Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most frequently asked questions from parents who want to know more 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 Infant & Toddlers, Preschoolers, 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 credential.

How old does my child need to be to enroll?

To be enrolled in Infant & 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 Infant & Toddler Program, we assist in 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 Kindergarten, 8:30 a.m. for Preschool 2, 8:45 a.m. for Preschool 1, and 9:00 a.m. for Infant & Toddlers, and ends at: 1:30 p.m. for Preschool 1, 1:45 p.m. for Preschool 2, 2:00 p.m. for Infant & Toddlers, and 2:15 p.m. for 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 students enrolled will attend five days per week.

Annual tuition is $10,791.04, paid in 12 monthly installments of $900.00.

For the 2023-24 school year we are offering part time: 

Three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays), annual tuition of $7,560.00 paid in 12 monthly installments of $630.

Two days a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays), annual tuition of $6,090.00 paid in 12 monthly installments of $508.00.

Do you offer daycare before and after school?

AM

7:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. = $150.00 per month (prepaid)

PM 

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: $100.00 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. In addition, our teachers have been fingerprinted and background checked 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 by 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 may expect to see many positive changes in your child: 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 those children who enter B.L.A. at age 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 a chance to ask any questions you may have. and you will be given an application, which must be completed and returned to us, along with a non-refundable $75 application fee. (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, so that we can get to know you 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?

Full time, five days a week tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is $10,791.04.  This may be paid in 12 monthly (July - June) payments. 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 (books and materials) and the first tuition installment must be paid by the due date given. These fees are non-refundable, and must be submitted with the completed enrollment package.  

Are there scholarships or sibling discounts available?

For students that attend full-time, there is a 10% sibling discount, 10% active military discount, and a 5% tuition discount when paying the full school year in advance. Only one discount may be used per family.

Do you accept subsidy programs?

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