Now accepting applications for grades pre-K to 8 for the 24/25 school year.
Admissions Process Grades 1-8, 2024/25
We have designed our admissions process with the intent of getting to know your family and your child(ren), and for you to get to know the philosophy of our school. The school director will guide you through the admissions process and all admissions decisions are made by a TCS faculty committee. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you.
The Community School supports children with various academic, social, emotional, and physical needs, however we do not have a special education program. We are happy to meet with families to discuss any special concerns or requirements to determine if we can best serve your child.
The Community School aims to foster an inclusive and diverse community, is non-sectarian, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or national or ethnic origin in its admissions or educational policies.
How to Apply
Step #1: Submit Application
Please see link to online application at the end of this page. A complete application includes the application form and the $50 application fee, which can be paid online or via check. The application fee is non-refundable.
Step #2: Submit Supporting Materials
Woodland Class :(Grades 1-2):
A self-portrait and 1 sentence that the student writes about themself
A recent math sample
The title of a book the student read recently on their own and a favorite that is read aloud to them
A nature observation from student’s yard or a special place in illustrations, words, or both
Intertidal Class (Grades 3-5) and Alpine Class (Grades 6-8):
Writing sample that student is proud of
A recent math sample
List of 3 recently read books they are able to read on their own
Written response: What does Community mean to you? (1 paragraph or more)
A nature observation from student’s yard or a special place, recorded on a blank piece of paper (this can include a drawing, writing, or both, and include a plant or animal species, landscape or panoramic view)
Financial Aid Application (optional)
If you are applying for Financial Aid, please do so no later than 10 days after your admissions application and supporting materials have been submitted. TCS partners with a third party auditor, TADS, to process all financial aid applications. The financial aid application process takes at least two weeks after you have submitted all requested documents to the auditor.
The Community School financial aid information and all TADS forms are located on our website, here. All forms can be completed online. You will set up a username and password with TADS and they will guide you through the process and report to The Community School when they have processed your award amount.
Note: In the case of families with shared custody of a child, both caregivers must submit a financial aid application before a reward amount is determined.
Step 3 : Family Visit & Artifact
When TCS receives your application and all supporting materials, the school director will contact you to set up a time for your family to visit the school and meet with the class teacher and director. The goal of the visit is for your family to learn more about the school’s philosophy, structure, and curriculum, to answer any questions you may have at that time, and for the school and family to begin to get to know one another. The family visit takes place after school hours. This is not an interview, but a chance to get to know one another beyond the content of the application.
We request that the child brings an “artifact” to share with the teacher during the family visit. Our hope is that the artifact tells us about the child as a learner and/or about an interest or passion they have. This may include a favorite book, special project, rock collection, art supply, tool, etc. to name a few.
Step 4 : Class Visit
Following the family visit, we will schedule a day for your child to join the class for a Morning Circle and the first Workshop (8:00am - 10:15am). This is an opportunity for students to experience the rhythms of a typical school morning and an academic block. The class visit is contingent on a COVID-19 health screening process as per our current wellness policy.
Following the visit, the class teacher will schedule a phone call with student’s last teacher to discuss strengths, challenges and observations of the student.
Enrollment Notification
Once your admissions process is complete (Steps 1-3, above), we will make a decision about enrollment for your child. Your enrollment notification will be emailed to your family, unless otherwise specified. You can expect notification about 2 weeks following the close of the round in which you are applying.
Admissions Decisions
Decisions for Kindergarten applicants are based on social, emotional and developmental readiness. Decisions for all other grades are based on the child’s past educational experiences, and social, emotional and academic abilities and potential. We also consider the applicant and their family’s willingness to engage the school community, philosophy and values.
There are two rounds of admissions:
Round 1: February 15, 2024 - March 15, 2024
Round 2: March 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
Space and financial aid are limited, and priority is given to Round 1 applicants. If space is still available, we will accept rolling admissions after April 16th.
Enrollment Deadline and Terms
Families whose children have been admitted and plan to enroll must submit a Community School Enrollment Contract (included with your admittance letter), a deposit ($500/child), and the supplies fee ($400/child) within 10 days of receiving your admittance letter. Enrolling and submitting the deposit secures a space while waiting for the results of your financial aid application. Please note that there are payment plans available for families for whom the deposit and supplies fee pose a financial burden. If your financial aid award makes it infeasible for your family to enroll, your deposit and supplies fee will be returned in full.
Waiting Pool
Children who are accepted but cannot be admitted due to lack of space will be placed in a class waiting pool. Spaces sometimes open up over the summer as families change their plans or move from the area. The waiting pool does not have an order, and when a space becomes available, the admissions committee looks at all applicants equally to fill the spot and to best balance the given class. Students who remain in the waiting pool through the opening of the next admissions season must reapply for admissions consideration for the following school year.
Links to Applications
Financial aid application