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Enrolling
in The Clearwater School
The
Clearwater School has an open admissions policy that
reflects our aim to respect individual differences and
learn from diversity. New students may join the school
at anytime during the school year. We require families
to make a commitment to attend the school for one year,
as it can take time for new students to learn how to
best utilize school resources. The Clearwater School
welcomes racial, cultural and religious diversity, and
families of every composition.
Preliminary Information
New students wishing to enroll should first gain information
about the school through reading, talking to staff
members, and attending family information nights.
After gaining a preliminary understanding of the school
and the Sudbury model, families are encouraged to
schedule a visiting day.
Visiting
Days
During the visiting day, students and their parents
will receive a tour and orientation. They are free
to stay at school and interact with students and staff
for two hours. After the initial visit students who
are interested in joining the school should schedule
an enrollment conference and visiting week.
Enrollment
Conferences
Enrollment conferences are scheduled before the visiting
week in order to clarify the educational philosophy
and practices of the school. The conference is an
official acknowledgment of the student’s intention
to join the school community. It is a time to review
expectations, clarify questions and address any concerns
raised by the student, school and parents.
Visiting
Week
The purpose of the visiting week is to determine whether
the school actually provides a good fit with the student’s
and family’s educational philosophy. During visiting
week, new students attend school with the same privileges
and responsibilities as other students, freely using
school facilities and participating in school activities.
Students are expected to follow the rules of the school
and participate in the judicial process during visiting
weeks. Visiting students are welcome to attend school
meeting, but may vote only after they have officially
enrolled in the school. Students must attend five
consecutive days (Monday through Friday) for the visiting
week, which must be scheduled in advance. The fee
for the visiting week is $125 and must be paid in
advance. Also, the Registration Information Forms
must be filled out at this time and returned to the
school prior to the visit.
Official
Enrollment
At the end of the visiting week the student can officially
join the school, and become a voting member of the
School Meeting. At this time, the $100 deposit and
tuition must be paid, as well as the tuition contract
and immunization form completed and signed. A second
conference may be scheduled at this time if requested
by the student, parents or enrollment committee.
Part-time
Enrollment
The Clearwater School offers part-time enrollment
of three or four days per week to students who are
4-7 years old. The purpose of this option is to allow
younger students time to adjust to full-time school.
For part-time students, the five-day visiting week
may be completed in one week or spread across two
consecutive weeks. Talk to the Enrollment Clerk if
you want to arrange part-time enrollment.
Tuition
Tuition
for 2002-2003 is $4,800 per year, with a discount for
multiple children in each family. The discount for the
second child is 25% of full tuition ($3,600); the discount
for third and subsequent children is 50% of full tuition
($2,400). If tuition is paid in full by August
31 there is a 5% discount ($4,560). If paying monthly
payments, there is an annual non-refundable administrative
fee of $35 per family.
Reduced
Tuition Rates
We
recognize that some families will not be able to afford
the full cost of tuition and extend reduced tuition
rates to families based on their financial ability.
We ask each family to pay as much of the tuition fee
as they can afford. For those requesting a reduction
in tuiton, we trust that each family will act honestly
and with concern for the school's needs. We will meet
with you to discuss the school's finances, the family's
finances, the family's interest in joining Clearwater,
and to negotiate a rate for the entire school year.
To request a reduction in tuition, please schedule a
meeting with the Enrollment Clerk.
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