The Admissions Process
Thank you for your interest in Mountain Laurel Waldorf School. The Application Process is an opportunity for prospective families and the school to share information and get to know one another.
Steps in the Admissions Process:
1. Complete the Prospective Student Form
2. Schedule a Visit or Come to an Open House
3. Complete the Initial Application with the $100 non-refundable application fee (per child)
4. For students in Grades 1 and above, please send any transcripts and evaluations from previous schools
5. Interview and Additional Evaluation
6. Acceptance Notification
7. Tuition and Financial Aid
8. Enrollment
“The students leave Mountain Laurel Waldorf School with a love of learning, a deep strength and a curiosity that continues to impress me after many years of watching the graduates grow and travel their individual paths. The dedication and warmth one gets as a student of Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is such a unique gift and I am deeply thankful for it.” ~ Laura Gharrity (alumni parent)
Interview
Once we have received your complete application form, we will contact you for an interview with the teacher, you and your child. The interview is the primary element in determining the suitability of Mountain Laurel Waldorf School for your child.
Early Childhood: the interview is conducted at the Tea ‘n Play
First Grade: Ensure your child meets our age requirement for entry in the first grade. Children must have turned 6 years old by June 1st. We will invite your child for a 1st grade readiness assessment.
Grades School Applicants: A two- or three-day classroom visit is required in addition to the interview.
*Children must have turned six years old by 1st June to be eligible for first grade. We’re also happy to connect you with teachers who can explain more about why Waldorf pedagogy recommends this age for first grade admissions and to parents who have opted for an additional year of Kindergarten.
Acceptance
We will let you know as soon as possible about our enrollment decision. Acceptance is based on Mountain Laurel School’s ability to meet the child’s needs as determined through the application and interview process and the availability of openings in the program.
Enrollment considerations are also based on whether the applicant is compatible with the efficient education of children already placed in the school. We aim to maintain a healthy constellation of pupils in each class.
Children who are not doing well in other schools often flourish at Mountain Laurel School, but there are learning and behavioral challenges that are beyond our scope. In some cases, children may be accepted on a trial basis. Additionally, a child joining a class in grade school may need individual tutoring support in specific subjects, such as foreign language learning or music, to participate comfortably with their class.
Enrollment
The completed MLWS Enrollment and Tuition Contract and payment of the $1000 non-refundable deposit are required to reserve your child’s space in the class.
Registration for Enrolled Students
Every current family will receive a letter inviting them to re-enroll by the annual deadline. A $1000 non-refundable deposit holds your child’s place in the class and is applied to the annual tuition fee.