Enrollment Requirements

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.

We are looking for families who believe in our mission and community, and who are committed to family engagement. We have assembled a list of criteria for interested families. Read below to learn more.

Kindergarten Enrollment Requirements

Age
We require incoming kindergarteners to be 5 years old on or before June 1 of the upcoming school year.

Immunization
Your child must have all required immunizations. We do not accept waivers or exemptions of any kind.

Academics
Although not required, we strongly encourage interested families to enroll their scholar in a preschool or early education program, as it will greatly support kindergarten readiness.

Family Engagement
Mandela is interested in families who are ready to commit to the requirements of completing 25 hours of engagement each school year, which includes a commitment to attendance, punctuality, supporting a child’s academics, school community, and extracurricular interests.

Recommendation
Prospective families will be asked to submit a kindergarten readiness evaluation, to be completed by both the current caregiver as well as a current teacher if the prospective scholar is enrolled in a preschool, or early childhood program.

Summer Availability
Selected applicants must be available to participate in the full-day, summer Kindergarten Jump Start Program in June and July before the school year starts in the fall.

Other Qualifications:

Applicant’s who meet the following criteria will be considered first priority for admission:

Lives within 1.5 miles of the school
Qualifies for Free and Reduced Lunch or Title XX
Scholar lives in a single-parent household or with a non-biological parent as their primary caregiver
One or both biological parents did not complete high school with a traditional four-year experience
There is a sibling living full-time in the same household who is already enrolled at NME

Grades 1-3 Enrollment Requirements

Age
Grades 1-3 Enrollment:
Incoming scholars must be entering grades 1, 2, and 3 for the upcoming fall school year. We do not accept scholars entering grades 4 or 5.

Immunization
Your child must have all required immunizations. We do not accept waivers or exemptions of any kind.

Academics
Interested applicants will be asked to submit their most recent progress report and Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) scores. A prospective scholar’s academic progress will be weighed equally alongside their family engagement and teacher recommendation.

Recommendation
Prospective families will ask their prospective scholar’s current teacher to submit a confidential recommendation, which will evaluate the prospective scholar’s academic potential and behavior, as well as the family’s commitment to attendance, punctuality, and engagement.

Summer Availability
Selected applicants must be available to participate in the full-day, summer Boot Camp Program in June and July before the school year starts in the fall.