Choosing the right educational path for your child represents one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. The private school application process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're seeking an institution that aligns with your family's values while providing exceptional academic preparation. Understanding the admissions timeline and requirements helps ensure you don't miss critical deadlines or opportunities.
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we recognize that families invest considerable time and thought into choosing a christian school that will nurture their child's academic, personal, and character development. Located in the heart of Lochmere, our school has served families throughout western Wake County since 1978, building a reputation for academic excellence and dedicated teachers.
Understanding Private School Admissions
The private school application process differs significantly from public school enrollment. While public schools typically accept students based on residential address, private institutions evaluate multiple factors to determine the best fit for both the student and the school community.
Key Components of Private School Admissions
Private school admissions typically involve several essential elements:
- Application materials including detailed forms, essays, and academic records
- Student assessments to evaluate current skill levels and learning needs
- Family interviews to understand educational goals and values alignment
- Teacher recommendations from current educators
- Rolling or deadline-based admissions timeline
- Tuition and financial aid considerations that require advance planning
This comprehensive approach allows schools to build diverse, engaged communities while ensuring students receive appropriate academic challenge and support.
Benefits of Thorough Evaluation
A detailed admissions timeline serves important purposes:
- Ensures proper student placement in appropriate grade levels and programs
- Identifies learning support needs early in the process
- Allows families to make informed decisions about educational fit
- Builds relationships between families and school staff before enrollment
- Creates opportunities to address questions and concerns proactively
Resurrection Lutheran School: Educational Excellence
Our educational program serves students from junior kindergarten through eighth grade, with each level designed to build upon previous learning while introducing age-appropriate challenges. Read our School Life page for more.
Academic Programs
Junior Kindergarten Program: Students must be four years old by August 31st to enroll. This full-day option mirrors our regular school hours (8:30 AM - 3:00 PM) and focuses on instilling positive attitudes toward education while building readiness skills through weekly unit themes.
Elementary School Experience (K-5): Our elementary program emphasizes foundational academic skills while fostering independence and exploration. Students benefit from:
- Small class sizes that allow for individualized attention
- Dedicated specialists in music, PE, Art, Library, and Technology
- Spanish instruction beginning in junior kindergarten
- Safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued
- Focus on independence and personal responsibility for learning
Middle School Program (6-8): Our middle school focuses on collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership development. Students engage in:
- Rigorous core curriculum emphasizing writing and intellectual depth
- Community service and leadership opportunities including National Junior Honor Society
- Extracurricular activities including sports, art, drama, music, and clubs
- Unique overnight travel opportunities that broaden experiences
- Preparation for honors-level coursework in high school
Accreditation Standards
Resurrection Lutheran School maintains dual accreditation through National Lutheran Schools Association and Cognia, ensuring our programs meet rigorous educational standards. We follow North Carolina State Standards as a baseline while integrating national standards and extension activities.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Understanding each component of the private school application process helps families prepare thoroughly and submit complete applications that showcase their children's strengths.
Initial Inquiry and Campus Tours
The admissions journey begins with families researching educational options and scheduling campus visits.
Ways to begin your inquiry:
- Visit our website at rlscary.org to explore programs and school culture
- Contact our admissions office to schedule tours
- Attend information sessions when available
- Connect with current families to learn about their experiences
Campus visit expectations:
- Guided tour of facilities including classrooms and specialty areas
- Opportunities to observe classes in action
- Meetings with administrators to discuss your child's needs
- Time to ask questions about curriculum and policies
- Introduction to faculty and staff who would work with your child
Required Application Materials
Complete applications include several components that help us understand your child's background and potential.
Essential application materials:
- Completed application form with comprehensive student and family information
- Academic records from current and previous schools
- Teacher recommendations from current educators
- Student writing sample appropriate to grade level
- Immunization records as required by state regulations
Student Assessment and Family Interview
Our evaluation helps us understand each child's academic level and learning style while ensuring appropriate grade placement.
Assessment components include:
- Academic evaluation in core subjects appropriate to grade level
- Student interview to assess communication skills and personality
- Family interview to discuss educational goals and values alignment
- Review of interests and extracurricular involvement
The family interview covers educational priorities, family values, previous school experiences, and questions about our programs to ensure strong partnerships between families and our educational team.
Understanding the Admissions Timeline
Proper timing is crucial in the private school application process. Understanding our admissions timeline helps families plan appropriately and avoid missing critical deadlines.
