Drinking Gourd Elementary School |
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Visit Us Soon!
How and When to Enroll
The Drinking Gourd School admits students and families of any race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities available at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs or any other school-administered programs.
Open House and school visits
Open House events are held in January and February. After attending an Open House, interested parents schedule a day to visit the school with their child. Enrollment applications are accepted after this visit. Occasionally the teacher will request an appointment to work individually with the student at this time.
Enrollment Decisions
All students are considered for enrollment at the
Drinking Gourd School. Each child is assessed before being offered a
space.. The school will only offer a space to a student if we are sure
we can meet that child’s
learning, behavioral, and emotional needs. Additional time for assessment,
formal evaluations, a visit to the child’s current school or
previous school records may be required.
All applications are accepted for the next school year until April 15. After that date, the teacher considers every child’s application
and makes decisions about how to fill the open places in the class.
These decisions are very difficult to make and are based upon several factors: maintaining a balance of ages, academic levels, gender, personality styles, and special needs. Priority is given to children who would benefit most from the school’s special program. Priority is also given to minority children.
Timeline
There is no fee to apply for enrollment.
Applications are accepted until April 15. Classes are filled by May 1. A waiting list is made at that time and parents are told where their child's name is on the list. Children who are awarded a space have that space reserved for them for September with a reservation form and a non-refundable $200 deposit, which will be applied to the enrollment and materials fees.
Spaces are often available during the school year—usually in the North Star class. Parents can call at any time for more information about space availability or to schedule a tour of the school.
Tuition
The Drinking Gourd School remains committed to keeping tuition within reach of as many families as possible. Each family is allowed to choose their own tuition level on a sliding scale of $5,000-$9,500. Families are trusted to financially support the school at the highest level they can afford, taking into account a general guideline provided by the school as well as special circumstances like high medical bills.
Partial scholarships are often available for students whose families are unable to pay the $5000 base tuition rate. The school makes more scholarship positions available whenever space permits. Currently, large scholarships are available for students entering the North Star class.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded, based on need, whenever the school’s
finances or scholarship donations make this possible. Scholarships for
as much as half the tuition are usually available for several students
each year.
Proof of income as well as information about any special financial circumstances
is required along with a simple scholarship application form. Scholarship
applications must be made when the student’s Space Request form
is submitted. Application for a scholarship is not a factor in deciding
who receives a space in one of the classes. After the student is awarded
a space, the Board of Directors will consider the Scholarship application.
All scholarships are granted for one year at a time. The school meets
the scholarship needs of current students before offering scholarships
to new applicants.
References
The following parents will be glad to discuss the school with you:
• Kurt/Debby Engle 688-4851 . . . past parents
• Carol/Brian
McDermott 935-1430 . . . present parents
FOR MORE INFORMATION: call Trisha Whitney at (541) 689-5255