ADMISSIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Our goal is to provide a stimulating, challenging academic program that is recognized for excellence throughout South Florida.  The purpose of creating an admissions policy is to ensure that the academic and social needs of each student can be satisfactorily met by the Day School.

Parents wishing to enroll their child in the Day School should contact the Day School Office to schedule an introductory meeting.  During this conference, our Schools’ philosophy, curriculum, and educational program will be discussed and any questions that prospective parents have will be answered.  A tour of our facility, including a visit to our classrooms will be conducted.  After this conference, prospective parents will be provided an application for admission.  Parents of prospective students are encouraged to attend one of the scheduled Open Houses.

These application procedures apply to all new students entering the Day School (including students currently attending the ECC).

The Day School accepts children who will benefit from our unique, rigorous program.   The general admission criteria expected of children entering GDS are as follows:

 
              - High-average to superior abilities

              - Acceptable recommendations from previous school(s)

              - Satisfactory conduct records from previous school(s)

  - In-house screening results which reflect social, cognitive and academic functioning

Requirements For Admission

All application materials must be completed and received by the application deadline. The application materials are as follows:

   1. Application Form

   2. $100 application fee

   3. Copy of your child’s birth certificate

   4. Teacher Evaluation Form –  to be completed by the child’s current teacher to evaluate the student

   5. Permission for Release of Records – sign and give to your child’s current school                             
(not applicable if the applicant attends the ECC)

Once the application materials are received, all applicants will undergo in-house screening, which will include a classroom visit and an interview with the Head of School.  During these sessions, each applicant will be assessed both formally and informally for skills and behavior.  If deemed necessary, a child may be asked to undergo psycho-educational testing and/or additional evaluations performed by an outside psychologist approved by the Head of School at the applicant’s expense.  All results will be sent directly to the Day School.  Applicants currently enrolled in the ECC’s Pre-K will be informally evaluated in their current classroom.

Students applying for Grades 3, 4 or 5 should demonstrate knowledge of Hebrew and Judaic Studies.

All applicable federal and state regulations will be adhered to regarding all application evaluations.

Admissions  Decisions

Admissions decisions will be made by the Admissions Committee based on the results of each applicant’s assessment and application materials. Priority in the admissions process will be given as follows: first, to current school families who are members of Beth David Congregation; second, children of Beth David Congregation members not currently enrolled in the school; third, current school families not otherwise affiliated with Beth David Congregation; and fourth, the community at large.  Admission decisions will be mailed in early March.   

Upon acceptance, registration materials must be completed and all registration fees must be paid by the registration deadline.  If the registration materials and fees are not received by the deadline, the applicant’s spot will be forfeited to a child on the waiting list. 

Age Requirements for Admission

When children advance to the elementary grades before they are developmentally ready to cope with this change, they can experience problems academically and/or socially.  To minimize this possibility, we comply with the Florida State requirements that specify the proper entry age for each grade level as:

Kindergarten               Age 5 by September 1

First Grade                  Age 6 by September 1

THE GORDON SCHOOLS OF BETH DAVID CONGREGATION ADMIT STUDENTS OF ANY RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN, WITH ALL OF THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL.  WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN IN ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL AND ADMISSIONS POLICIES, SCHOLARSHIP, OR SCHOOL FEES.