FAQ

Q.    What age student does Pembroke Hill serve?

A.    Pembroke Hill enrolls students age 2 years through 12th grade.  Students must be 2-years-old by July 1 to enroll in our early years class; 3-years-old by July 1 to be admitted to our preschool program; and 4-years-old to enter prekindergarten.  All three programs are half-day.

Q.    What are the school hours? 

A.    The school day begins at 8 a.m. for all Pembroke Hill students.  Students in the early childhood school (early years, preschool and prekindergarten) are dismissed at 11:30 a.m.  These students may stay for the afternoon programs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for an additional fee.  Lower and middle school students are dismissed at 3:10 p.m.  Students in the early childhood, lower, and middle schools may stay for an extended day program until 6 p.m.  There is a charge for extended day. Upper school students are dismissed at 3:05 p.m.  All students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m.  

Q.    May I enroll my early childhood student in a two- or three-day program?

A.    No, the Pembroke Hill early childhood program is a five-day program.

Q.    Do families need to live in a particular area of the city to attend Pembroke Hill?

A.    No, Pembroke Hill is not a public school, therefore our families live in all areas of the city.

Q.    Does Pembroke Hill provide transportation?

A.    Pembroke Hill does not provide transportation, however, we are happy to provide enrolled families with a list of other Pembroke Hill families who live in your zip code so that you may arrange carpools.  Both campuses are on public bus routes.

Q.    Is there a multiple-child discount at Pembroke Hill?

A.    No, however, the school does offer a need-based financial aid program.

Q.    How many students are enrolled at Pembroke Hill?

A.    In 2009-10, Pembroke Hill enrolled 1,165 students.  There were 132 students in our early childhood school (early years, preschool and prekindergarten), 380 in lower school (kindergarten – grade 5); 244 in the middle school (grades 6, 7 and 8) and 409 in the upper school (grades 9 – 12).

Q.    How many students are in each classroom?

A.    In our early childhood school, there are 14 children in each early years class; 16 in each preschool class; and 18 in each prekindergarten class.  In lower school, classrooms have no more than 22 students in a class.  There are two adults in each classroom – a lead teacher and a faculty assistant.

                           In the middle and upper schools, the average class size is 15.

Q.    Does Pembroke Hill have a religious affiliation?

A.    No, Pembroke Hill does not have an affiliation with any religious organization.

Q.    Is Pembroke Hill a single-sexed school?

A.    No, Pembroke Hill is a co-educational school.  We strive to maintain a gender balance in all our grades.

Q.    Do Pembroke Hill students wear uniforms?

A.    Students do not wear uniforms, however there are dress codes in each division.

Q.    How many of your students go on to college?

A.    All of our students attend four-year colleges or universities.  Our college counseling begins for our students in the junior year.

Q.    Does Pembroke Hill offer summer programs?

A.    Yes, Pembroke Hill offers an exciting summer program for children from ages 2 years through upper school.  Parents may enroll their children for a week at a time or for the full summer, depending on their family’s needs.  Enrolling children in a summer program at Pembroke Hill is a wonderful way for prospective students to get a glimpse of what our school is like.  Summer programs also provide a great transition for students who will be attending Pembroke Hill for the first time in the fall.

Q.    How can I learn more about Pembroke Hill?

A.    There is a great deal of information about the Pembroke Hill School on this website, and it is updated often.  You may complete a form to request information be sent to you.  Of course the best way to get to know us is to visit.  We recommend that you attend one of our admissions open houses scheduled throughout the year.  If, after reviewing the website and attending an open house, you still have questions, please contact our admissions office and speak with one of our friendly staff members who will schedule a tour and a visit for you, Carolyn Sullivan or 816-936-1230.

Q.    I live out of town.  How do I complete the admissions process?

A.    We have many families from throughout the country and from many countries throughout the world who move to Kansas City and enroll their children in Pembroke Hill.  Please call the admissions office, 816-936-1230, to begin the process.

Q.    If I have a child already attending Pembroke Hill, why do I need to attend the admissions open house?

A.    We feel it is important for all prospective parents and students to attend our admissions open houses even if you already have a child attending our school.  We are always seeking ways to improve our programs and these open houses give you and your child the latest information about the division. 

Q.    When do I need to make application for enrollment in Pembroke Hill?

A.    We accept applications for 2010-11 beginning Sept. 1, 2009.

Q.    How much is tuition?

A.    The tuition varies depending on the grade level.

Q.    When do I pay tuition?

A.    Pembroke Hill has several payment plans for tuition and fees.  When your child is admitted to Pembroke Hill, you will pay an enrollment fee (10 percent of tuition) that is applied as a credit toward tuition.  Then you choose one of the payment plans: pay 100 percent of tuition on Aug. 1; pay 70 percent on Aug. 1 and the remaining 30 percent on Dec. 1; or participate in a 12-month payment plan from May to April.  (There is a $100 per student fee, but no interest charged for the monthly payment plan.)

Q.    Does Pembroke Hill offer any scholarships in the area of the arts, athletics or extracurricular interests?

A.    Pembroke Hill does not offer any scholarships based on a student’s abilities in the arts, athletics or other extracurricular activities.

Q.    Is financial assistance available?

A.    Yes.  Pembroke Hill has a need-based financial aid program that offers $1.7 million in financial assistance to families each year.  We believe that no family should be discouraged from applying due to financial factors, however, we also believe that parents have the obligation to finance their child’s education to the maximum extent that they are able.  Therefore, financial aid awards do not cover the costs for lunch, dues or books and supplies fees.

Q.    How do I know if I qualify for financial aid?

A.    Every situation is different.  Therefore, we encourage families to apply for financial aid if they feel they may qualify.  Families complete a financial aid application and submit it to School and Student Services (SSS) .  For more information about financial aid, contact Carolyn Sullivan, assistant head of school – admissions and financial aid, or 816-936-1230.

Q.    If I apply for financial aid, will it affect my child’s chances of being admitted to Pembroke Hill?

A.    No.  The admissions process is need-blind.  Once a child has been accepted, then financial assistance matters are addressed.