South Western High School

A Tradition of Excellence

The South Western PreSchool Lab is a mixed age level class for children ages 3, 4, & 5 years, who are in the South Western School District or are children of district staff. The student teachers create developmentally appropriate activities under my direction. Our program uses a hands-on approach and addresses the whole child, concentrating on social skills, meaningful connections to our world, self-regulation, and academic preparation. I am proud of the unique program we have built at South Western, and it is truly an honor to work with the impressive high schoolers who step up and become leaders, as well as the amazing preschoolers with their unique perspectives.

To apply for a spot in the preschool program, please complete the preschool application and mail to:

Dee Stremmel
200 Bowman Road
Hanover, PA 17331

We are FULL for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024,  and 2024-2025 school years but we are accepting applications for the waiting list.

Children must be 3 years old by September 1st and be potty trained before enrolling in the Pre School Lab Class. Children who have missed the cut off for kindergarten and will turn 5 during the school year are eligible to participate.

Register EARLY! Registration spots fill approximately 9 months in advance of the opening of each session. However, some years we do have openings, so please don't assume you won't get in. Contact us to inquire about availability.

Registration will be for the school year, two semesters, fall and spring. As our school district continues to increase in size, so does the overwhelming response for application into our program. To enable a greater number of district residents the opportunity to utilize our program, enrollment is limited to two consecutive semesters only* with the option to be placed on a waiting list for re-enrollment for the next year. We are restricted in the number of children we can accept due to limited high school student enrollment in the course. If all spots for the upcoming year are not taken by January 1st, current preschool students will be accepted for another year, in the order registrations were received. A new application will be required. It is the parent's responsibility to request re-enrollment. (* Up to 4 spots are reserved for children of SW staff to re-enroll and up to 3 spots for community.)

When an application is received, the information is dated and entered on a waiting list. You will receive an e-mail stating that we have received your application, along with information about spots available. When final high school enrollment numbers are received for each new year, the corresponding number of preschool children are then placed in the open enrollment spots. Parents will receive a confirmation e-mail in May for the next school year.

While we welcome all children, this lab experience is a high school class. We are not the best choice for children with special needs. While every child has unique abilities, and we strive to adapt activities to meet children where they are, high school students create and plan lessons. They are not trained, nor am I, to adapt beyond typical child development ages and stages. Please contact me at [email protected] with questions.