairs, classroom parties, special events like Trunk or Treat, and reading time in classrooms, because the more involved you can be, the richer the experience becomes for every child.

Question 22

Are there parent-teacher conferences and ways to check on my child's progress?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we hold parent-teacher conferences twice a year, and they are a wonderful chance to celebrate everything your child is learning. Our teachers keep development checklists and kindergarten readiness checklists for each student, and you can review those together during your conference. Of course, you never need to wait for a scheduled time to talk with your teacher. As Barb Sagehorn, School Leader at our Frisco Campus, told us, "Those conversations don't have to wait for a designated time. Parents are encouraged to complete a questionnaire, which highlights any concerns they might have."

Question 23

What kinds of community events bring families together?

Accepted Answer

Community is one of our favorite parts of Carpe Diem, and our calendar is full of moments that bring families together. Our Frisco Campus hosts a beloved Winter Holiday Event where families set up classrooms to represent their countries of origin, complete with food, clothing, and traditions. At the same time, children collect passport stamps from each country. Our Richardson Campus hosts holiday parties, family fun nights, Mommy and Me Paint Night, and has recently joined the local Christmas parade and community Easter egg hunt. These events are how our school grows from a place of learning into a true community for the families and people who walk through our doors.

Question 24

How do families connect with one another through the school?

Accepted Answer

We hear from past families all the time about friendships that started here and lasted long after graduation. As Barb Sagehorn, School Leader at our Frisco Campus, shared, "We have many past parents that have become lifelong friends with other families they met here, which always warms my heart to see." Whether it is through classroom parties, parent education sessions, casual conversations at drop-off, or shared volunteer time, our school is a place where adults meet other adults who are walking a similar path. The community you find here is one of the real gifts of choosing Carpe Diem for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Carpe Diem Private Preschool

Admissions & Enrollment

Curriculum

Daily Routines & Children's Experiences

Health & Safety

Communication & Community

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