Admissions
Who We Accept
- Students who are identified as eligible for special education with a disability listed on The Foundation Schools’ certificate of approval. These disabilities include emotional disability and autism.
- In special circumstances, acceptance may also include children and adolescents who are identified as having other primary disabilities in accordance with IDEA when authorized by the student’s LSS.
- Students ages 5-21, grades K-12.
- A child who will be 5 years old or older on September 1 is age eligible for enrollment in the kindergarten program at The Foundation Schools. The Foundation Schools relies on the LSS to determine if a student is age eligible for kindergarten. The Foundation Schools will not permit a student who does not meet this age requirement to enroll in kindergarten.
How Admissions Decisions Are Made
- Students with social/emotional/behavioral manifestations of their disability are eligible for admissions consideration. These behaviors include but are not limited to verbal and/or physical aggression, peer conflicts, non-compliance, disruption within the school community, withdrawal, distractibility, impulsivity, property destruction, walking out of class and school and/or work avoidance.
- Admissions decisions are based on careful evaluation of the student’s school record and interview with the student and parent/guardian, rather than on diagnosis alone. In special circumstances, students who may not meet other admissions criteria or may not go through the normal admissions process may be considered for admission at the request of the student’s LEA.
- To be admitted, students must have academic and cognitive levels which demonstrate their potential availability for the curriculum currently available at The Foundation Schools.
- English Language Learners or students who live in a family/community environment where a language other than English is the dominant language are eligible for admissions consideration.
Students Ineligible for Admission
- When the student’s IEP is unable to be implemented at The Foundation Schools.
- Students who present as a significant danger in the program or have a history of assaultive and significant maladaptive behaviors.
- Students enrolled without full disclosure of conditions described may be referred to their local school system (LSS) for alternative placement.
The Admissions Process Step-by-Step:
- Parent and Local School System Personnel discuss placement options at student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.
- The Foundation Schools receives the referral which includes: a current IEP, recent psychological and educational evaluations, and report card.
- Parent and student meet with Admissions Coordinator for interview and tour.
- The Foundation Schools’ Admissions Office determines if the Student’s IEP can be implemented at The Foundation Schools. If so, the student is accepted to the program.
- Students can enroll within a day of formal acceptance and completion of required paperwork. However, it generally takes 7-10 days for the local school system to set up transportation.
For more information or to discuss your child’s needs, please fill out this inquiry form or contact one of our admissions coordinators:
Contact one of our admissions coordinators:
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“The Foundation School in Montgomery County (FSMC) helped me accomplish my goal of graduating high school.”
“I have been going to school more often. The instruction here at The Foundation School in Montgomery County (FSMC) is different than the public school that didn't have the right tools. Without FSMC, I would not be going to school.”
“Coming to The Foundation Schools gave me the new start I needed and I was ready. Things just seemed to keep getting better. Where I previously had negative school experiences, at The Foundation Schools, I was connecting with people that would eventually change my life and my attitude about my education. With the guidance and support I received, I finally felt that I could have a productive, fruitful future if I kept working and kept the commitment I made to myself to get to this stage. Even though I liked the school, many days my behaviors got the best of me, but the staff saw me through and they did not give up on me, even on my worst days.”
“I know the people sitting here today and those that support you feel the same way about you. They believe in us. Let's make them proud and give our lives everything that we have to give, because you never know what good things may come out of them.”
“I highly recommend The Foundation Schools. Talking from experience, we received the best. There was no question that went unanswered by the exceptional staff.”