Recommended Application Schedule
Optimal timeline for fall enrollment:
- September-November: Begin researching schools and requesting information, schedule campus tours
- December 1: Enrollment to public opens; submit your complete applications
- March-April: Complete student assessments and family interviews
- May-June: Receive admissions decisions and make enrollment commitments
- July-August: Attend orientation sessions and prepare for school year
For mid-year enrollment:
- Begin process 2-3 months before desired start date
- Allow additional time for transcript transfers and transition planning
Priority Enrollment Periods
Our admissions timeline includes specific priority periods:
- Currently enrolled families and siblings receive first priority during November
- Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten applications accepted on rolling basis until capacity
- Transfer students considered throughout the year based on available space
- New family applications processed in order of completion
Early application submission is strongly recommended, as some grade levels may reach capacity.
Financial Planning and Investment
Understanding the financial commitment helps families make informed decisions about private education investment.
Tuition and Payment Information
For current tuition rates and comprehensive fee schedules, please visit our Affording Resurrection page for:
- Current year tuition rates for all grade levels
- Additional fees for materials, technology, and activities
- Payment plan options to manage costs throughout the year
- Information about before and after school care services
Financial Aid Opportunities
We believe quality education should be accessible regardless of economic circumstances.
Available financial assistance includes:
- Need-based aid through confidential application process
- Merit scholarships for exceptional academic or leadership potential
- Sibling discounts for families with multiple children enrolled
- Flexible payment plans that spread costs across the academic year
Grade-Level Specific Considerations
Each grade level presents unique considerations during the admissions process.
Early Childhood Education (JK-K)
Important considerations:
- Age requirements: JK students must be 4 by August 31st; K students must be 5
- Developmental readiness for full-day programming
- Social skills and ability to interact with peers
- Basic self-care abilities and following instructions
- Interest in learning activities and age-appropriate focus
Elementary School Transitions
Key assessment areas:
- Reading level and comprehension compared to grade expectations
- Mathematical understanding and problem-solving abilities
- Writing skills including handwriting and composition
- Study habits and independent work capability
- Social integration and adaptability to new environments
Middle School Entry
Evaluation components:
- Academic transcripts showing consistent performance
- Teacher recommendations addressing classroom behavior
- Organizational skills and assignment management
- Leadership potential and extracurricular interest
- Readiness for honors-level coursework preparation
Preparing for Successful Transition
Once admitted, preparing your child for transition helps ensure positive experiences from day one.
Academic Preparation
Support your child's readiness:
- Review basic skills during summer months
- Encourage reading habits with regular practice
- Practice organizational skills and task completion
- Discuss expectations for homework and responsibility
- Foster curiosity about learning opportunities
Social and Emotional Readiness
Help your child prepare emotionally:
- Discuss school change positively while acknowledging nervousness
- Practice social skills and conversation abilities
- Build independence in daily tasks and problem-solving
- Encourage community participation to build confidence
- Establish supportive routines for school success
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start the private school application process?
We recommend beginning the admissions process 6-12 months before your desired enrollment date. For fall enrollment, many families start researching and visiting schools during the previous winter and spring months to allow adequate time for thorough evaluation.
What if my child has learning differences or special educational needs?
We welcome students with diverse learning profiles and work diligently to provide appropriate support within our educational framework. During the admissions process, please share detailed information about your child's specific needs so we can discuss available resources and determine if our program offers the best educational fit.
How do you handle mid-year transfer applications?
Mid-year admissions are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on space availability and the student's ability to transition successfully into our academic and social environment. We work closely with transfer families to ensure smooth academic integration and social adjustment.
What happens if my application is not immediately accepted?
If we cannot offer immediate admission due to space limitations, qualified applicants may be placed on our waiting list for their desired grade level. We maintain regular communication with waiting list families and contact them promptly if spaces become available during the academic year.
Can we schedule multiple campus visits before making our final decision?
Absolutely! We encourage families to visit our campus as often as needed to feel confident and informed about their educational choice. Additional visits can include meetings with specific teachers, observations of particular programs, or conversations with current parents about their experiences.
Joining Our Educational Community
Choosing a christian school means joining a community of families who share similar values and educational priorities. We believe strong school communities are built through active family participation and shared commitment to student success.
For more information about our admissions process or to schedule a campus tour, please contact us. We look forward to learning about your family's educational goals and sharing how Resurrection Lutheran School can support your child's development.
