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New School Year Applicants

We’re delighted you’re interested in applying to Commonwealth Academy! Our website and social media provide valuable background information about C/A’s unique strengths as a school, but the best way to decide if it is the best match for your child is to talk to our Director of Admissions, Mr. Gwilliam (703.548.6912, ext. 100).

While Commonwealth Academy supports diversity in our student and staff populations, we are unable to issue I-20 forms in support of non-immigrant applications to study in the United States. Thank you for your understanding.

Here are the typical steps in the Admission process for new students:

We’re delighted you’re interested in applying to Commonwealth Academy! Our building may be closed, but remote learning is functioning smoothly and will continue until the end of the school year. Please know that our Admissions Office remains open for business!

To decide if Commonwealth Academy is the best match for your child, please talk to our Director of Admissions, Mr. Gwilliam (703.548.6912, ext. 100).

While Commonwealth Academy supports diversity in our student and staff populations, we are unable to issue I-20 forms in support of non-immigrant applications to study in the United States. Thank you for your understanding.

Here are the typical steps in the Admission process for new students:

1. Contact Josh Gwilliam, Director of Admissions:

Mr. Gwilliam can be reached by phone (703.548.6912, Ext. 100) or email (admissions@ca-empowers.org). Interested parents may prefer to complete our Online Inquiry form. Click HERE.

Mr. Gwilliam will need the most recent standardized test results available, including diagnostic testing if your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and/or a learning difference. We may request additional testing if the results are more than three years old. Educational test results are just the first step in ascertaining whether your child appears to be an appropriate candidate for admission. Please feel free to forward this information with your inquiry.

2. Parent Interview:

If your child’s profile aligns with the Mission of C/A, we will invite parents to an initial telephone or online virtual interview. The interview will give you the chance to ask questions about our school and give us an opportunity to learn more about your child. Due to recent circumstances, we are not permitted on campus. We are asking parents to review our website and visit our social media pages. Post parent interview we would be delighted to connect you with current Commonwealth Academy families.

3. Student Interview:

To give your child the opportunity to learn more about C/A and for us to learn more about your child, your child will meet virtually with the Director of Admissions. We use this time to deepen our understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, interests, and learning style.

4. Submit an Application:

C/A has an online common application for all grades so some questions do not pertain to younger applicants.

After parents have met with the Admissions Director or Head of School, they may click HERE to begin the application process. Please complete everything that applies to you and your child, and submit the application with the application fee. The $125.00 application fee for the 2020-2021 School Year may be paid online through a secure website by clicking HERE.

New student applications are due no later than the last day of January to be considered for early March notification. 

All applications received after the application deadline will be evaluated as they are made.

5. Submit Supporting Application Materials:

  • A teacher recommendation from your applicant’s current teacher. Teacher recommendations are confidential and must be submitted directly from the teacher or the school to C/A. The recommendation forms can be downloaded when you complete the online application. Or click HERE for the recommendation form. We also accept the AISGW Common Recommendation Form.

  • Progress Reports/Transcripts. Progress or academic reports are required for Lower and Middle School applicants. Transcripts are required for High School applicants, as well as any Middle School applicants who have earned high school credit. Official academic records are required and must be submitted directly to C/A from your child’s current school.

6. Shadow Day:

Due to the current situation, Commonwealth Academy is forgoing shadow days. Instead, we may request that your child meet virtually with specific members of the Admissions Committee, such as the Division Director or our Director of Student Support Services.

7. Application Reviewed:

The Admissions Committee will meet to determine the fit of placement and decide if a student is to be offered an invitation to attend.

8. Notification:

Official notifications will be emailed or families will be notified via phone call once the Admissions Committee has reached a decision.

9. Accepted Applicant Replies:

Families notify C/A if they accept the offer to join our school by returning the contract with the non-refundable registration fee ($1,500.00), on or before the date specified in the Enrollment Contract.

The non-refundable registration fee, which will be applied toward the student's tuition, may be paid online through a secure website by clicking HERE.