Over the past several years, the question, “How do I apply?” has become a frequent inquiry.  In previous years, we have worked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Moving forward it will be a more selective application process. Now, don’t get all stressed! In the process, we are looking for a MATCH.

We are not looking for the smartest kid, the most talented musician, or the most accomplished adventurer. We are looking for children and families that will feel comfortable in the schoolhouse community.

We are looking for families that will be able to commit to leading lessons at home two days per week and meet their volunteer commitment in the classroom. Schoolhouse families must also be committed to our six value statements and our mission. Finally, families should be ready to pay the tuition. We work so hard to keep fees low and are thankful to provide partial scholarships to many students, but we have found that it is important for families to be prepared for the financial commitment. And finally, we are just not set up to help students with severe disabilities or behavior problems.

If you are at all interested in sending your child to one of our current schoolhouse locations (Hickory, Washington, Franklin Park, or Plum), for next school year or future school years, we highly encourage you to complete the Interest Pool form.

This growth and expansion plan reflects our commitment to providing quality education while addressing the challenges posed by increasing student numbers. By strategically adding classrooms, redistributing administrative responsibilities, and adhering to a well-planned timeline, we aim to create a conducive learning environment for both existing and prospective students in the upcoming academic year.

2025-2026 Campus Size

We are happy to offer more seats at each of our campuses. Over our four campuses, we will add approximately 50 new students to the schoolhouse in the 2025-2026 school year. Some of these spots will be filled with the siblings of current students aging into the Schoolhouse program and a few others will be filled with students on the official waitlist during the 2024-2025 school year. We will have more openings for the middle and high school grades. Although we already have many of our staffing needs met, we will hire one new teacher at our Washington Campus. If you are interested in applying, please click here. Classroom Director Interest Form

Hickory Campus:

• Four classrooms and four teachers from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.

Franklin Park Campus:

• Three classrooms and three teachers offering Kindergarten to 9th grade.

Plum Campus

• Two classrooms and two teachers offering Kindergarten to 8^th grade

Washington Campus

• Three classrooms and three teachers offering Kindergarten to 9th grade. 

Will I Get In

This is the most common question we receive at the schoolhouse. Many families are excited to join our program and have their hearts set on being part of it, which can create a lot of anxiety. Some hesitate to pay the non-refundable application fee without knowing if they’ll be accepted.

The truth is, we can’t predict who will return or apply, nor can we know in advance if your family will be the right match for the schoolhouse after meeting with the teacher. Additionally, our team and board need a year of slower growth to rest and regroup after a period of rapid expansion.

While we wish we could meet the growing demand, our application process takes considerable time, effort, and staffing, which is what your application fee supports. For this reason, the fee is non-refundable, even if your family is not accepted.

To increase your chances, we recommend:

• Scheduling a tour,
• Ensuring you can meet tuition and volunteer commitments,
• Carefully reviewing our handbook to confirm our program aligns with your family’s needs.

We’re so grateful for your interest in A One-Room Schoolhouse and wish you all the best in the process!

Our application process:

1. Complete the Interest Pool Online form.
2. Internal Applications: Starting on January 16, 2025, we will complete INTERNAL applications for returning students and their siblings for enrollment for the following school year. Internal applications will remain open to current schoolhouse families until the end of January. It will be $50 per returning student to apply. Students need to be five years old by September 1, 2025, to apply. If you would like to transfer to another campus, please apply at your current campus and send an email to [email protected] to request to transfer. We will notify you of your application status by mid-February if not sooner.
3. Current Waitlist Students: Students who have been on the waitlist for the 2024-2025 school year need not re-apply. We will notify you about your admissions for the 2025-2026 school year along with internal applications. See the time frame given in item two.
4. Interest Pool Applications: For those on the Interest Pool Form the application will be emailed to you on February 24, 2025, and be open until March 10, 2025. It will be $100/student to apply. Students need to be five years old by September 1, 2025. After reviewing each application, potential students may be invited to visit with the classroom director at the campus. After this application review and potential visit, we will notify applicants of the status of their application. (accepted, declined, or waitlist) within 3 weeks.
5. Outside Applications: If there are spots still open at any of the campuses, after internal and interest pool applications the general public is welcome to apply until the spots are filled. $100/student to apply. Students need to be five years old by September 1, 2025. After reviewing each application, potential students will be invited to visit with the teacher and the campus. After this visit, we will notify applicants of the status of their application. (accepted, declined or waitlist) within 3 weeks. 
6. If you are admitted, you will have another sit-down with your teacher the week BEFORE Memorial Day weekend. At this meeting, you will get all of your information for the next school year.

Registration FAQs

Can I visit before applying? You are welcome to schedule a visit to one of our campus locations before applying. These visits are not an open house type visit but one where you are scheduled to come. You will be able to observe the classroom environment and teacher interactions. During recess the Campus Site Director will be able to meet with you to discuss any concerns and have your questions answered. Please complete the Interest Pool Form and you will be contacted via email about an upcoming date to visit or you can email [email protected]

What is the interest pool? We call it an “interest pool” because It provides us with a list of families and students that are interested in our program and would like to be provided information about applying when registration is opened or if an unexpected spot opens up at one of our campus locations. It is not a formal waitlist, but shows who is interested in the program and want to receive information regarding how to formally apply to A One-Room Schoolhouse.

What is the likelihood that my child will be taken out of the interest pool and accepted to A One-Room Schoolhouse? This is an unknown as we don’t ever know when current family’s situation will change. The Interest Pool provides us with a way to communicate with you about registration either throughout the current school year or for the following school year when applications are accepted in March. 

How long does my child remain in the interest pool? Your child remains active in the interest pool until you notify the admission office that you no longer want your child on the interest pool.