ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Begin your family's journey today.

We are now accepting applications for all Studios, grades Kinder through 9th, for the 2023-2024 school year.  We have very limited availability. 
(*We will continuer to add grade levels until we are a full K-12th grade program.)

We are excited to walk alongside you to determine if an education at Vandermont is a good fit for your child.  Our admission process identifies students who will benefit most from Vandermont's unique learning model and to:  

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• familiarize you and your children with the school's mission, beliefs, and signature learning experiences, and

• help us get to know your family.  

Characteristics that differentiate our model from traditional school are:

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1. Student-driven, self-paced learning

2. Real-world projects (and apprenticeships coming soon)

3. Student self-government

4. Mixed- age studios

5. Teachers serve as guides

6. Socratic discussions rather than lectures

7. Exploration and assessment of skill levels 

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We accept motivated, curious students from families that place value on their child’s education. Vandermont strives to create a school and working environment that is affirming and inclusive. Unfortunately, not all students who apply will be accepted. Each application is reviewed independently. While testing is a vital part of the admission process, the prospective students personal characteristics, prior educational performance, special talents and circumstances are also considered.  Admission decisions consider the student's potential contribution to the collaborative efforts of his/her age level and the school as a whole.

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Who does Vandermont serve?

Students who: 

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• are intellectually curious

• are able to work in an environment that is flexible, student-centered, academically rigorous, and collaborative 

• have parental support and parental involvement in forms of their growth and development

• can thrive in an environment that integrates their academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs 

• are high in character, can manage self-control, and strive for excellence of doing their best in what they do

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*We do not have the support students who require or receive services through an IEP, 504, or similar plan, or students with significant social, emotional, or behavioral issues.

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Parents/Guardians who:

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• seek to partner with Vandermont to help their child develop a love of learning and develop their unique God-given talents and interests while achieving academic and personal goals.

• want their children to become self-directed, independent learners.

• embrace and understand the Vandermont learning model. This includes allowing their child to thrive in a self-paced and environment with a purposeful learning experience at the heart of what they do. 

• believe there is a better way to educate and prepare children for a modern world.

• understand learning should be a holistic approach where subjects are taught in authentic and interdisciplinary ways

• Trailblazers and trendsetters

• People who want to maximize their family time

• Families who value their freedom and want their children to develop a love of learning.

• are open to living and learning within Christian values and willing to accept the Statement of Faith.

• want their child to work in a growth mindset and design/maker environment so they can embrace that trial and error is how we learn.

• embrace a learning model where independence and asking for help are the norm.

• agree with learning to learn and learning to do in order to learn to be.

• believes in a flexible learning environment where a child can move freely with freedom when showing responsibility.

• embrace mastery of skills demonstration over numerical or letter grades.

• understand at Vandermont demonstrating learning will be done through authentic projects and experiences which may include presentations, projects, or video.

• believe that learners deserve to be in a joyful environment where they are challenged, encouraged, and having fun.

• will refrain from protecting their child from failure at all costs.

• parents who prefer to prevent failures for their children at all costs and do everything for them, most likely will not enjoy our model.  We are a place where we challenge to be independent first and try for ourselves before asking for help.