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PARAGON PREP

ADMISSIONS POLICY

I. Philosophy

Paragon Prep welcomes and seeks applicants of diverse religious, racial, economic and ethnic backgrounds, as well as students with varied learning styles and physical abilities who are willing and able to benefit from the school’s program. The school seeks to create a diverse community which represents a microcosm of the Austin community. We believe that this diversity, in itself, becomes further stimulus for learning, open mindedness, and self-awareness. In addition, we expect that each student will bring to the school high standards for personal and academic development and will contribute positively to the school and the community. Auxiliary aids and services may be available for those otherwise qualified students with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodation.

II. Admission Guidelines

A. The school’s mission and admissions philosophy shall guide the Admissions Committee’s decisions.

B. No decision shall be made concerning an applicant for more than one year at a time. Applicants may apply only during the school year immediately prior to the one in which they will expect to enroll.

C. Student Acceptance Criteria

1. The Admission Committee includes among the factors it considers for acceptance of applicants the following:

a. Above average and average standardized test scores

b. Above average and average school records and scholastic ability

c. Above average and average admissions test scores

d. Positive teacher evaluations

e. Successful interview

f. Successful visit day

g. Motivation to learn

2. The Admission Committee should have the discretion to consider other appropriate criteria, in addition to those listed above.

3. Those candidates with a demonstrated academic need in identified area(s) may be considered for acceptance with a requirement or recommendation of tutoring.

D. Wait Pool

When there are more qualified candidates for admission than there are spaces available, certain qualified candidates identified by the Admission Committee may be offered positions in the wait pool.

E. Decline Admissions:

The Admission Committee should usually deny admission to applicants to fall within any of the following categories:

1. An applicant who is expected, based on past performance, to have difficulty in meeting the academic requirements of Paragon Prep

2. An applicant with a history of behavior problems who also shows an unwillingness or inability to change his or her behavior in order to meet success at Paragon Prep

3. An applicant who has indicated during the admission process a sincere desire NOT to attend Paragon Prep even though other qualifications may have been met

The Admission Committee has the discretion to apply other appropriate considerations in making a decision to accept or reject an application to Paragon Prep.

F. Children of Alumni, Friends, Faculty and Staff, Siblings of Enrolled Students and Siblings of Alumni

If all other factors are nearly equal, children of alumni, friends, faculty and staff, and siblings of enrolled students and alumni who meet academic and other criteria may be given preferred consideration for admission.

G. Late Admissions

Decisions on late admission will be determined by existing enrollment in the appropriate grade level, ability of the applicant to “make-up” academic loss, if necessary, and the above admission criteria and policies. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis.

H. Leave of Absence

1. A current Paragon Prep student who is in excellent standing may require a leave of absence for up to one academic year. If Paragon Prep grants the requested leave of absence, the student shall be assured a place in the school without being required to reapply.

2. The grade level of a student returning from an approved leave of absence of not more than one academic year will be determined by records from school(s) attended during the leave, possible additional testing upon the student’s return, and other factors deemed appropriate by Paragon Prep.

3. A student who leaves Paragon Prep for longer than a single academic year or who leaves other than pursuant to an approved leave of absence will be required to reapply for admission through the normal admission process.

I. Grade Placement

In some cases, applicants may ask to skip or repeat a grade, or Paragon Prep may require that a student skip or repeat a grade. In all cases, students will be evaluated and placed at grade level commensurate with their academic ability and maturity level as determined at the discretion of Paragon Prep.

J. Foreign Students

1. Students residing outside of the United States will be admitted based on the same criteria used for admission of students who reside in the United States.

2. All applicants will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

3. The interview may be waived for foreign students applying to Paragon Prep.

K. All decisions on admission to Paragon Prep, and the application of the criteria and procedures set forth in the admission policy, are within the discretion of Paragon Prep and its Admission Committee.

L. Paragon Prep shall not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant for

admission on the basis of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, or any other legally protected status.

III. Continuing Enrollment

Enrollment contracts for Paragon are one year in length. Each spring, Paragon will offer invitations of re-enrollment to all students who demonstrate success in regards to their academic performance and classroom behavior.

Paragon Prep reserves the right to dismiss or decline re-enrollment to any student at any time for reasons deemed appropriate by the school.