Dickinson College Children's Center

28 Garland Ave Carlisle, PA 17013
www.dickinson.edu

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
  • Grades: Kindergarten
  • Enrollment: 12 students
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
Dickinson College Children's Center Photo #1 - Morning Meeting Time includes: word wall, daily schedule, calendar, days of school counting chart, and weather chart. Technology also offered throughout the day.
Dickinson College Children's Center Photo #2 - Science center, block center, dramatic play, and writing center
Dickinson College Children's Center Photo #3 - Quiet area for learning calming techniques, alone time, and D.E.A.R time.
Dickinson College Children's Center Photo #4 - Art center and lunch tables

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
  • Grades: Kindergarten
  • Enrollment: 12 students
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Rankings

Dickinson College Children's Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
IEP, S/L program
Year Founded
1989
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
12 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
1 teacher
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Please call the center office regarding specific rates for Full Day Kindergarten, or before/after care weekly rates.
Summer Program Cost
$190
Summer Program Cost Notes
Please call the center office for weekly rates
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Regina VanKirk
Admissions Associate
Cheri Truman
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
3 sports

School Notes

  • The Dickinson College Children's Center was established by the Dickinson College Board of Trustees to provide childcare for children of faculty, staff, and students. Alumni, employed grandparents and community families are also invited to enroll. Our curriculum enables children to explore and create in an atmosphere of warmth and enthusiasm. The children gain positive self-concepts as they find enjoyment and success in the developmentally appropriate activities. Our Kindergarten program is licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and our curriculum is guided by the Pennsylvania Kindergarten Standards. We offer monthly field trips to nearby locations as well as visiting a few of the on campus buildings such as the Planetarium, Tree House, Trout Gallery and Green House. Small group, large group and individual activities are provided throughout the day. Children are guided to develop indepenence, cooperation, respect, responsibility, confidence and a love of learning.
  • Our Kindergarten maintains a small class size 15:1
  • Full Day Kindergarten includes before and after school care (7:15-5:30)
  • Kindergarten Only Option (9am-3pm)
  • Social/Emotional Curriculum
  • Guest visitors and Service Learning Projects
  • Hands on Learning
  • STEM and Family Engagement Activities
  • Parent/Teacher daily interactions
  • Kindergarten curriculum:
    • Math; Everyday Mathematics
    • Writing: Handwriting without Tears
    • Reading: RAZPlus with Reading A-Z is delivered over the Internet and is a constantly changing program. Each month, Reading A-Z adds new books, lesson plans, and other resources, thus continually expanding its wealth of materials.
    • Social-Emotional-Teamology Project TEAM uses six foundations and relatable characters to provide a common language for staff and students.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Dickinson College Children's Center cost?
Dickinson College Children's Center's tuition is approximately $190 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Dickinson College Children's Center?
The acceptance rate of Dickinson College Children's Center is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
Does Dickinson College Children's Center offer a summer program?
Yes, Dickinson College Children's Center offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Dickinson College Children's Center offer?
Dickinson College Children's Center offers 3 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Dance and Indoor Soccer.
What is Dickinson College Children's Center's ranking?
Dickinson College Children's Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Dickinson College Children's Center?
The application deadline for Dickinson College Children's Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Cumberland County, PA is $8,525 for elementary schools and $8,880 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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