elcome The Pegasus School is dedicated to academic excellence and to the development of lifelong learners who are confident, caring, and courageous.
Welcome to The Pegasus School! Over the past thirty years, I have had the good fortune to visit many outstanding independent schools across the nation. The Pegasus School stands apart as a school created and developed for the education of bright and gifted students. Our school is a happy place and a demanding place. We are a community driven by outstanding teachers who inspire their students to soar in confidence and in achievement. Our teachers are committed to strong academic foundations, but also to essential character development in which students learn that success is not defined by material well being, but by learning and embracing traits of human character like persistence, positive attitude, generosity, responsibility, and courage. At Pegasus, we teach our students to lead lives of character and passion. The Pegasus School is a family school in which parents, siblings, and extended family members discover roles to play that enhance our students’ sense of belonging and participation. Our school is a community of dynamic innovation in which teachers remain inspired by Laura Hathaway’s founding vision of a community that embraces change and innovation to fully prepare our children to seize the challenges of the future. I invite you to visit The Pegasus School and to see our teachers inspire the next generation of leadership.
John H. Zurn Head of School
The Pegasus School...Where Bright Minds Soar FACULTY AND STAFF At the heart of Pegasus is the passion faculty have for collaborating, teaching, and their own continuous quest to learn. They enjoy working with engaged students, challenging them academically and encouraging them to soar. Faculty bring their own excitement about learning into the classroom as they embrace the individual needs of students, emphasizing an interactive approach to all scholarship experiences. Critical to students’ future success is a process-oriented approach to learning that is a focus from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Faculty are selected based on their educational qualifications and their previous experience, as well as their creativity, enthusiasm for, and expertise in working with bright and motivated learners. The Pegasus School serves 565 students in three divisions: Primary School Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade Lower School
3rd grade through 5th grade
Middle School 6th grade through 8th grade
Stories... Sharing our
The Pegasus School was founded upon the clearly articulated vision of its founder, Dr. Laura Hathaway: to serve the academic and emotional needs of gifted children in Orange County. Out of this vision our gifted educational program emerges, designed to ignite the passion of students in a safe and nurturing environment. Through the years, the school expanded to include those students who were not quantifiably gifted but who possessed advanced academic abilities, exceptional curiosity and the synergistic mix of traits that engenders leaders. Everyone contributed the gift of uniqueness. Everyone benefited from the gifted curriculum. This is Pegasus, today. Through challenging academics and a welcoming, diverse community, students are inspired to think critically and creatively. Children feel free to learn. They learn inside the classroom and on the playing field. They learn through shared experiences and anticipated enrichment traditions. Most importantly, in the process of learning they develop confidence and consciousness, a commitment to others, exceptional communication skills and the strength of character that accompanies personal responsibility.
Peek into this world of discovery through the words of students themselves.
P
ortrait of a Graduate The ultimate illustration of The Pegasus School education is its outcome. Every Pegasus graduate is: Academically Confident
A Responsible Citizen
Well Balanced
Environmentally Conscious
Creative and Innovative
Technologically Adept
A Critical Thinker
Economically Astute
An Exceptional Communicator
Versed in the Arts
A Collaborative Leader
Globally Aware
Ask Pegasus graduates what rests most firmly in their memory of Pegasus, and they will undoubtedly mention any number of the novel programs that characterize each grade level and excite the students. These curriculum-supporting projects and shared experiences are opportunities for students to delve deeper into topics, use multiple disciplines to explore a subject, develop public-speaking skills, and work as part of a team. The extracurricular opportunities at Pegasus are specifically designed to nourish student interest and take students even further. Through these, and the academic curriculum itself, the Pegasus graduate emerges.
Depicting such an educational tapestry is complex and is best illustrated by the students themselves. Here are a few of their stories...
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cademically Confident At Pegasus, the eagerness to learn is palpable. Learning in an environment of imagination and discovery is an everyday event for even our youngest students. The primary and lower schools are dedicated to the task of creating in each child a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. With interest grows confidence. By middle school, a rigorous academic curriculum is supported by an experienced faculty who facilitate for each student a process of exploration and inquiry that cultivates selfawareness, self-worth, and confidence. WORLD MATHS DAY Our middle school students voluntarily participated in World Maths Day along with 212 countries, nearly 23,000 schools and 1.3 million students worldwide. Pegasus students achieved 106,713 correct answers during the 48-hour competition, with one placing fifth in the United States.
