Admissions

Our application process is designed to help us, and your family, determine if our program is the right fit for your child.

Mandatory Prerequisites:

Have a diagnosed learning disability
Have average-to-superior intelligence as documented through a WISC-V or WISC-IV
Have no primary social, emotional, or behavioral issues
Demonstrate capacity to participate and be attentive in a small group learning environment
Display a positive attitude
Be able to meet attendance requirements

HPDS does not accept students with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger’s Syndrome or Emotional/Behavioral-Based Challenges.

How to Apply

Our admissions process is thorough and careful, and may entail more time than a traditional mainstream independent school. We accept applications on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis throughout the year, and review them based on the date which we receive all completed corresponding documentation.

Applications will not be considered until all required documents are received. We will notify you when we have received the completed application. To begin the online application process, click the button below to create an account.

HPDS Application Form

To Complete an Application follow these steps:

Application Form

HPDS Admission Application

If you are a new applicant, please click “I have not registered” in order to create an HPDS account.

Complete Each Application Section

Parent Statement

HPDS Teacher Questionnaire Form

Release Form

A Release Form that allows HPDS to communicate with the applicant’s school and any professionals working with the family or student.

Evaluation

A completed neuropsychological or psycho-educational evaluation that includes a WISC-V or WISC-IV, current within 3 years

Reports

The most recent reports from all professionals working with the applicant, if applicable

Additional Testing

Any additional testing that has been administered within the past three years, such as speech and language or occupational therapy evaluations

Report Cards

The most recent progress report cards from the child’s school (previous two years)

IEP

The most recent IEP and eligibility paperwork, if applicable

Application Review Process

If we think our program might be able to serve your child’s needs and we anticipate an opening in your child’s grade level, we will invite your child to visit HPDS. The day of the visit, parents meet with one of the school’s social workers to provide a social history. Students applying for our Day Program attend a full day of school in their current grade level classroom. Students applying only for Summer School visit for a half day.

Attend an Open House

In order to minimize the impact on student learning, we encourage prospective parents to attend an Open House as the first step to determine whether HPDS is the right fit for your child. Open Houses are for adults only.

*Parents may submit an application before attending an open house.

Complete Records Review

The Admissions Committee reviews each student’s completed admissions material to determine whether the student appears to meet the criteria for admission.

Professional Discussions

The Admissions Committee speaks with teachers, administrators, and any tutors, therapists or private providers, to gain a greater understanding of the student.

A Formal School Day Visit

If both the parents and HPDS feel the child meets the criteria for admission and that HPDS will be able to serve the child’s needs, the child is invited for a visit. The day of the visit, parent(s) meet with one of the school’s social workers to provide a social history. Students applying for the day program attend a full day of school in their current grade level classroom. Those applying only for summer school visit for a half day.

Financial Aid

HPDS does not have a specific income cutoff for financial aid. Rather, the Financial Aid Committee examines a family’s entire financial picture, including income, expenses and other circumstances. In cases of divorce or separation, both parents must submit all required forms. Please note, Financial Aid awards are not automatically renewed. Each year, families are required to re-apply for aid. Awards are recalculated annually based on the most recent financial data.

For information on the FACTS Grant & Assessment, visit factsmgt.com.

A few last things to note:

HPDS staff members who will be interacting with the child during the visit include the classroom teachers, the admissions coordinator, school principal, and pertinent Integrated Services staff (occupational therapist, social worker, and/or speech-language pathologist).
The Admissions Committee typically notifies parents of a decision regarding acceptance within a week of the applicant’s visit.
Financial aid considerations are not a factor in the student’s admissions decision.
Nondiscrimination Policy: Socio-economic status, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, race, color, sexual identity, and sexual orientation are not considerations that are taken into account during the admission process. Hyde Park Day School does not discriminate in administration of its education or admission policies, hiring practices, tuition assistance or other school-administered programs.

Have questions about the application process?

Please contact Jessie Phelan, Admissions Director, at 847-404-5993 with any questions you may have regarding the application process. We look forward to assisting you in determining the best educational placement for your child.

Does Hyde Park Day School feel like a great fit for your child?

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