THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Each family’s path to High Meadow is unique. We are grateful to have students join us from the local area, New York City, across the United States, and overseas. For those new to the region, High Meadow supports families and children during their transition to a new home and new community.
The admissions process at High Meadow School is guided by our mission; we seek to have a diverse population and an inclusive culture. The procedures High Meadow follows ensure that both parties, the school and prospective family, have the time to thoughtfully make an informed decision. ​
1
INQUIRY
Once interested families reach our inquiry form. This inquiry goes directly to the admissions email. Once a basic inquiry is sent the Director of Admissions will then email the parent/caregiver within 48 hours to schedule an admissions phone call.
2
FAMILY INTERVIEW
AND TOUR
The admissions process continues with a 30-minute phone interview to discuss our educational philosophy, school culture, and the opportunities available to students. This is followed by an in-person tour, allowing families to experience our facilities and meet the staff. We encourage families to ask questions and share about the prospective student.
3
TEACHER OR PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
Prior to completing an application, we ask that a current teacher or someone who knows the student well complete a personal recommendation form.
4
COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
The application allows families to provide information about themselves and their children in advance of a student visit. The Director of Admissions provides a link to each family along with the instructions on how to create a FACTS parent account.
5
STUDENT VISIT
For children applying to grades N3-8, we schedule a class visit to observe how the student interacts with peers. This visit also allows the child to experience our learning environment first-hand.
6
ADMISSIONS DECISION
Our admissions committee carefully reviews each completed application. After this collaborative review, we make our final decision regarding enrollment.
A decision about admission is usually made within a week of the child's visit, once all steps of the application process are complete.
Every new family receives a Community Handbook. The Community Handbook includes information on history, policy, guidelines, communication and other useful information for our families. The Director of Admissions will ensure families are included in relevant communications from the time of a child’s acceptance and/or enrollment including school events, coffee talks and open houses. Families are encouraged to reach out to our Director of Admissions if they have any questions or to seek additional guidance.
Families joining our community are encouraged and invited to attend a number of beginning of the year activities, including a back to school welcome picnic, listening conferences with classroom teachers and curriculum night. The Director of Admissions will also ensure new families are introduced to class parents, staff and PTO members. New families also have the option to have a HMS Parent Ambassador, A parent Ambassador works with new families to make sure they feel connected and welcomed into the HMS community!
Children attending daycare and pre-K through 12th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule in order to attend or remain in school. This is true unless they have a valid medical exemption to immunization. This includes all public, private, and religious schools. A medical exemption is allowed when a child has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine. There are no non-medical exemptions to school vaccine requirements in New York State.