Free Union Country School welcomes the application of any child whose needs can be met by the School and its teaching staff. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its staffing, admissions, tuition assistance, educational policies, and extracurricular or other programs.
In-Person Tours
Interested families are encouraged to schedule a tour of Free Union Country School. During the tour you will observe classes (preschool through grade 5), walk our beautiful campus, and meet with our Head of School. This is the best way to learn about the School's educational philosophy and practices and ask any questions you may have about our School.
To register for a tour, please complete the online inquiry form here.
If after visiting the School your family decides to pursue enrollment, the following takes place:
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Parents are asked to submit a completed application form and fee.
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Once we have received your application, a member of our admissions team will be in touch with you to arrange a classroom visit for your child; or, in lieu of a classroom visit, a teacher interview (via Zoom if necessary).
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Tuition assistance information is made available if requested.
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The Admissions Team then gathers information to inform an admissions decision that is in the best interest of the child(ren) and the School. Such information may include previous school records, a teacher recommendation form, the results of any previous admissions testing, the advice of School staff, and any other available educational/psychological evaluation.
Upon the School’s acceptance of your child for admission, families are then asked to complete the registration process by submitting: a registration form, a signed Enrollment Agreement with the appropriate tuition deposit, a copy of the student’s birth certificate, and the health form (noting immunizations) which must be dated and signed by a physician.
Timing
Free Union Country School has a rolling admissions policy. If a class has an opening at any time throughout the school year, we encourage you to apply.
Currently enrolled families receive re-enrollment contracts in January of the current year. New student enrollment letters are mailed soon thereafter -- typically in February and March for classes in which space is available.
Families new to the School and interested in enrollment usually begin the process in late fall. They are informed of class openings following the deadline for current students (typically in February).
Q & A
◗ Interested in pursuing admission?
Schedule a tour! You are welcome to visit and see all classes, preschool through fifth grade.
◗ What happens during this visit?
Our tour starts with a stroll around our campus including classrooms, gathering spaces, outdoor classrooms, the library, nature trail, and playgrounds. You will learn more about the school’s educational philosophy and practices. We will learn about your goals for your child, both educationally and socially, and answer any questions you may have about the School.
◗ If after visiting you would like to take the next steps to enrollment for your child, do the following:
Submit a completed application form and fee. Once we get this, we’ll contact you to schedule a student visit.
◗ What happens during the student visit?
This more structured and independent visit will allow the student to spend time with teachers and classmates as a key part of evaluation in order to ensure a good fit for child, class, school, and family and that our approach and staffing align in a compatible way with their learning style. (Due to COVID, student visits may be substituted with an online conversation or individual visit with teachers.)
◗ Then what?
For preschool and pre-kindergarten applicants, the application is considered complete when the school has received the results of staff observations.
For K - 5 applicants, the application is considered complete when the school has received: the parent questionnaire, previous school records, a teacher recommendation form, results of any previous admissions tests, input from staff observation, and any other available educational/psychological testing. Our aim is to arrive at a decision that is in the best interest of the child and school.
◗ After you receive an offer of enrollment?
More paperwork! Families receive and submit a registration form and an Enrollment Agreement with the appropriate tuition deposit. The School will also need a copy of the student’s birth certificate and a school entrance health form (noting immunizations), which must be dated and signed by a physician.
◗ When might this happen?
Depends on when you apply. Since we will not know until January how many currently enroilled students will return for the following year and hence how many slots will be available for prospective students, those who apply in the fall or early winter usually will learn of the admissions outcome late in January at the earliest. Recognizing that families have decisions to make about schooling at that time of year, a prolonged enrollment process can be stressful for families. We will work to get back to you as soon as possible. Please know that we also welcome a call from you at any time to check on the status of your application (434-978-1700).
◗ Moving or transferring?
Free Union Country School has a rolling admissions policy. If a class has an opening during the school year at any time, we will consider your application.
