“He is a new kid. The change in his attitude and behavior couldn't have been more dramatic. He has been positively giddy with anticipation every morning and overflowing with joy every evening this week.”
process
Summers-Knoll values the richness of its diversity and actively seeks students from racially, socio-economically and culturally diverse families, including gay and lesbian families, single-parent families, adoptive and foster families.
Assessing the right learning environment for your child can feel like a daunting task. Our admissions process is designed to deepen a parent's understanding and familiarity of Summers-Knoll and to deepen the school's understanding of the child who is applying for admission. Through our admission process, we work to build diverse and dynamic groups of learners who are intellectually curious and who will be eager and excited by the opportunity for exploratory learning.
This process allows us to not only get to know and to consider each individual applicant, but also to ensure that each child who is accepted will thrive in an environment which is intellectually challenging, innovative, thoughtful, intentional and connected. In short, your child will be known here—as an individual and for his or her unique talents, learning style, personality and needs—and will engage in a community of learners whose interest and curiosity match his or her own.
Summers-Knoll is an intentionally small learning environment and our classrooms have limited numbers of students. Opportunities for admission are based on availability.
Summers-Knoll is also a wonderful place for children who are moving to Ann Arbor and the surrounding area during the middle of the school year. The small size, inviting culture and engaging learning environment create a soft spot to land for children who are transitioning to a new living environment. Summers-Knoll is also a excellent option for local families who are interested in moving their child to a new school mid-year. Students and teachers at Summers-Knoll embrace new children and integrate them quickly into the community, making the shift into a new learning environment as positive and seamless as possible.
In looking for a school, there are a host of variables to consider and we want to make sure we have answered all of your questions. While our website, information packets, and open houses provide a variety of information, we realize that you still may have questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about the admissions process.
Step One: Tour or Open House Become familiar with the school through attendance at an open house or through a scheduled visit with the Head of School.
Step Two: Application Submit an application and the application fee. This starts the process internally as we set up an admissions file for your child.
Step Three: Submissions and Visit Complete the steps below. These steps may be completed in any order, depending on scheduling needs, but all steps must be completed before the admissions decision can be made.
Applicant Visit. For entrance to kindergarten or grade 1, your child will visit for a half-day; a full-day for grades 2–3; or two days for grades 4 and 5. A parent ambassador will be assigned to your family to help show you around, answer questions from a parent’s perspective, and orient you at drop-off time. During this visit, your child will participate in classroom activities and has an opportunity to be a part of our learning community. Also, during this visit, Summers-Knoll staff members become acquainted with your child and informally assess his or her academic and social characteristics. The Child Information Record, the Application Form, and application fee must be submitted on or before the day of your child’s visit.
Testing. You will submit the results of your child’s IQ test. The test must have been administered by a licensed psychologist within the last two years. If you do not have the results of such testing, you may arrange to have your child tested by contacting the University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF) at (734) 764-9466. Our student population is comprised of bright, creative, and gifted children who cannot be categorized based solely on a test score. Therefore, we consider multiple factors when admitting potential students, including observations during visitation and review of past school records, in addition to consideration of the detailed information provided in the IQ assessment.
Records. You will provide Summers-Knoll with your child’s academic transcripts or homeschool record, as applicable.
Teacher Evaluation. Your child’s current teacher will fill out the Teacher Evaluation form and return it to the school. Prior to providing this form to your child’s teacher, you will need to indicate on the form that you waive confidentiality so that our teachers may have access to its contents.
Parent/Guardian Questionnaire. You and your child will fill out the Family Questionnaire and return it to school.
Step Four: Committee Review The Admissions Committee assesses the application and makes a decision when the above steps are completed. In addition to working to ensure a good fit between individual children and the school, Summers-Knoll also seeks to put together a balanced and varied group in each class.
Step Five: Status Letter A status letter is sent to your family. If your child has met all of the criteria for admissions, but there is no opening, he or she will be placed in a waiting pool for that school year at your request. If your child is not admitted during the school year for which he or she initially applied, you are welcome to reapply the following year.
Special Note Special consideration is given to siblings of currently-enrolled students. Summers-Knoll holds the sole responsibility for the determination of student status.
