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.
2026-2027 Campus Size
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 9th 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 are slowing 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 (November, January, and February)
- 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. Join the Interest Pool
New families who do not currently have students enrolled at A One-Room Schoolhouse should begin by completing the Interest Pool online form. Families in the Interest Pool receive priority access to applications and early communication throughout the process.
2. Internal Applications (Returning Families)
Each January, we complete internal applications for returning students and their siblings for the upcoming school year. This application period is reserved for current schoolhouse families and closes at the end of January.
3. Current Waitlist Students
Families who are already on the waitlist from the current school year do not need to reapply. Waitlisted families are reviewed alongside internal applications and will receive an enrollment update within the same timeframe.
4. Interest Pool Applications
Applications for families in the Interest Pool are emailed in February, after internal enrollment is complete. These applications remain open for a limited window.
Families who apply through the Interest Pool can expect a final decision by the end of March. As part of the review process, some students may be invited to visit a campus, meet a classroom director, and complete placement activities.
5. Public Applications (If Space Allows)
If spaces remain after Interest Pool applications are reviewed, the application will be opened to the public and posted on our website, typically in March, and will remain available until all spots are filled.
6. Enrollment Meetings
Families who are accepted (including those coming from the waitlist) will participate in an intake meeting in late May, prior to Memorial Day weekend. During this meeting, families receive school-year schedules, materials information, curriculum purchasing guidance, and elective offerings.
Tours
Tours are offered in November, January, and February leading up to the application season. Tours can be scheduled by emailing [email protected]—we’d love to meet you and show you our schoolhouse community.
Registration FAQs
Can I visit before applying? Update: We will start scheduling our campus visits again in October of every year. 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. You may also request a tour at [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.
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