Admissions at The Whole School

The Approach

The Whole School maintains a policy of open admissions. We want our doors to be open to all children who want an alternative learning environment, and to all families who are willing to join this community in the hard work of keeping the school alive. Openings at the school are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The parent body maintains a waiting list when interest in the school exceeds our capacity. Whole School does not discriminate against families based on race, religion, income, or family composition. However, we are not a special education facility and therefore can not accept students with disabilities that adversely impact the safety of other students and staff.

Early Childhood Admissions Procedures

• Upon initial contact the prospective family will receive an information booklet and schedule a tour.
• Complete a written application and return to the school with a $20 application fee.
• Once accepted, families have 14 days to send a 10% deposit and a signed contract to the school.

Grade School Admissions Procedures

• Upon initial contact the prospective family will receive an information booklet and schedule a tour.
• A prospective student must visit the school for at least one day and a maximum of three days.
• Following a successful student visit, a parent must attend at least one parent meeting. These meetings are held the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month between 7:00pm and 8:30pm.
• Complete a written application and return to the school with a $20 application fee.
• An informal meeting between 2-3 current parents, teachers and the prospective family called a dialogue must happen. This meeting is to inform families of what is expected and to answer questions about the school program, operation, budget, etc.
• The parent body is asked to accept the prospective family. This decision is made in a parent meeting. The accepted family has 14 days to send a 10% deposit and a signed contract to the school.