On my graduation day, I was surprised and happy to find out that I ranked fifth place in the United States for World Maths Day, a math competition program where students all over the world compete to see who can solve the most problems accurately within two days. The challenge and friendly competition I experienced by participating in the event had been quite enjoyable. I strongly believe that the innovative math education I received at The Pegasus School enabled me to confidently approach each World Maths Day problem with swiftness and acuracy. After nine years of Pegasus education, I feel well prepared for all academic and personal challenges that lie ahead of me.
~ Tracy, Alumna
W
ell Balanced The academic curriculum at Pegasus is enhanced by specialists in a variety of disciplines, from science and technology to our inspiring and inviting library. An inclusive and competitive athletics program, exposure to the arts on multiple levels, and our environmental program combine to provide an educational
environment that nurtures the whole child.
I think that Astro Camp had a big impact on everyone. We were all together for five days. It allowed us to push our limits. We got to know our classmates better — and ourselves.
~ 6th Grade Student
I think that by being encouraged to work hard and play hard, I have gained so much at Pegasus. The opportunities I have had to be who I am, to learn about more than just math and language arts, to perform on stage, to be part of a great sports team, to produce my own video, to the outdoor education trips, and to absolutely love school have given me a great start. I will really miss being here next year. ~ 8th Grade Student
I definitely remember Kindergarten ice castles! It was cool freezing the shapes at home with glitter and dye and bringing them to school. Everybody’s were so different. We worked in teams to build our castles, and you had to be careful but go fast too. It was so messy, and fun! ~ Kindergarten Student
Building ice castles was super fun! I learned that if you put salt on ice, it stays frozen longer when it’s outside. It made me want to do other experiments!
~ Kindergarten Student
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reative & Innovative Pegasus students are given opportunities to innovate, create, and go beyond the ordinary daily. Curious minds require great leadership by caring and experienced faculty who challenge students to look deeper and more thoughtfully into their intellectual pursuits. Innovation in teaching, fueled by true collaboration, is a founding principle at Pegasus. PIONEER DAY Sewing, weaving, cooking, planting, washing, handcrafting, candle dipping, writing with quill pens... In November history comes alive when first graders delve into the lives of early settlers and natives, connecting their own lives to the past. They recognize the environment’s impact on the survival and lifestyle of populations then and now. One of the highlights of first grade is Pioneer Day in which small groups across the grade level rotate to nine activity centers, as they are immersed in a historical perspective.
My favorite day in first grade was Pioneer Day and getting to do a lot of things that the Pioneers did in fun versions, like candle making, writing with a quill pen, and smashing herbs. Life was harder back then because they had to work all day and did not have any electricity.
~ 1st Grade Student
C
ritical Thinkers Our founder’s vision was that critical thinkers, conceptual thinkers, and those who solve problems will guide the future. That vision remains embedded in the Pegasus curriculum.
Last year in fifth grade, we loved to play handball. There were a couple of kids who wouldn’t follow the rules that we had set at the beginning of the year and lunch breaks ended up with kids arguing. We happened to be studying the Constitution. So I got a group of kids to help write our own “Handball Constitution,” with everybody ultimately having a say. There were some disagreements, but everybody signed off on it in the end. And handball was back.
~ 5th Grade Student
IDITAROD Hike! First graders are off and running through the Alaskan wilderness on the infamous Iditarod Trail. In this two week long dogsled adventure, students recognize and appreciate the interdependence needed to become a cooperative working team. In this cross-curricular unit, they gain a historical perspective of dog sledding that leads to understanding the how’s and why’s of the newest technologies that enhance the racing experience today.
The Iditarod was one of the coolest things because you get to follow your musher. We made a jersey, charted the mushers progress, we learned all the terms they use and went outside and pretended to be a musher and nine dogs. My musher came in second!
