Admissions

Who Should Apply?

If you are a neurodivergent student who:

Wants to learn more about the people, possibilities, and problems in our world,
Wants to learn more about neurodiversity, and how it applies to you, and
Wants to have meaningful, mutually supportive friendships with like-minded peers and caring adults

then Temple Grandin School might be the right learning environment for you! But you have to want to be here, and be willing to accept support and guidance from adults who care about you and want you to succeed.

If you are the parent of a neurodivergent student who:

Sees your student’s potential, and are looking for flexible partners who can help them realize it
Sees what’s not working in your student’s current school, and are ready to support your student in trying something new
Seeks to share the joys and challenges of neurodiversity with other families traveling the same journey

then Temple Grandin School might be the right community for your student and family. Talk with your student about TGS, and contact us to learn more about how we work with students and families like yours. We’re passionate about these students, and want them to find a school that works. If school’s got you stuck, our application process can help you move forward, even if you don’t choose to send your student to TGS.

Application Process

Ready to explore TGS with your student? Give us a call or submit an inquiry form, and we’ll walk you through the process…from INQUIRY to APPLICATION to DECISION.

Step 1

Submit an Inquiry Form to let us know you’re interested. We’ll pair you with an admissions counselor, who will guide you through the process and troubleshoot any problems you encounter along the way.

Submit an Inquiry Form

Step 2

Schedule a tour.
Come as a family to join us for Morning Meeting or lunch. We’ll show you around campus, tell you about our socio-academic programming, and answer any questions you may have.

See Available Tour Dates

Step 3

Complete our admissions application. We’ll gather all the information we need to really understand what your student and your family needs from a school. If we’re not a fit for your student, we’ll tell you. If we think we’re a match for your student’s learning needs, we’ll use everything you’ve shared to start building your student’s program.

Preview Application PDF

Step 4

Come try us out.
Bring your student for a three-day visit to see how we learn and how we play. Encourage your student to show us their authentic self, to connect with other students, to ask for help and see what happens. Ask your student “Can you see yourself at TGS?”

Step 5

Make a decision.
If TGS seems like a good fit for your student, we’ll prepare a contract for your student to enroll. We’ll also ask you and your student to reflect on where they are in their journey toward independence and what they’d like to work on first when they get here. We’ll share some things we noticed during your student’s visits and make sure all systems are go for your student’s first day at TGS.

Admissions FAQ

What types of students should apply?

If you are a neurodivergent student who wants to learn more about the people, possibilities, and problems in our world; wants to learn more about neurodiversity, and how it applies to you; and wants to have meaningful, mutually supportive friendships with like-minded peers and caring adults then Temple Grandin School might be the right learning environment for you! But you have to want to be here, and be willing to accept support and guidance from adults who care about you and want you to succeed. Kids with autism and ADHD are a particularly good fit for our school for neurodivergent students.

What types of parents should apply?

If you are the parent of a neurodivergent student who sees your student’s potential, and are looking for flexible partners who can help them realize it; sees what’s not working in your student’s current school, and are ready to support your student in trying something new; seeks to share the joys and challenges of neurodiversity with other families traveling the same journey then Temple Grandin School might be the right community for your student and family. Talk with your student about TGS, and contact us to learn more about how we work with students and families like yours. We’re passionate about these students, and want them to find a school that works. If school’s got you stuck, our application process can help you move forward, even if you don’t choose to send your student to TGS.

When are deadlines for enrollment to this school for neurodiverse students?

We have rolling admissions, and students may apply at any time. It usually takes around 4 weeks to complete the full application process. The latest enrollment date for the current school year is the start of the fourth academic quarter, usually around March 20.

When can I visit the school?

We welcome visitors of all kinds – prospective neurodiverse students and their parents, prospective donors, community partners, school leaders, and more. Visits can include a building tour, interaction with our neurodiverse students and staff, and a brief classroom observation. Or attend one of our regular open houses. Our staff and student ambassadors are always eager to meet new friends and share what they love about TGS.

Is there an application fee?

The application fee of $250 covers the cost of admissions team review of applications, and the support and supervision provided for students during their three-day school visit.

What documents are required to apply to this school for neurodiverse students?

In addition to the admissions application, we request parents provide us with recent and past diagnostic, educational, or neuropsychological reports as well as current school records. We also request two teacher recommendations be completed by current teachers or other adults who know the student well and can speak to their engagement in educational settings.

When is your admission deadline, and when are applicants notified of admission decisions?

