Admissions – The New School of Montpelier

The enrollment process is collaborative between the NSM staff, the sending district staff, the caregiver(s), and the student (when appropriate). Caregivers are welcome to inquire at NSM for further information about our programs, enrollment process, waitlist, etc. However, referrals are made by the student’s school district.

Step 1: Inquiry

Contact the Executive Director of NSM to discuss the student’s needs and availability of openings. This is the first step in determining if the student is a good fit for NSM. We welcome inquiries. Once it is determined that a student may be a good fit for NSM, the next step is a formal referral.

Step 2: Referral

We accept referrals from school districts. The minimum requirements for a referral are a student’s most recent IEP, 3 year evaluation, and other relevant medical and educational information (FBA, BIP, samples of work). An observation of the student in their current educational placement is arranged by NSM and, when appropriate, a visit to NSM is made by members of the students’ education team. After all of these steps are completed, the next step is for NSM review.

Step 3: NSM Review

NSM and the LEA may have ongoing discussions to ensure the student is a good match and the necessary resources are in place to meet the student’s educational needs. If it is determined NSM would meet the student’s needs, enrollment can happen.

Step 4: Enrollment

Once the placement decision has been made, the student’s team determines an appropriate transition process, addressing transportation, staffing, IEP review, and daily schedule. ALL enrollment paperwork must be finalized prior to the student starting at NSM.

Enrollment Policy
As an approved independent school The New School of Montpelier follows these enrollment policies:
1) All applications to The New School of Montpelier shall be made voluntarily.
2) No student shall be denied acceptance for enrollment in The New School of Montpelier on the basis of disability (as defined in Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended), or that the student is eligible for special education or undergoing the comprehensive evaluation process for special education, or on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or any other classification protected by federal or state law.
3) The New School of Montpelier may make acceptance decisions based on considerations including enrollment of other family members, meeting minimum academic or extracurricular activity preparation requirements, student and family agreement with the school’s educational philosophy, student willingness to participate in extracurricular programs and activities, and family willingness promptly to pay invoices for tuition, fees and other student expenses.
4) If the number of applicants to The New School of Montpelier exceeds capacity, enrollment decisions shall be based first upon continuing to enroll previously enrolled students and then upon considerations itemized in paragraph 3 above.