~ 1st Grade Student
E xceptional Communicators
Being able to speak in front of an audience of both peers and adults, to clearly articulate a point of view and participate in a lively debate, are essential life skills in advanced learning. The confidence gained in class presentations and exchange of ideas is visible in every Pegasus graduate.
I really worked hard for my final chit chat. I had researched my animal, the Black Caiman well, and I was happy with my speech. I practiced so much and felt so confident that I asked Ms. O if I could be the first to present. I was really pleased with the way it turned out. The parents laughed at all the right parts – I think if something is funny, it is more memorable. Third grade chit chats helped me realize that I can speak comfortably in public, and that to be good at something I need to put in a lot of practice. ~ 3rd Grade Student
The Heritage Day project was the best thing about second grade. We learned about our ancestors and the country where they came from, through research. We used computers to learn about native dress and painted it in art. My country was New Zealand because my dad’s mom is from there. On the actual day, I dressed like a Kiwi, I set up my table with New Zealand paintings, plants and books, and we played trivia games with the parents to see how much they knew about countries. The best part by far was giving my presentation three times in front of different parents and classmates. I wish we could have Heritage Day all year long!
~ 2nd Grade Student
C
ollaborative Leaders Head of School John Zurn defines leadership, at its simplest, as the expression of one’s personal talents and gifts. But, in this globally competitive world, the definition of inspired leadership is expanded to include people who understand the realities of global communication, environmental stewardship, collaboration and communication, technological innovation and artistic expression. Leadership skills are ones actively woven into a Pegasus education. FIRST GRADE HOMEWORK PROGRAM
First graders begin to take on a leadership role as a liaison between home and school experiences. Weekly homework projects provide opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning by sharing with their families what they’ve explored in class, completing assignments (with a bit of family involvement), and then presenting their own work to classmates. Students begin to recognize their own contributions in bringing people together within a greater community. ~ First Grade Teacher
At Pegasus, students have many chances to practice collaborative leadership. For me, some of these opportunities came from participating in sports, student council, and debate. I believe any student at Pegasus has opportunities to practice leadership when they are assigned to group projects in class. These groups created many chances for me to enhance my leadership and teamwork skills throughout my years at Pegasus. For example, since I was the student body president for student council, I had to make sure we stayed on task while listening to everybody’s ideas. As a captain of the soccer team, I would give encouragement and tips to other players on the team. I think that the teachers and coaches at Pegasus have fostered these collaborative leadership skills. ~ 8th Grade Student
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esponsible Citizens Research shows that development of character correlates more highly with success than reading levels, affluence, grades and IQ. At Pegasus “Traits for Success” are a core component of our curriculum. Organization
Generosity
Flexibility
Attentiveness
Persistence
Reflectivity
Courage
Positive attitude
Responsibility
“PROPER PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE”
“This mantra is the cornerstone of organizational skills learned in third grade and carried throughout lives of Pegasus students and alumni. The critical success trait of organization means that both in third grade and in the future, students, with their increasingly busy lives know how to get the job done effectively and efficiently.” ~ 3rd Grade Teacher
All of my teachers at Pegasus cared about who we are and who we would become. Now, if I ever question what the right thing to do is, I think of what Coach Tyler would tell me. Character is how you act when no one is watching. We learned so much about character. One time, I was the last person to finish the mile run. I had fallen far behind everyone else, but on the final lap my whole class joined me and ran with me, encouraging me over the finish line. I will never forget it. ~ Alumna
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nvironmentally Conscious Pegasus students fully understand the consequences that individual and collective global actions have on the planet, and they have opportunities to produce collaborative research-based projects that improve local and global environments. Students develop a sense of the planet through projects promoting global sustainability, beginning in pre-kindergarten and continuing through their middle school years. 6TH GRADE COOL GLOBE PROJECT
The sixth grade cool globes project educates students about environmental problems that are taking place around the world. My group created a 3-dimensional globe of Africa showing the results of harmful rhinoceros poaching. It was a hands-on approach that enabled us to think about environmental issues in a different way. ~ 6th Grade Student
In Pre-K, we learned a lot about the environment and Mother Earth. We need to take care of our environment by picking up trash on the beach and all around us, so it does not go into the ocean and the rivers. We need to recycle: that means to use something, then recycle it and then reuse it. My teacher loves nature, and she taught me to be a good nature girl. ~ Pre-Kindergarten Student
SEE THE NEED, AFFECT A CHANGE In 2011 a team of middle school students, after many hours of community service devoted to cleaning our local beaches, researched and organized how to best approach the Huntington Beach City Council to encourage them to ban Styrofoam. The students received commendations from the mayor and at the next council meeting each council member resolved to use reusable water containers at their meetings and continue the discussion about banning Styrofoam in our city.
