Choosing a preschool is an important decision, and naturally, parents have questions! Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often about Hogarth Country Day School, our programs, and the enrollment process.
What makes Hogarth different from other preschools?
Hogarth is a small, independent early childhood education program established in 1980. Our original, proprietary curriculum has been developed and refined through decades of classroom experience by co-founder, teacher, and published children’s author Andrea Murphy.
Our approach combines developmentally appropriate academic instruction, meaningful play, music, creativity, and opportunities for children to develop independence and confidence. We believe learning begins with the heart and reaches the head.
Learn more about the Hogarth Philosophy.
Will my child have the same teachers from year to year?
One of Hogarth’s greatest strengths is the continuity and stability of our teaching staff.
Hogarth’s co-founder, owner, and teaching director, Andrea Murphy, has been teaching here since the school opened in 1980. Assistant teacher Claire Keating, whose own three children attended Hogarth, has been part of our teaching team for five years.
In many preschools, children have a different teacher each year as they progress through the program. At Hogarth, some children spend as many as three years with the same teachers, allowing deep bonds of trust, affection, and mutual understanding to develop.
This continuity provides children with a reassuring sense of security and belonging. It also allows teachers to develop an increasingly comprehensive understanding of each child’s personality, abilities, interests, and developmental needs. Rather than starting anew each September, we build upon the relationships and learning established in previous years.
Is Hogarth a preschool or a childcare program?
Hogarth is a preschool dedicated to early childhood education rather than full-time childcare. Our programs meet three days a week, making them attractive to families who want a meaningful school experience without the need for five-day childcare.
Families choose Hogarth for many reasons. Some parents work from home, some rely on grandparents or other family members for childcare, and others simply want their children to benefit from a thoughtfully designed preschool experience.
What ages do you accept?
Age eligibility is determined as of September 30 of the school year for which a child is enrolling.
Our Prekindergarten (PK) program primarily serves children ages 3 and 4, while Early Kindergarten (EK) generally serves children ages 4 and 5.
However, chronological age is not always the best indicator of developmental readiness. Children as young as 3½ may be considered for EK or Early Kindergarten Plus (EK+) with instructor permission when their maturity, independence, and readiness indicate that the older class would be an appropriate placement.
Children who are at least 2½ years old by September 30 may also enroll in PK with instructor permission. We accept only a limited number of these very young students, who must be potty trained and developmentally ready for a preschool experience.
These placement decisions are made individually. Not every younger child is ready for a more advanced classroom experience, but age alone should not prevent a child from participating in a program that appropriately meets their developmental needs.
Read more about our programs and eligibility requirements.
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend Hogarth?
Yes. Children entering Hogarth must be potty trained and able to manage their toileting needs with age-appropriate independence.
We recognize that children develop these skills at different rates and that occasional accidents are a normal part of early childhood. Complete independence with every aspect of toileting hygiene is not expected. Teachers can provide assistance when needed, always respecting the child’s comfort, privacy, and dignity.
If your child is still working toward this milestone, we encourage you to discuss any concerns with us before enrollment.
Read more about Hogarth’s potty-training expectations and helpful guidance for parents.
What’s the difference between PK, EK, and EK+?
Prekindergarten (PK) introduces younger children to the school experience through developmentally appropriate activities, play, social interaction, and gradually increasing classroom structure.
Early Kindergarten (EK) provides a more structured learning experience for children who are ready for additional academic and classroom challenges.
Early Kindergarten Plus (EK+) combines both classes into a longer school day, including a lunch period. Enrollment depends on a child’s readiness for the additional time and classroom expectations.
See program descriptions, schedules, and tuition.
Will my child be appropriately challenged regardless of which class they attend?
Absolutely! While PK and EK have different general curricula and levels of classroom structure, individualized instruction is an important component of every Hogarth program.
Children who are ready for more advanced work are offered additional challenges, while those who need extra time or practice with particular concepts receive the support they need to develop understanding and confidence.
This flexibility is especially important for families who choose a class based on scheduling needs rather than age alone. An older 4-year-old enrolled in PK, for example, can still receive academic instruction appropriate to that child’s abilities and readiness.
Our goal is not to fit every child into a predetermined academic level, but to meet children where they are developmentally and help them continue moving forward.
Does Hogarth offer make-up classes when children are absent?
Yes! One of Hogarth’s special benefits is the opportunity to make up classroom time missed because of illness at no additional charge.
We encourage parents to keep sick children home, and our make-up program helps families do that without necessarily losing valuable classroom time.
Depending on enrollment and scheduling, children may have opportunities to attend both EK and PK on a regular school day or participate in a specially scheduled Thursday morning make-up class.
Make-up opportunities generally begin in January and are subject to availability, staffing, scheduling, and licensing requirements. They are not guaranteed, and tuition is not refunded or credited for missed classes. Separate arrangements apply to EK+ students.
Learn more about our Make-up Classes for Sick Days.
Does my child have to live in Epping to attend Hogarth?
No. Hogarth is a private preschool in Epping, New Hampshire, and welcomes families from surrounding communities. Enrollment is not restricted to Epping residents.
When does registration open for the next school year?
Registration for the next academic year begins in January, with priority given to currently enrolled families, followed by families of former Hogarth students. Registration then opens to new families, subject to available space.
Because class sizes are limited to 14, we encourage interested families to contact us early to learn about the program and arrange a classroom visit.
Can I get on an enrollment list before registration opens?
Yes! Families interested in a future school year are welcome to contact Hogarth before registration begins. We can discuss the programs, anticipated availability, the enrollment process, and arrange a visit to observe a class in action.
Families interested in registering for a future school year before enrollment opens may place their child’s name on our Prospective Enrollments List.
There is no fee to be placed on this list, and doing so does not guarantee enrollment. Placement depends on available space and the registration priorities described above.
Can my child enroll after the school year has begun?
Yes! Hogarth offers enrollment throughout the academic year when space is available. Tuition is adjusted to reflect the remaining portion of the school year.
Can we visit Hogarth before deciding whether to enroll?
Absolutely! We encourage prospective families to observe a class in action before making an enrollment decision.
Visits are scheduled by appointment, and we ask that you bring your prospective Hogarth student with you. Plan to spend up to 45 minutes observing the classroom, meeting the teachers, and getting a firsthand look at the Hogarth experience.
How can I learn more about what actually happens in the classroom?
Prospective families who contact Hogarth can receive access to our password-protected Prospective Parent Page, where they’ll find links to the weekly Highlights, children’s Reports and Peeps, and other password-protected resources offering a closer look at life at Hogarth.
The Highlights are one of the best ways to understand our program. These weekly summaries document classroom activities, curriculum, children’s discoveries, and everyday school experiences.
The Reports and Peeps feature original writing dictated by the children themselves, offering a particularly revealing glimpse into how young children think, communicate, and make sense of their world.
How do I get started?
Simply contact Hogarth to tell us a little about your child, the school year you’re interested in, and which program you would like to explore. We’ll help you understand the available options and arrange a visit.
We look forward to meeting you!