Admissions

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your interest in the Carbondale Community School. We know that you are in the important process of learning about the educational choices that are available for your children. We appreciate the opportunity to tell you the story of the Community School and to let you know how we are different.

Since our doors first opened, Carbondale Community School has held steadfast to the vision of a school where Roaring Fork youth have numerous opportunities to take responsibility for their education and to develop creativity, collaborative problem-solving skills, and innovative mindsets.

Carbondale Community School is a K-8 Roaring Fork School District public charter school. Like other public schools, charter schools are open to all students, receive funding from the state, charge no tuition, and adhere to federal and state education laws.

Enrollment in charter schools is available to all students, including students with disabilities. Information about disabilities will not be requested until a student has been admitted and enrolled in a charter school. For questions regarding the admission and enrollment of students with disabilities in charter schools, you may contact the Roaring Fork School District or Carbondale Community School at 970-963-9647.

What sets our school apart?

We offer our students a diversity of experiences, catering to the  "whole child."  Components integral to our learning program include a focus on foundational academics as well as the social and emotional development of the child, outdoor education and hands-on learning experiences, and an emphasis on the arts and community-based leadership opportunities. We view each student as one-of-a-kind, and our teachers allow the individual child's potential and passion to guide their learning experiences. 

What is the best learning environment for my special child?

As you try to answer this all-important question, we invite you to learn more about our school and to schedule a tour. Please visit our website or call Carbondale Community School. To apply to Carbondale Community School, please read our admissions procedure below. We look forward to meeting you! 

Sincerely,
Sam Richings-Germain
Principal, Carbondale Community School

 

2024 Application Deadlines

• 2024-2025 Application

Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 5, 2024.  All applications received after this date will be considered on a space available basis.

The lottery will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

 We will ask families to accept and confirm enrollment by Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Because there is greater demand for admissions than we have space for students, we use an annual lottery system to select students for enrollment. All prospective students are eligible for the lottery after they have completed the Admissions Process.

Please see the CCS Enrollment Policy for information about lottery priorities. Enrollment is determined by availability. Class sizes are capped for Kindergarten through 8th grades, for a school community of 140 students.

To be eligible for admission, students and their parents must first take the following steps:

Prior to Applying

Get to know CCS prior to the lottery:

• Read a letter from the Principal

• Learn about the school by exploring our website

• Attend a Bilingual School Information Night:  February 8, 2024  5:30 - 7:00 pm

• Tour the school 

  • Spanish/English Tour Dates  * Call 970-963-9647 to make a reservation

    • Wednesday, Feb. 7     8:30-9:30 a.m and 1:30-2:30 p.m.

    • Wednesday, Feb. 14   8:30-9:30 a.m and 1:30-2:30 p.m.

    • Wednesday, Feb. 21    10:45-11:45 a.m.

    •  Wednesday, Feb. 28  10:45-11:45 a.m.

    • Friday, March 1      8:30-9:30 a.m.

    • Friday,  March 8    8:30-9:30 a.m.

• Determine if the school is a good fit and decide to continue the application process. 

• Call the school if you need additional information: 970-963-9647

To Apply

• Complete and submit Application for Admission form by the lottery deadline. The application becomes available in January for the April lottery and August start to school (e.g. January 2024 for 2024/25 school year).

  • 2024-2025 Application for Admission Form

• Look for an email from the school following the lottery. After the lottery, parents will receive an email within 48 hours with the outcome of the lottery. 

  • If you receive notice of acceptance, we ask that you accept (or decline) enrollment within a week.

  • Once a spot has been offered, students entering grades 5-8 may be able to attend for all or part of a school day, once a spot has been offered. Families should call the school to make arrangements.

After Accepting

Please register your student by submitting the following:

• Completed New Student Registration form (emailed to new families)

• Copy of your student’s birth certificate

• Proof of Address

• School fees (See below) 

Need Help? 

Please contact the Front Office at 970-963-9647 or email sshafer@discovercompass.org