I believe the faculty helped me grow and become comfortable outside of my shell whether it was starting the Green Team or making it all the way to the City Council I learned that you have to be conscious about your trash because it could kill the animals in the ocean and on land.
or even being on a sports team. Pegasus is
So you need to pick up your trash, and if it’s flying away you
really a family that encourages you all the
should try your best to catch it.
way through life. ~ 8th Grade Student
~ 1st Grade Student
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echnologically Adept Our expanding world requires skill and an in-depth understanding of how to responsibly and accurately manipulate electronic data and design. By introducing technology and typing-skills at a young age, we build competencies that allow students to freely integrate technology into their studies as they grow academically. Older students can participate in our new robotics and “Pegasus Live!” programs. MOODLE
“Our use of technology in fourth grade has taught me many different things. One way we use technology is for Moodle. Moodle is an online program that helps students learn more about a topic, book or lesson. When we post entries on Moodle, our classmates can respond to us, tell us whether they agree or disagree with us, and we can share ideas. Using Moodle helped me to learn in a new way, because other students were able to help me think about things differently...The use of technology in fourth grade really helped me understand and build on what we learned this year.”
ROBOTICS PROGRAM
~ 4th Grader EIGHTH GRADE SCIENCE FICTION/MOVIEMAKING PROJECT
“Our assignment was to write a science fiction movie script in a collaboration between technology and science class. Once we finished the script, we made a movie poster and pitched it to our teachers. Depending on how well you pitched your story and screenplay, and how suitable it would be to film, your screenplay could be chosen to be filmed with a group of three or four students. As an aspiring screenwriter, imagine my delight when my screenplay on the iPhone taking over people’s minds was chosen! Not only that, it was my job to direct it as well. As it turned out, making a movie, albeit quite a short one, wasn’t as easy as I expected. I often grew frustrated. From this project, I learned that being in a group takes much patience, but that the other members simply see things differently and help to mold your vision into something you had never thought of before. I am thankful my teachers at Pegasus gave me a chance to bring my writing and fantasy to life while also showing me that not everything will come out the way I expect it to, which is fine. In the end, the short film came out better than I could have ever imagined.” ~ 8th Grader
I learned new techniques that I wouldn’t have ever tried before, and I was around other people doing the same thing so I heard their opinions and made things I wouldn’t have ever thought of making.
~ 7th Grade Student
E
conomically Astute The application of academic learning to the real world is most clearly at play in the entrepreneurial activities of the lower school. Third graders operate their own banks, balance checkbooks and conduct market research in order to open and operate a business by year-end. Understanding supply and demand and fiscal responsibility, as well as the marketing techniques at play in our media outlets, all contribute to the critical thinking skills that lead to success. This continues in fifth grade when students participate in the stock market game. FIFTH GRADE STOCK MARKET GAME
I really liked the stock market project this year. It taught us many things, including how to buy and sell stocks. I had a special chance to interview the CEO of one of the companies I bought shares in. He encouraged me to think about starting my own future portfolio. Everyone should look forward to this project. ~ 5th Grade Student
V
ersed in the Arts The arts — visual, technology-based or performance — provide a conduit to help students identify passions and express creativity. Pegasus presents a variety of artistic environments in which students can explore, from scheduled studio art to the professional performances of the after-school theater group to a coveted third grade Shakespeare Club. In any venue, students learn that sharing their creative talents is rewarding and exhilarating.
