Admissions

Admissions Policies

• Children must be at least 24 months and not older than 5 years as of September 1.
• Children may attend 3, 4, or 5 days per week, and their schedule must include either a Monday or Friday (or both).
• ANS is now a 12-month program.
• There are a maximum of 16 children in school each day for the regular program (8:30am–3:00pm), and a limited number of Extended Day (3:00pm–5:30pm) spaces.
• ANS strives to create a school community that reflects the rich diversity of Dorchester and the surrounding neighborhoods. We actively seek applications from all families, regardless of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, cultural heritage, political belief, marital status, or disability.
• Priority is given to returning families and alumni families. Remaining seats are assigned to prospective families based on availability and with consideration given to ANS's goals to build a diverse and equitable community.
• Once the maximum enrollment limit is reached, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list may move dynamically in the first few weeks after admissions decisions are announced, and even sometimes through the summer.

Review our 2024–2025 brochure for more information.

Cooperative Requirements

The success of ANS as a creative and educational enterprise depends on the commitment, involvement, financial responsibility, and cooperation of families. Choosing to send your child to this school means accepting responsibilities and duties which are routinely handled in other organizations by paid administrators.

Parents and guardians attend general meetings (typically held weekday evenings), join standing committees, and participate in regularly-scheduled work and general maintenance programs (typically a weekend day). A parent/guardian from each family must fulfill one Parent Teaching day a month to help care for the children, assist with activities, and participate in clean-up chores. All families are required to participate and assist in the annual fundraiser and yard sale.

Required parent duties include but are not limited to:

• Parent teaching: Assist in the classroom one day per quarter.
• Committee Membership: Serve on a committee, (fundraising, equity facilities, admissions, hospitality, Etc.)
• All-Family Meetings: Attend three general family meetings.
• Clean-up Day: Dedicate a weekend day to preparing the classrooms and playground for the school year.
• Fundraising: Assist with the annual auction and yard sale projects.
• Open House: Assist at the spring and fall open house events.

Application Process

Step 1: Attend the Fall or Winter Open House 

Open House is held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. he next season's open house schedule is announced at the start of each semester.

    - If you are unable to attend an Open House, contact the Admissions Committee to schedule a school visit and tour in March.

Step 2: Submit an admissions application

The school is currently operating a full-year program. Families interested in applying for a spot must fill out the online Application Form.

Step 3: Pay the $40 application fee.

The fee can be paid by credit car via our online payment system.