Question 1

How does enrollment work at FernLeaf?

Accepted Answer

FernLeaf has an Open Application period where applications are accepted for the FOLLOWING school year. The Open Application period is from January 1st through March 15th. When you apply during this window does NOT affect your chances of winning the lottery. FernLeaf's lottery is then held within 2 weeks of the Open Application period closing. The lottery then determines enrollment as well as the order of the waitlist.

Once the Open Application period is closed, all further applications are added to the waitlist for that student's specific grade level in the order that they are received.

Question 2

How do I apply to enroll my child at FernLeaf?

Accepted Answer

Families new to FernLeaf must apply through the FernLeaf website. The application process is minimal and takes no more than a couple of minutes to complete!

Head to our application here. (https://www.fernleafccs.org/tour-apply)

Question 3

How do I know what school year I'm applying for?

Accepted Answer

All applications received between January 1st and March 15th (this time period is referred to as Open Enrollment OR Open Application Period) will be entered into our annual school lottery and will be for the NEXT school year. The lottery is held shortly after this period closes and will create our waitlist as well as class rosters.

If you are filling out an application on or after March 16th, your application will be accepted and added to our waitlist in the order that they are received.

Question 4

Does applying earlier during the open application period help my student's chances of enrollment?

Accepted Answer

No, all applications received in the open application period are entered into the lottery, which determines both the order that students that are offered enrollment and the order of the initial waitlist. Applications received after the open application period are placed at the bottom of the waitlist in the order they are received.

Question 5

At what age can my child start at FernLeaf?

Accepted Answer

A child must be five years old on or before August 31st of the year for which they are applying for a Kindergarten slot at FernLeaf.

Question 6

What information do I need to complete an application?

Accepted Answer

Basic personal information including the student's name, grade level for the school year you are applying for and phone number are all that are required to apply.

Question 7

How long does it take to submit an application?

Accepted Answer

It takes about 1 minute and 30 seconds to complete the requested application information.

Question 8

Do I have to live in Henderson County to apply?

Accepted Answer

No, any student who meets eligibility requirements for enrollment in North Carolina Public Schools may apply.

Question 9

Who can I contact if I’m a prospective FernLeaf parent with questions about Exceptional Children (EC)/Special Education services or my child’s current IEP?

Accepted Answer

If you’re exploring FernLeaf and have questions about your child’s learning needs, available EC services, or an existing IEP, our EC Team is here to help. Please reach out by completing this form.(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0d7luJtn0x3QyPhTByr6cA9mFdChO4PeswxGd4gsMZKp4hw/viewform)

Question 10

How will I know if FernLeaf has received my application and if it is complete?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a confirmation email from FernLeaf stating your application was submitted successfully.

Question 11

I've heard FernLeaf is difficult to get into. What are my odds of being offered a slot at FernLeaf?

Accepted Answer

This is a difficult question to answer as "the odds" change every year based on how many slots are available in each grade level AND how many applications we receive for that grade level. Enrollment trends also change from year to year, so it is difficult to determine probability. Applying is fast and easy though so you have nothing to lose!

All applications received on or after March 16th are added to the waitlist in the order they are received.

Question 12

How will I know if my child has been offered a slot at FernLeaf?

Accepted Answer

Immediately following the lottery, a student's individual result will be emailed to the email address used when the application was submitted. Families will be notified either that they received a slot for the following school year OR their place on the waitlist.

Families may also contact the school directly, via phone or email, at any time.

Question 13

How can I find out my child's place on the waitlist?

Accepted Answer

Immediately following the lottery, a student's individual result will be emailed to the email address used when the application was submitted. Families will be notified either that they received a slot for the following school year OR their place on the waitlist.

Families may also contact the school directly, via phone or email, at any time.

Question 14

How does FernLeaf's lottery work?

Accepted Answer

FernLeaf's open application period is between January 1st - March 15th for the following school year and any applications we receive during that time frame are placed into the lottery.

It does not matter if you applied first or you applied last within this time frame as all valid applications are randomized and selected blindly.

Essentially we take all the names, place them in a hat, and draw them out one by one to create the order of both enrollment as well as the waitlist for each grade level. We of course do not use this "hat" method, but utilize a computer program that essentially performs the same function.

Question 15

How does the lottery work if I have twins or other multiple birth siblings?

Accepted Answer

Multiple birth siblings will be entered as one number into any grade level lottery. If this number is drawn all multiple birth siblings will be offered enrollment.

Question 16

If my child didn't get in last year but was on the waitlist, do I need to re-apply this year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will need to reapply during the Open Application period of January 1st through March 15th of the following year. The waitlist does not carry over from one year to the next.

Question 17

I still have questions. How do I learn more?

Accepted Answer

There are a few different options available to you.
1. Sign up for an in-person tour,(javascript:void(0)) see our school in action AND get all of your questions answered by someone on our staff. 
2. Sign up for our email list (https://fernleafccs.myflodesk.com/qmw26on1da)and we'll send you 4-6 emails over a 4 week period that go more into depth on what makes FernLeaf truly unique! We'll also email you about events and reminders about when Open Enrollment begins & ends! 
3. Call or email our AMAZING enrollment coordinator at: 
	  info@fernleafccs.org (info@fernleafccs.org)OR 828.630.1150

We can't wait to meet you!

Question 18

How much does it cost to attend FernLeaf?

Accepted Answer

FernLeaf is public charter school in NC and is, therefore, tuition free. There is no tuition type cost to attend FernLeaf.

Question 19

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located in Fletcher, NC about 20 minutes south of Asheville and 20 minutes north of Hendersonville.

Check out our campuses page here to see virtual tours and addresses of both of our campuses: https://www.fernleafccs.org/campuses (https://www.fernleafccs.org/campuses)

Question 20

Can students have cell phones at school?

Accepted Answer

We are a cellphone free campus. We ask all K-8th grade students to keep their cell phones at home during the school day. If a student needs to be reached during the school day we ask parents to call the office and teachers will convey the message. Students are always able to call home using phones in the classrooms.

FernLeaf High School students are permitted to bring cellphones to school (for use after school and when off campus) but are not permitted to use them at any time while on campus or while engaged in school sponsored activities.

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