How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in having your child attend Nelson Mandela Elementary (NME). At NME, we strongly believe in our mission:
The mission of Nelson Mandela Elementary is to provide quality instruction that demonstrates ALL scholars can learn and develop academically, emotionally, socially and physically. Nelson Mandela Elementary is committed to maximizing the educational success of all scholars and bridging the learning and achievement gaps.
In order to fulfill our mission and make sure we are best serving our community, we have a thorough application process. Please read all details below to understand the process.
Application Steps - Kindergarten Enrollment
All communication during the enrollment process will happen via email, with the exception of the final acceptance letter. It is the responsibility of interested applicants to provide correct contact information.
Applicants who fail to complete any of the required steps will automatically not be accepted into the program.
1. Complete an application on the NME website. Click here to view enrollment requirements.
2. Attend a mandatory Zoom informational meeting
3. Check email for enrollment status updates
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
4. Pick up required paperwork from Nelson Mandela Elementary
5. Complete paperwork: Full scholar application, submit an original, raised-seal birth certificate (a copy will be made at the office), immunization and health records, address verification, and guardianship documents (if applicable), and additional permissions.
6. Check email for enrollment status updates
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
7. Attend Kindergarten Round Up.
8. Schedule a parent interview
9. Check email for enrollment status updates
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
10. Selected scholars will participate in the Kindergarten Jump Start Program.
11. Check mail for an acceptance letter
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
12. Celebrate your scholar’s enrollment into Nelson Mandela Elementary at Acceptance Night
Application Timeline - Kindergarten Enrollment
All communication during the enrollment process will happen via email, with the exception of the final acceptance letter. It is the responsibility of interested applicants to provide correct contact information.
Applicants who fail to complete any of the required steps will automatically not be accepted into the program.
December 1: Application is available for all interested applicants on the NME website. Click here to view enrollment requirements.
December 31: Application closes.
Early-Mid January: Mandatory Zoom Informational Meeting. Applicants will be contacted via email with their status in the enrollment process.
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
February: Selected applicants will attend Kindergarten Round Up, complete interviews, and submit paperwork.
March 1: All paperwork is due. Deadline for an interview to be scheduled.
March 1-31: Interviews will conclude. Applications will be reviewed.
Early April: Applicants will be contacted via email with their status in the enrollment process.
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
June/July: Selected scholars will participate in the Kindergarten Jump Start Program.
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
Mid-July: Accepted scholars will participate in Acceptance Night.
Kindergarten Jump Start Program
Selected scholars will be asked to participate in the full-day Kindergarten Jumpstart Program, which is M-F 8:00-3:30pm in June and July at the Nelson Mandela Early Childhood Development Center. Scholars will participate in reading, writing, and math, and purposeful play activities. They will visit the elementary school for breakfast and lunch to familiarize themselves with the school.
The Kindergarten Jump Start Program is the final opportunity for prospective families to demonstrate their commitment to attendance, punctuality, and engagement. Prospective scholars will also be evaluated on their academics, behavior, and kindergarten readiness.
Application Steps - Grades 1-3 Enrollment
All communication during the enrollment process will happen via email, with the exception of the final acceptance letter. It is the responsibility of interested applicants to provide correct contact information.
Applicants who fail to complete any of the required steps will automatically not be accepted into the program.
1. Complete an application on the NME website. Click here to view enrollment requirements.
2. Submit a teacher recommendation, most recent progress report, and MAP scores.
3. Attend a mandatory Zoom informational meeting.
4. Check email for enrollment status updates
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
5. Complete paperwork: Full scholar application, submit an original, raised-seal birth certificate (a copy will be made at the office), immunization and health records, address verification, and guardianship documents (if applicable), and additional permissions.
6. Schedule and complete a parent interview
7. Check email for enrollment status updates
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
8. Selected scholars will participate in the Summer Boot Camp Program
9. Check mail for enrollment status updates
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
10. Celebrate your scholar’s enrollment into Nelson Mandela Elementary at Acceptance Night
Application Timeline - Grades 1-3 Enrollment
All communication during the enrollment process will happen via email, with the exception of the final acceptance letter. It is the responsibility of interested applicants to provide correct contact information.
Applicants who fail to complete any of the required steps will automatically not be accepted into the program.
March 1: Application is available for all interested applicants on the NME website. Families will submit a teacher recommendation and most recent progress report and MAP scores. Click here to view enrollment requirements.
March 31: Application closes.
Early April: Mandatory Zoom Informational Meeting. Applicants will be contacted via email with their status in the enrollment process.
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
April: Selected pre-applicants will complete interviews and paperwork.
May 1: Deadline for paperwork and interviews. Applications will be reviewed.
Early May: Enrollment status emails will be sent out.
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
June/July: Selected scholars will participate in the Summer Boot Camp Program.
—If selected to move forward in the enrollment process—
Mid-July: Accepted scholars will celebrate their enrollment into Nelson Mandela Elementary at Acceptance Night.
Summer Boot Camp Program
Selected scholars will be asked to participate in the full-day Summer Boot Camp Program, which is M-F 8:00-3:30pm in June and July. In the mornings, they will learn the Spalding reading and writing curriculum, explore Zearn math, and begin the violin basics. They will then join their current grade level for lunch in the afternoon and participate in enrichment activities.
The Summer Boot Camp Program is the final opportunity for prospective families to demonstrate their commitment to attendance, punctuality, and engagement. Prospective scholars will also be evaluated on their academics and behavior.
