Admission
At RCA, we use centuries-tested methods to inculcate a love of knowledge, a desire for wisdom, and a reverence for the source of both, our Heavenly Father. The RCA community contains parents, teachers, volunteers, and board members all pulling in the same direction with respect to educating children as an act of faith and obedience.
Our admissions process is designed to educate prospective parents on the classical Christian tradition, and to connect with families who want this particular education for their children. The families that make up our community come from diverse backgrounds but share the desire to educate their children in this way. As a result, there is a high degree of trust between them.
Please see below for the steps needed for admission to RCA.
1. Attend a Rochester Classical Academy Open House (required)
Applications are welcome at any time during the school year. Attendance at an Open House is required for admission, but we understand that some families’ schedules may not allow them to attend one before applying. In such a case, we advise you to apply and make plans to attend the next available Open House by Zoom or in person.
2. Submit Application Materials for Admission
The admission application should take less than an hour but will require several considered answers. The birthday deadline for entrance into the respective grades is December 1st (PreK—age 4, Kindergarten—age 5, 1st Grade—age 6, 2nd Grade—age 7, 3rd Grade—age 8, 4th grade—age 9, 5th grade—age 10, 6th grade…etc). See application checklist below for all applicable materials.
CLICK HERE to apply for admission to Rochester Classical Academy.
3. Submit Application Materials for Tuition Assistance (if applicable)
Families interested in applying for tuition assistance should do so at the same time they apply for admission. Families that do not desire tuition assistance can skip to the next step.
The application for tuition assistance should take about an hour and will require parents to submit several different pieces of financial information. Each page of the application can be saved separately. Tuition assistance is limited and is awarded to eligible families on a first-come, first serve basis until all available assistance for the upcoming school year has been awarded.
4. Upon review of your application materials, RCA will schedule a parent interview
Interviews are with parents only and typically take place on weekdays. Daytime and evening slots available via Zoom.
5. Complete interview
At the interview, we are seeking to know the prospective parents, the goals they have for their children, and how the possibility of attending RCA fits with those goals. As a Christian institution, we would like to hear how prospective parents came to believe in Christ, sometimes referred to as a faith journey.
The setting is casual and will last thirty to forty-five minutes.
6. Admission Decision
Parents will receive a decision within five weeks after the interview and evaluation. Accepted students have two weeks after the acceptance notification to enroll by submitting a signed parent contract and $300 nonrefundable deposit which will be subtracted from the family’s annual tuition contribution. Only after submitting these two items is a student’s spot reserved.
Application Checklist
Pre-Kindergarten
- Pastor recommendation letter for family (download here)
- We expect regular church attendance and good standing from the members of our community but for families in transition, a letter from a former pastor is acceptable. Similarly, we are happy to receive a letter from a deacon or small group leader. The important part is that families seeking to join the RCA community are accountable to a fellowship of believers.
- Provide any Special Learning Tests, Records, Documents
Kindergarten through Grammar School
- Pastor recommendation letter for family (download here)
- We expect regular church attendance and good standing from the members of our community but for families in transition, a letter from a former pastor is acceptable. Similarly, we are happy to receive a letter from a deacon or small group leader. The important part is that families seeking to join the RCA community are accountable to a fellowship of believers.
- Completed teacher recommendation form (download here)
- Provide any Special Learning Tests, Records, Documents
- Grades 1 and higher – Transcript and/or Report Cards
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
Rochester Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Admissions and Enrollment Deadlines for the 2024-25 Academic Year
Dec 1st
Applications are available for new families for following school year
Jan 15th
Feb 15th
Re-enrollment contracts due from current families
In order to hold a spot, the family must pay tuition deposit ($300/family) and return contract by Feb 15. Failure to do either may result in your child losing his or her seat. Extensions on deposit payment may be available with prior notice and board approval.
Mid-Feb
Applications for new families are considered and interviews are scheduled
Mar 15th
Confirmation and Acceptance Letters are mailed to new families
Mar 15th
Notification of tuition assistance/scholarships are mailed to all families, current and new
Mar 30th
Signed tuition contracts due
June 1st
First payment due for the upcoming school year
Aug 1st
Student paperwork is due (emergency forms, vaccinations, etc)
Mid August
Back-to-School Parents’ night (all families)
Sep 3rd
Supply drop-off for new students
Sep 4th
First day of school for all students