When our art teacher told us our ceramics project was to make a meal for a famous person, and explained it could be someone from history, my mind swam with ideas. I came up with ideas for meals for Rachel Carson, Albert Einstein, and Marie Antoinette. I ended up choosing Marie Antoinette because her life story was so beautifully tragic; I thought it would be a fun challenge to try to show that in a meal. The food items I ended up choosing were: guillotine crackers, french toast, “let them eat cake,” and royal wine. From that experience, I learned that, under pressure, one works faster, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and people will always surprise you.” ~ 7th Grade Student
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lobally Aware The technology-fueled interconnectedness of our world has effects on culture, political systems, economic development and prosperity, as well as our own well-being. Future leaders must not only be well educated and big-picture thinkers, but also globally engaged. The first step toward that end is becoming more knowledgeable about communities and cultures at home and around the world. The respect for personal differences and diversity is alive and celebrated at Pegasus. 1ST GRADE SMILES AROUND THE WORLD (How other cultures celebrate losing a tooth)
“I learned about Mexico’s tradition. In Mexico there is a mouse named El Ranchito. The kids put their tooth under a pillow, and El Ranchito takes it and leaves a coin. I love to learn about other country’s traditions because they are different. I also like that for Star of the Week, some of my friends brought foods from other countries. It’s fun because some of the foods are really good and some of them are not!” ~ 1st Grade Student
20/20 PROJECT
The 20/20 project helped kids in other countries learn how we live. In fourth grade Spanish, I was part of the team that created a video for a school in Colombia. I liked the idea that we got to teach the kids in Colombia what we do here at Pegasus, and then maybe they can teach us about what they do there. It is neat to find similarities in our lives. ~ 4th Grade Student
M
atriculation of Alumni HIGH SCHOOLS
Belmont Hill Blair Academy Bretheren Christian The Cate School Chadwick School Cornelia Connelly High School Corona del Mar High School Concord Academy Crescent School Deerfield Academy Edison High School El Toro High School Fountain Valley High School Foxcroft Academy Foothill High School Harvard-Westlake School Hawaii Preparatory Academy Hotchkiss Huntington Beach High School International School of France JSerra Catholic High School Laguna Beach High School Long Beach Poly Los Alamitos High School Marina High School Mater Dei High School Millikan High School Newport Harbor High School Northfield Mount Hermon Northwood High School Ocean View High School Orange County High School of the Performing Arts Phillips Andover Academy Phillips Exeter Riverside International School Sage Hill School Saint Andrews School Saint Margaret’s Episcopal School Santa Catalina School Saint Paul’s School
Servite High School Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Tarbut V’Torah The Delphian School The Marlborough School The Thacher School The Webb Schools Tabor Academy Troy High School University High School Webb School Wilson High School
COLLEGES
American University Arizona State University Amherst College Barnard College of Columbia University Bates Baylor University Bentley College Boston College Brown Boston University Bowdoin Cal State University Fullerton Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Cal State Monterey Bay Cal State Long Beach Carnegie Mellon University Carlton College Chapman University Claremont McKenna College of Charleston Columbia University Dartmouth College DePaul University Drexel University Duke University Eckerd College Fordham University Emerson College
Emory University Georgetown University George Washington University Goldenwest College Hamilton College Harvard Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Indiana University Irvine Valley College Lewis and Clark College Loyola Marymount University Lynchburg College Manhattanville College Marymount Manhattan College McGill University Middlebury College Mount Holyoke College New York University Northwestern Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio State University Orange Coast College Oregon State University Pepperdine University Pitzer Point Loma College Nazarene University Pomona Princeton University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University San Francisco State Santa Barbara City College Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence Scripps College Stanford University Southern Methodist University Suffolk University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Temple University Texas Christian University The School of Art Institute of Chicago
Trinity College Tufts University Tulane University United States Naval Academy University of Arizona University of California Berkeley Davis Irvine Los Angeles Riverside Santa Barbara San Diego San Francisco Santa Cruz University of Colorado, Boulder University of Denver University of Kansas University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of the Pacific University of Pennsylvania University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of Salford University of San Diego University of Southern California University of St. Andrews University of Texas at Dallas University of Virginia University of Wisconsin University of Washington Vanderbilt University Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington University Wellesley Wheaton College Whitman College Whittier College Williams College Yale University
S
upporting our Mission Academic excellence is our priority and is sustained by the generosity of our Pegasus community. Supplementing tuition, fundraising is necessary for the school to operate and thrive. Your generosity develops students’ curious minds, builds their self-confidence, instills a respect for and desire to serve others, and helps us attract and retain exceptional faculty. Our common bond at Pegasus is that we value education and a caring community. Your support helps keep that bond strong. We, like all successful independent schools, expect that families fulfill their responsibility to make financial contributions, commensurate with their financial ability, throughout their tenure with the school. The Office of Advancement and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) coordinate our giving and volunteer opportunities.
