Admissions

The faculty of Southern Hills Academy regards the placement of students into instructional groups to be a very important professional task. Our goal is to make the best possible decision, not only for an individual child, but also for groups of children. The teachers and Head of School work together to determine each student's placement in the key subjects of Language Arts and Mathematics. The important determinants are the student's readiness for new material and his/her emotional and social maturation.

We also consider the following variables when forming instructional groups:

• Continuity with familiar teachers
• Work habits and level of independence
• Supervision needs: student behavior which requires extra time and
  attention from teachers
• Parental input

Preschoolers must meet a birth date requirement to be considered for their particular class. Preschool classes are divided by age so that the environment, toys and lessons are developmentally appropriate, stimulating, responsive and safe.

• 18 months for the Little Tikes class (age at admission to the class)
• 3 years old by August 1st for the Preschool 3's class
• 4 years old by August 1st for the Preschool 4's class

Enrollment is handled by the Director of Admissions, in consultation with teachers and the Head of School.

Admission Policy

Southern Hills Academy seeks students of average to above-average ability who can contribute to and benefit from its college-preparatory program. Students are selected for admission to the school on the basis of academic potential, developmental maturity, school achievement and readiness for the school's Program. Testing may be used as a tool to provide information to assist in the assessment of a candidate. In all cases, Southern Hills Academy reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, whether or not to select a student for admission, or to re-enroll a student. The Director of Admissions makes recommendations for acceptance to the Head of School, who has final authority.

The following factors are taken into consideration when making admissions decisions:

• academic and behavioral history
• family affiliation with the school
• diversity and gender balance in the class
• level of parental enthusiasm for learning and the school's Mission and Philosophy.

When Southern Hills Academy can not offer a place to a child, parents will be encouraged to seek a more appropriate school or educational program.

When there are more candidates than available openings, the school establishes an unranked Wait List. As openings occur, students will be selected from the Wait List based on the match between the needs of the student, the resources of the school, the overall profile of the class and the parents' eagerness for their child to have a Southern Hills Academy education. All persons are encouraged to apply.

All new students are admitted on a probationary basis for the first six weeks. Both teachers and parents may request a conference to assess the child's progress at any time. This probationary period may be extended at the school's discretion.