Generally, the admissions process takes 3-6 weeks to complete, and includes a school tour, written application, and 3-day school visit. Following the school visit, applicants can expect a decision within 1-2 weeks. Applicants who complete the admissions process prior to March 20 may be considered for rolling admissions during the current school year.

How are admission decisions made?

All admission decisions are made by committee. Each student application is reviewed with the whole student in mind, as well as the needs of currently enrolled students.

What is the TGS enrollment size?

We typically enroll 20-25 neurodiverse students.

What is the average TGS class size?

Four to eight neurodiverse students, depending on the subject, and current enrollment.

What is the Student : Teacher ratio?

From 4:1 with a max of 8:1, depending on the subject, and current enrollment.

What degrees do TGS Instructors hold? (masters, phd, etc.)?

TGS instructors are highly qualified, with a bachelor’s degree or higher in their content area. Most teachers have master’s degrees or other advanced training appropriate to their field of study. TGS instructors also receive annual training on working with neurodiverse students, and specific training on individual student support plans.

Tuition

At Temple Grandin School, we believe that every student deserves an environment where they can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. If our school is the right fit for your student, we want to make the finances work for your family.

If our “who should apply” at the beginning of this page fits with what you are looking for, please get in touch with us. We encourage you to engage in the application process, regardless of your family’s income level.

Financial Aid

We’re committed to partnering with families to find solutions that make a TGS education accessible. We have interest-free payment plans and need-based financial aid to help bridge the gap between tuition and affordability. Our process is confidential, personalized, and supportive.

Tuition (Financial Aid) FAQ

What is the cost of tuition for neurodivergent students?

Tuition is $48,880 per year. Don’t let a price tag create a barrier to a life changing experience for your student – and you! We offer interest-free payment plans, installment plans, and need-based financial aid. Plus, we can offer advice on how to apply for additional aid programs. 23% of TGS students receive at least some financial aid.

When are the due dates for tuition payments for neurodivergent students?

Full Payment (standard due date): One payment, due August 1.
Installment Option 1: Two payments, 70 percent by August 1, 30 percent by January 1.
Installment Option 2: Twelve equal monthly payments beginning in April for the upcoming school year, beginning in fall.

When are deadlines for financial aid enrollment?

Applicants qualifying for financial aid are considered in the order their applications are submitted. We have rolling admissions, so you can apply any time throughout the year. Returning students receive first priority, followed by new students in the order they apply. The ideal time to apply for financial aid is between January 15 and April 15.

Is financial aid available?

We have interest-free payment plans, installment plans, and need-based financial aid to help bridge the gap between tuition and affordability. In some cases, families can use 529B and other programs to offset TGS tuition.

What documents are required to apply for financial aid?

We ask families to include their current tax return and copies of their W2s. Business owners must submit their business returns and other information relevant to the business. Parents and guardians who are not required to file taxes must submit documents showing all sources of income.

How are aid awards determined?

All financial aid decisions are made by committee. Each student application is reviewed with the whole student in mind.

Do you give aid to International students and students from other states?

Yes. We consider International students and students from other states in our financial aid process.

What happens in cases of divorce, separation, single parents?

For parents who share custody and are separated, divorced, or have never been married, an application, including tax documentation, from each parent is required. Single parents who have no contact with and receive no financial support from the applicant’s other biological parent should provide tax documentation and indicate that the other parent is no contact / does not contribute on their financial aid application.

Do you offer interest-free payment plans?

TGS offers interest-free payment plans to help bridge the gap between tuition and affordability. We’re committed to partnering with families to find solutions that make a TGS education accessible.

Do you offer tuition payment installment plans?

TGS offers two types of installment plans: Two payments, 70 percent by August 1, 30 percent by January 1 OR Twelve equal monthly payments beginning in April for the upcoming school year, beginning in fall. Students who enroll mid-year may have adjusted due dates for payment plans.

Do we need to reapply for financial aid every year for my returning student?

Yes. All current families must reapply for financial aid each year, to ensure TGS receives updated financial information to affirm their level of financial need for the next academic year. Returning families who receive financial aid will not be able to re-enroll a returning student without first completing the financial aid application.

Does tuition cover incidentals – laptop, books, field trips, food?

Tuition covers socio-academic courses, special events, transportation to off-campus activities, and use of an assigned Chromebook. Elective course fees and other incidentals are billed quarterly.

What does financial aid cover?

Financial aid includes assistance for tuition only. Assistance with elective fees may be available in some circumstances.

What is the % of TGS students who receive aid?

24% of TGS students receive at least some financial aid.

Where to next?

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