Admissions Process - Linden Grove School

Before You Apply

Finding the right school placement for your child is an important and difficult decision. We understand that choosing an independent, commuter school will affect all aspects of your family life. We encourage prospective families to start by checking out our Facebook page to see what a day at LGS looks like.

Schedule a Conversation with Our Head of School

It all starts with a conversation. Prospective families can start the process by scheduling a conversation with Kristin Tennyson, Head of School, to discuss their goals and desires for their child and learn answers to questions about the program. If you are unsure whether you are ready to make a change or if LGS will suit your family, we recommend starting with a phone call. More confident families are welcome to begin with the tour.

SCHEDULE A CALL

SCHEDULE A TOUR

Ready to Apply

Things To Consider Before Applying

It is HIGHLY recommended that prospective families complete a school tour with the Head of School prior to applying. Click here to schedule a tour.

Families can apply before their child meets all the admission requirements to secure a spot on the list. However, it is important for families to submit the application for the school year in which they anticipate their child will meet the admissions criteria.

When you are ready, applications can be submitted online via our FACTS system. You will be asked to create an account, complete an electronic application, and upload a current copy of your child’s IEP, ETR, most recent progress notes, and your child's picture. There is an application fee of $250. Effectively, on August 1, 2024, this fee will be divided into two payments. The first $50 must be paid to submit your application. The balance of $200 needs to be paid when the screening has been scheduled.

For the system to allow your application to be submitted, all sections must be completed, and the first $50 payment of the application fee must be paid. Names will only be added to our list when the application is successfully submitted. The date of submission is used to determine placement on our lists.

ONLINE APPLICATION

Evaluation Process

Applications for enrollment are always welcome! We process applications in the order they are received, giving priority to siblings of our current students. Each completed application is recorded with the date received to determine placement on our list, ensuring a fair and organized admissions process.

In the event of mid-year admissions, we must consider the exact groupings available and the needs of the “next in line” applicant. If the “next in line” applicant's needs cannot be met based on the current groupings available, we may move on to the next applicant on the list. The original applicant will remain on the Admissions List in such a case.

Step 1: Review of Records

The Director of Admissions will review all the submitted documents, ask follow-up questions and determine if additional information is needed. This may include things like asking your child’s current SLP to complete a survey, a sending short video representing optimal communication skills or a conversation with a Behavior Coordinator. LGS will initiate this these requests, if they are needed.

Step 2: Observation in Current Placement

A staff member MAY visit the student’s current program for observation. This way, we can get a better sense of who your child is in a space they know well, with people they know, and routines they're comfortable with. While we always do this for K-2 students, we may also do so for older students.

Step 3: Screening

An Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologist, and Assistant Head of School will conduct a casual assessment lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours to gain a deeper understanding of your child's sensory, communication, behavioral, and academic requirements. If your child is willing, they will have the opportunity to meet their teachers' team and explore the school on a guided tour.

The remaining portion of the application fee is due at this time. It can be paid via check, cash or credit card.

Step 4: Shadow Day

The student will return for a full-day visit in the appropriate classroom setting. Some students may visit for more than one day or in smaller increments, depending on their need to ease into the setting. Younger students often visit for a ½ visit, followed by a full-day visit.

Step 5: Acceptance Determination

A team decision will determine a recommendation for placement. Parents will be notified within three business days. If placement is offered, a $300 annual registration fee and registration forms must be completed within a designated timeframe (typically two weeks). Families requesting financial assistance can find information in their child’s acceptance letter. To be considered, tuition assistance applications must be received by Facts Management within 30 days of the date on the official acceptance letter.

All new students are admitted based on an eight-week probationary period. Students may be disenrolled by choice of the school or parents at any time during their probationary period without financial penalty. Families will only be responsible for tuition and fees when the student attends Linden Grove School.

Waitlist

LGS often has waitlists. If placement is not immediately available, the student will be placed on a waiting list for future placement. Effectively August 1, 20024, families may “pass” on completing the admissions process and/or accepting a slot for the upcoming school year once and keep their child's name on the waitlist and retain their original application date. After a second pass, a child’s name may be moved to the following year’s list, but they will not retain their original application date. They will be assigned the date that their name is moved to the next year’s list. Preschoolers recommended to remain in preschool for an additional year are an exception to this rule. Passing to remain in preschool will be not counted.