At The Pegasus School I am free to think what I want to and ask questions. I have no limits, and smartness isn’t a thing to be afraid of. I can make mistakes and be who I am. I am striving to be unique in my own way.
~ 7th Grade Student
F
AQS 1.What are the school hours? Pre-Kindergarten 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Kindergarten 9:00 am - 2:30 pm. First-Second Grade 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Third-Fifth Grade 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Sixth-Eighth Grade 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
8. Do students go on field trips? Each grade level takes field trips that correlate to studies in the classroom. The Middle School has a weeklong outdoor education program each year. These include the Astro Camp for sixth graders, Catalina Environmental Leadership Program for seventh graders, and The Yosemite Institute for eighth graders.
Pre-Kindergarten applicants are four years old before September 1. Kindergarten applicants are five years old before September 1.
9. Is community service learning a part of the curriculum? Community service is an important aspect of developing personal growth, sensitivity, responsibility, and intellectual awareness shaped by a respect for diversity. Each grade level participates in community service projects. Middle School students are required to participate in 15 hours of service each year.
Parents are encouraged to discuss appropriate placement with the Director of Admission.
10. Is tuition increased every year? The Board of Trustees evaluates tuition yearly.
3. Does The Pegasus School encourage parent involvement? We invite parents onto our campus daily to participate in a myriad of classroom activities, special events, and field trips.
11. Is financial assistance aid available? Parents who need additional financial assistance are encouraged to apply through the school business office.
4. Is the school open year round? The Pegasus School follows a traditional school calendar from September to June. In addition, Camp Pegasus is available for six weeks each summer for those seeking enrichment for their children. Additionally, a one week Pegasus Prep program takes place in late August.
12. Is it permissible for children to miss class time for family vacations? The Pegasus School is an academically-rich environment that merits a student’s strong commitment to learning every day. Children whose attendance is lax or who leave for extended periods of time are unable to glean the full benefit of their education. We strongly encourage parents to have children attend school daily and on time as these are core values that promote success.
2. To which grade level should I apply? The Pegasus School considers a student’s age as of September 1 of the year they intend to matriculate.
5. Is extended day care available? The extended day hours are 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm by appointment. Extended day is offered gratis to siblings during staggered arrival and dismissal times. Please refer to the Tuition Schedule for a full explanation. 6. Is transportation available? Bus service is currently available from several Newport Beach locations. Carpools are encouraged. 7. How are parents informed of students’ progress? The school year is divided into semesters. Parents are given quarterly reports, and parent conferences are twice yearly.
13. What secondary schools do students attend after graduation from The Pegasus School? Secondary schools seek out Pegasus students. Graduates matriculate to private schools, public schools and boarding schools. Those who select public schools normally enter honors programs. 14. Does the school have an emergency preparedness plan? The emergency preparedness program is reviewed yearly, and students practice fire, earthquake and lock down drills several times a year.
