Vestavia Hills City Schools

The Vestavia Hills City School is honored to have your interest in the preschool program. Below you will find information regarding our program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Coordinator of Special Education Katie McCarthy. 

Program Structure

The VHCS Preschool program serves both typically developing children (peer models) and those with disabilities. Each classroom is led by a certified classroom teacher and supported with paraeducators. Our classrooms are composed of 3-5 year olds. The preschool time is 8:00-12:30 daily, with drop-off and pick-up being provided by the family. Students enjoy a range of play-based and structured learning activities. For our students with IEPs receiving special education services, they receive their services during their time at school. Each classroom has a make-up of 50% typical mentor peers and 50% students with IEPs receiving special education services. Student placement into the program goes through a structured selection process. 

Application Process

The application process is now closed for model peers. If you are interested in your child being notified when the 2026-2027 application process opens, please complete the waitlist form linked below. We have ongoing enrollment for students who receive special education services. 

Screening Process (Peers Models Only)

Typically developing children (peer models) who will be considered for Peer Model placement into the program will go through a screening process with the preschool teachers. The screening involves your child rotating between a few activities with peers. It allows the school team to see the student's strengths in play-based learning and peer interactions. There is a $100.00 non-refundable screening deposit. Your child will be assigned a screening day after your application deposit has been received. You will need to stay on campus while the screening process is taking place. There will be an informational session during the time your child is being screened. We will try to honor your first requested date but appreciate your understanding if that is not possible. Screening will take place at the end of January 2026. 

Placement Notification

At the end of the screening sessions, the school team will follow a structured process to determine placement invitations for model peers. You will receive formal notification of the decision regarding your child's placement in the program via an email from the district office. If your child is accepted into the program, you will be asked to enroll your child with the school district and pay a $150.00 commitment fee. The commitment fee will be credited to your first month's tuition. 

It is important to know that no preschool family is guaranteed the campus of their choosing. We will make every effort to honor requests for specific campus placements but it will be determined by the best environmental placement based on the classroom dynamics at each campus.