Middle School Enrollment Process
At The Sharon Academy, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive learning environment based on the individual needs of our students. The first steps of our Enrollment Process are designed to help families learn more about the culture and curriculum at TSA. Once students enroll at TSA, the process then helps our school to get to know them as people and as learners so that we can provide the challenge and support they need as they begin the school year.
The steps of how to enroll are detailed below. Each step is a required part of the process. Please remember that TSA enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis until the class is full. When an individual class, cohort, or division reaches enrollment capacity, additional enrollees are placed on a waiting list which is also first-come, first-served.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us at (802) 763.2500 x203 or enrollment@sharonacademy.net
Step 1: Arrange a Virtual Visit
Purpose: To learn more about TSA and to schedule a virtual school visit.
What you can expect: We will answer any questions you may have about TSA and ask questions about your student in order to customize your virtual visit.
TSA holds approval to provide Special Education services for students on IEPs in disability areas of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) and Other Health Impaired (OHI). If you believe your student may require Special Education services while at TSA, please read details of our Special Education Approval at the bottom of this page and be sure to mention your child’s previous Special Education needs during your initial conversation.
Contact Information: (802) 763.2500 x203; enrollment@sharonacademy.net. Alternatively, fill out our Visit Request Form.
Step 2: Complete a Visit Day
Student visits TSA
Purpose: To experience TSA firsthand.
What you can expect: In the morning, you and your student will meet with Andrew Lane, Director of the Middle School. He will answer your questions about TSA, provide you with a copy of our Enrollment Form, and introduce you to the TSA host student. Your student will attend classes with their host student through a full day of school.
Virtual visits are also a possibility—just let us know.
Step 3: Fill Out Enrollment Form
Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis until the class is full.
Purpose: TSA’s Enrollment Form provides our school with the information needed to enroll your student in TSA. A paper copy is also available.
Step 4: Complete TSA’s Learner Profile
The student and family provide additional information to help customize the student’s educational experience
Purpose: One of the ways in which TSA supports our students’ individual growth is through the information provided in the Learner Profile. The Learner Profile provides us with information that will inform our teachers as they work to set up supports and classes for your student. Much of the information submitted with the packet will also become part of your student’s digital Personal Learning Plan folder. We will send you a Learner Profile once we receive your completed Enrollment Form.
Step 5: Meet for a Virtual Learner Profile Conference
The student and family conference with Andrew Lane, Director of the Middle School
Purpose: TSA’s conference process is designed to get to know your student and their needs, and prepare our staff to provide the appropriate level of support and challenge for your student beginning on the first day of school. Please note: This is an essential step in our enrollment process, and should be completed by June 3.
What you can expect: Once we have the complete Learner Profile, we will call to schedule a virtual Learner Profile Conference. This conference is a friendly, in-depth conversation between parents, the student, and Andrew Lane where your student will be asked to think about who they are, how they learn best, what challenges they might face as a student, and in what educational environment they feel they would flourish.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
As of July 1, 2023, TSA will be approved to receive students on any special education plan. If you are planning to enroll for the 22-23 school year, please reach out to our team to learn about the currently approved categories. Of course, TSA also accommodates eligible students with disabilities in accordance with and to the limits of state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Please notify us at the time that you submit the enrollment form if your child is or has been on an IEP, a Section 504 Plan, or an Educational Support Plan so that we can coordinate the implementation of placement and program with TSA staff, you as parents, your student and/or the sending school district. These conversations regarding the best implementation of
our program ideally take place prior to enrollment and then throughout your time in our learning community.
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy: The Sharon Academy does not discriminate on the basis of a student’s, applicant’s, employee’s, former employee’s or his/her family member’s actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic origin, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, age, military/uniformed service or veteran’s status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), crime victims or other legally protected classification in the provision and administration of its activities, services, educational programs and policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, and access provided to the public, in accordance with and to the limits of applicable requirements of state and federal laws.
TSA complies with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other applicable state and federal laws with respect to accommodating individuals with disabilities. TSA provides special education to eligible students in accordance with the School’s special education approval from the State of Vermont in the categories of Specific Learning Disability and Other Health Impairment, state and federal legal requirements, the School’s policies, and in coordination with the student’s school district.