15. How does the school communicate with families? Besides the weekly electronic communications through the Pegasus Post each Monday, updates are published on the website. A voice mail/email communication system sends messages electronically when necessary. Other publications produced by the school include and archived on the website are: • Parent Handbook and Directory • The Pegasus Magazine • Annual Report 16. Do you have a hot lunch program? Hot lunch is prepared daily on campus by Feast and Flora. Parents can select from an online menu which offers choices from one to five days a week. 17. What sports are offered? Middle school students compete in the Tri-Way League. • Fall — Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ Flag Football • Winter — Boys’ / Girls’ Basketball • Spring — Boys’ / Girls’ Soccer, Boys’ Volleyball
A dmission Policy & Process Applications are submitted online through our website. Please go to www.thepegasusschool.org and click on the Admission page or call the Admission office at 714-964-1224 for assistance. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Process Pre-Kindergarten: Children are four years old and fully toilet trained by September 1 of the year they plan to enter The Pegasus School. Screening involves preschool faculty working with a small group of applicants (10-15) for a three-hour assessment in the PreKindergarten classroom. During this time, faculty work with children in directed activities, cognitive skills, and free play. Kindergarten: Applicants must be five years old by September 1 of the year they enter Kindergarten. Approximately 15 applicants at a time are invited to gather here for a play group for two hours to simulate a school setting. The Pegasus School Kindergarten and First Grade faculty direct this interactive forum to get to know the applicants. Various activities are set up in the classroom to engage children in play. Additionally, the faculty directs a cognitive screening to assess students for Kindergarten readiness. First through Eighth Grade Process First Grade: Applicants must be six years old by September 1 of the year they enter First Grade. First Grade teachers meet individually for one hour to assess a student’s reading, math, and cognitive ability as well as readiness for first grade. Based on a review of all applicants by the admission committee, applicants who appear to be qualified are invited to return for a class visit. Second and Third Grade: All applicants attend a group testing session with our faculty. During this session, applicants take a math test, reading comprehension test, a writing assessment, and participate in a small group discussion. Based on a review of all applicants by the admission committee, applicants that appear to be qualified are invited to return for a class visit. Final decisions are made after the class visit.
Fourth*-Eighth Grade: Applicants are required to take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam — see www.iseetest.org) that assesses their math, verbal, and writing skills. Based on a review of all applicants by the admission committee, applicants who appear to be qualified are invited to return for a class visit. *All Fourth Grade applicants must take the ISEE assessment online at The Pegasus School and need to contact The Pegasus School admission office at 714-964-1224 to register. The Pegasus School admits students of any race, color, religion, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, age, national and ethnic origin, or physical challenge, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or its athletic or other school administered programs. Decisions Decision letters are mailed for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade applicants the week of March 1. Decision letters are mailed for Second through Eighth Grade applicants around the second week of March.
tuition for 2012/13: $17,120 Additional Fees Extended Day Program: Optional Lunch Program: Optional School Supplies: Costs vary per year Books for middle school: costs vary Outdoor Education Fee: This one week outdoor education program is part of the curriculum and all middle school students are expected participate.
• Sixth Grade:
$475 Astro Camp
• Seventh Grade: $500 Catalina Environmental Leadership Camp
• Eighth Grade: $925 Yosemite Institute
Athletic Fees for middle school (optional): $250 per sport
Admission Calendar 2012/13
eighth grade Graduation Fee: $175 Payment Plans: 20% of tuition is due with return of contract 1. Annual: The balance is due in full by June 1 2. Semi Annual: The balance is due in two equal installments, June 1 and October 1. A deferred payment fee of $125 is due with the June 1 payment.
admission INFORMATION SESSIONS Dec 12
9:30 am Pre-Kindergarten
Jan 16, 2013 8:30 am Middle School Jan 23
9:00 am All Grades
Jan 30
6:30 pm Kindergarten Assessment DATES
3. Monthly: The balance is due in ten installments June 1 through February 1. A $200 deferred payment fee is due June 1.
Jan 25, 2013 Pre-Kindergarten
Financial aid
Feb 2
Pre-Kindergarten, Grades 2-7
Financial aid is available to families based on demonstrated financial need. The online application is hosted by FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) and can be found on our website.
Feb 8
Kindergarten
Feb 9
Kindergarten, Grade 1
Feb 11 Grades 2-7 Qualified Applicant Visit Day Feb 15
Pre-Kindergarten
March 9 Grades 4-7
714.964.1224 www.thepegasusschool.org 19692 Lexington Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 This Viewbook has been printed on recycled fibers. It is our goal to help our world conserve resources.