FAQs

For the 2025-26 school year, VALE will be accepting incoming 9th graders (current 8th graders during the 24-25 school year). Enrollments for various grades will depend on numbers of student interest, but our maximum is 40 students per grade. Please apply early, as we do anticipate a wait list for next year!

Families will hear back about enrollment decisions in March each year.

• Students will be accepted at semester intervals based on availability. If there is an opening at a specific grade level, then students will be accepted in the submission order of their application acceptance.
• Applications are open year-round. The link will remain open, even if we have reached capacity to allow for waitlisted students to be accepted as spots open.
• Interviews of students and families will begin in December with an intent to move toward line of enrollment. We encourage all interested families to open enroll in backup schools as space is limited.
• VALE does not participate in open enrollment, so the open enrollment due dates put out by the district do not apply.
• Students will hear back about enrollment decisions in March each year.

• Our students choose to be here. We are not a placement school, and students are not assigned to us for behavior, academic, or personal issues. One of the most important principles that contribute to the success of VALE and its students is the fact that students and families choose VALE. Choosing VALE means that you are fully aware of our programming pathways and are committed to attending and participating in VALE programming.
• We are a small by design high school. This means that inclusion, belonging and personalized learning play a pivotal role in the VALE experience. Be ready for strong adult/student relationships, a close knit peer group, and the opportunity for you to engage and challenge your own learning process. You cannot and will not hide at VALE.
• Choosing VALE means you are willing to make a commitment for at least the remaining school year with a long term goal of engaging you in a deeply thoughtful 4 year pathway to leadership and entrepreneurship.

• Complete the Interest Form so that a VALE team member can reach out to schedule an information/orientation session.
• The information/orientation session will walk families through VALE curriculum and engage in a question/answer session to ensure that VALE is a good fit for your family.
• Once the application process is completed, a VALE staff member will reach out to schedule an interview. The purpose of this interview is NOT to screen out students but rather build the beginning of your child’s student portfolio and a personalized learning portrait.
• After the interview concludes, your student is put on the waitlist. Based on the time of the year, seats will be filled from this waitlist.
• Students will hear back about enrollment decisions in March each year.

• The waitlist is not necessarily first-come, first-served. Once the application is received, your student will be scheduled for an interview in the order of application receipt.
• Once the interview is complete, if all families are in agreement that enrollment at VALE is in the best interest of the student, then VALE will move forward with enrollment.
• The registrar will reach out for more information and/or school documentation to finalize the enrollment process. Prompt response in obtaining required paperwork will help ensure that the seat open can still be offered. If a student delays in retrieving missing portions of their application (copy of IEP, 504, conflicting enrollment information from sending school, etc), the opening may be offered to another family.

Students are not precluded from admittance due to IEP/504/ELP, etc. Students will receive a conditional acceptance and VALE will meet with the student to ensure we can provide a quality, thoughtful, and engaged student experience.