Frequently Asked Questions
What children does Project Acorn fund?
To the extent of its annual budgeted amount, Project Acorn funds 3 and 4 year olds of working families committed to the education of their children, but unable to afford preschool. The family profile provides the demographics of our current students.How does Project Acorn select children?
Selection is made through review of all applications submitted by the February 20 deadline and depends upon the availability of seats in the partner preschools. Project Acorn is able to review applications in light of the unique family circumstances described in each application rather than relying on a set formula.How does Project Acorn select new partner preschools?
Project Acorn plans growth based upon having additional funds for tuitions and seeks areas of Morris County and surrounding communities that have a significant proportion of families in need and also have quality preschool programs willing to work within Project Acorn’s guidelines.What schools can I send my child to with Project Acorn assistance?
Project Acorn has twenty-one partner preschools in Morris and Somerset counties. The application form asks families to indicate which schools they wish to consider and those which they are not interested in. Final placements are subject to space availability in each school.How long a program will Project Acorn fund?
Project Acorn funds 3 and 4 year-olds. If children begin the program at 3, they are eligible for 2 years of preschool. Children may also begin the program at 4. Project Acorn funds HALF DAY programs, for example 9-12 each school day.How do children qualify for a second year of preschool?
Families are required to file an abbreviated application focused on financial information. Project Acorn informs the families of 3 year-olds completing the program of the application requirements for the second year.Can children apply for Project Acorn funding as 4 year olds? 5 year olds?
Families of children who turn 4 by October 1 of the school year may apply to Project Acorn. 5 year olds are not eligible for Project Acorn’s assistance.Where do I have to live to qualify for Project Acorn assistance?
There are no residential qualifications for families applying to Project Acorn.
Families simply must be able to reliably transport their child to one of the Partner Preschools in Morris and Somerset Counties.Can I apply for Project Acorn assistance if I have also applied for other programs such as Head Start?
Project Acorn recognizes that many programs such as Head Start have waiting lists. Families may apply to Project Acorn as well as to other programs. If another program becomes available for the child, the family is simply asked to notify Project Acorn as soon as possible so that the seat may be made available to another child.How can I apply for Project Acorn assistance after the school year has begun?
The application deadline is February 20 prior to the September start date of school. Applications submitted after February 20 will be held on the waiting list for consideration if committed seats become available.Is Project Acorn, Inc. an independent organization?
Project Acorn, Inc. is a non profit organization incorporated in the state of New Jersey as a 501(c)(3). Project Acorn is not affiliated with any other organization. Its only program is funding preschool education.Where does Project Acorn’s funding come from?
All of Project Acorn’s funding comes from the private donations of individuals, businesses, and foundations.If my older children attended preschool through Project Acorn do my younger children automatically qualify?
Families whose older children have attended preschool through Project Acorn must still submit the standard application package since the family’s financial circumstances may have changed.What fees does Project Acorn charge families?
Project Acorn charges families whose child has been accepted into the program a $50 registration fee. The cumulative fee paid by Project Acorn families allows funding of another child.