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Access and Admissions Policy

At Coyote Ridge, we foster the development of the IB Learner Profile. The IB Learner Profile aims to develop learners who are:

  • Inquirers
  • Knowledgeable
  • Thinkers
  • Communicators
  • Principled
  • Open-minded
  • Caring
  • Risk-takers
  • Balanced
  • Reflective

Our school focus on the attributes of the Learner Profile helps to create and maintain a positive school culture and learning environment. Our IB policies, including the Access and Admissions policy, document our commitment to creating an environment in which the IB philosophy can thrive. Our students and staff strive to be internationally-minded learners who take action for positive change.

Philosophy

The Thompson School District and Coyote Ridge Elementary School believe that all students deserve the opportunity to participate in and receive a tuition-free and high-quality education. As such, parents of all school-aged children are encouraged to apply for admission to Coyote Ridge Elementary School. The Thompson School District and Coyote Ridge Elementary School also believe that parents should have agency in making educational decisions for their children while also valuing the local school as an important hub of the school community. Accordingly, children who reside within the school attendance boundaries are guaranteed admission and children who reside outside of said boundaries are considered for admission on a space-available basis.

Practices

  • According to the Thompson School District non-discrimination policy: All students regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, immigration/citizenship status, age, marital status, conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, mental or physical disability, need for special education services, or any other protected class in conformance with federal, state, and local law are guaranteed a free, safe, and equal education. The Thompson School District and Coyote Ridge Elementary School are committed to providing a safe learning and work environment where all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect.

  • Age Requirements - According to the Thompson School District website, a child may enter kindergarten if they are 5 years old on or before October 1st. A younger child who does not meet this entrance age requirement for kindergarten may be accepted if transferring from another kindergarten program and the principal or designee determines that placement of the child in kindergarten is appropriate. A child who is 4 years old on or before the district’s start date for kindergarten and has been identified as a highly gifted student, in accordance with applicable state law, may enroll in kindergarten if the early entrance committee determines that placement of the child in kindergarten is appropriate.

  • Registration Requirements - Proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records and physical, current report card or transcript for transferring students

  • Choice Enrollment - The Thompson School District and Coyote Ridge Elementary School offer choice enrollment. Students who live outside of the school boundaries may apply to enroll at our school. Thompson School District Choice Enrollment Process

  • Coyote Ridge Elementary has an Early Childhood Program. Colorado Early Childhood/Preschool information can be found here.

    • Head Start
    • Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado
    • Child Find/Special Education
    • Tuition Based - There are a limited number of tuition-based slots for 3 year olds for families who do not meet the criteria for free preschool. Placement is done through a lottery system.

Sharing the Policy

This policy will be posted on the Coyote Ridge school website and shared with families at a School Improvement Team meeting. This policy is shared with staff through Google Drive in the Policies and Essential Agreements folder.

Further Reviews

The staff will review the Access and Admissions Policy annually for changes and additions. This annual discussion will ensure that all staff members are aware of the policy and adhere to our agreements. We would like this document to be an accurate reflection of our philosophy and practices.

Contributors

This policy is the result of collaboration between many staff members at Coyote Ridge. The latest major revision of this policy was facilitated by our Media Technology Specialist and Principal. A small group of teachers with representation from primary, intermediate, special education, and single subject teachers assisted the two policy revision leaders. The PYP coordinator was also involved with the revision of each policy. The full staff reviewed and approved the final policy.