Admissions Criteria

Children within the full spectrum of intellectual and developmental disabilities, from borderline to severe and profound, are considered for admission. Due to our licensing status, all students must meet the criteria for a diagnosis of 'mental retardation' (MR). Children categorized as learning disabled, brain injured, autistic, emotionally disturbed, neurologically impaired, and multiply handicapped also will be considered, as long as an MR diagnosis is applicable as well.

Non-ambulatory children and children with other severe physical disabilities will be considered on an individual basis to determine if our School is most appropriate to meet their needs. All children must be deemed potentially capable of integration into Camphill’s village-like setting.

Parents or guardians must be willing to make the required personal involvement with our school’s staff and programs, as well as with their own child.

After Admission

After residential admission an "adjustment period" of six weeks without parental visits is recommended, but can be adjusted according to the specific needs of each child. After the adjustment period, of course, visits on a regular basis are encouraged. Children for whom there is some question about appropriate placement will be given a probationary period before final acceptance.

Dismissal or Withdrawal

Dismissal or withdrawal requires written notice four weeks in advance. Due process is followed for Department of Education placements.

Waiting List

Students are admitted to fill existing or expected vacancies. Children for whom there is no immediate vacancy, but for whom one is foreseeable in the near future, are placed on an “on call” status, or short-term wait list. There is no long-term wait list.

Medical and Dental

Medical insurance for each student must be provided by the parents. A dental exam is required before admission and twice a year thereafter during vacation periods. Parents are responsible for these dental exams and documentation is required.

Vacations

The school year is September through June, with all students leaving during vacations. Our school is closed for one week at Thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas, two weeks in the spring, and from mid-June through Labor Day (see our calendar for details).

During vacations students become the responsibility of their parents, guardians, or agency. Enrolled students may be eligible for our four-week Extended School Year program held in July, but due to limited capacity, there usually is a one year waiting period for newly admitted students.

Application Form

Download our application and mail the
completed form to:

Student Admissions
Camphill Special School
1784 Fairview Road
Glenmoore, PA 1934

Assemblies and concerts are held in the Blue Room.