ADMISSIONS

Finding the right fit

Choosing a school is an important decision.

Our admissions process is designed to help families learn more about The Craig School while allowing our team to determine whether our program is the right fit for your child.

Start a Conversation
TCS Students

Step 1

 

Submit an Inquiry

 

Families begin by submitting an inquiry through our website.
 
This allows our admissions team to learn basic information about your child and begin the conversation.
 
Submitting an inquiry does not commit you to applying or enrolling. It simply opens the door to learning more about The Craig School.

Step 2

 

Initial Conversation

 
Next, we'll schedule a conversation with a member of our admissions team.
 
This is an opportunity to tell us about your child, ask questions, and share what has (and hasn't) worked in previous educational settings.
 
We'll also explain how The Craig School supports students throughout the day and answer any questions about our program.
 
The goal is simple. Determine whether it makes sense to continue exploring fit.

Step 3

 

Document Review

 
Following the initial conversation, we'll request any educational records that help us better understand your child's learning profile.
 
Examples may include:
 
  • IEPs
  • 504 Plans
  • Educational evaluations
  • Progress reports
  • Report cards
  • Other relevant records

Records are reviewed with alignment in mind. We want to ensure that we can effectively support your child as the right place for them to learn and grow.

Step 4

 

Parent Visit

 
Once we've determined that The Craig School may be a good fit, parents are invited to visit campus and experience the learning environment firsthand.
 
The visit provides an opportunity to experience TCS firsthand.

 

Step 5

 

Student Visit

 
Students are invited to spend time on campus participating in classroom activities and experiencing our Social Skills & Communication program.
 
This visit allows students to engage alongside peers in a natural setting while giving our team the opportunity to observe:
 
  • Classroom engagement
  • Learning behaviors
  • Social interaction
  • Comfort within the environment

The purpose is not to evaluate perfection.

The purpose is to determine whether students feel comfortable, supported, and capable within our program.

 

Step 6

 

Enrollment Decision

 
After both the parent and student experiences have been completed, our admissions team carefully reviews all information gathered throughout the process.
 
Families will be notified directly regarding the admissions decision and any next steps.
 
Our responsibility is to ensure that every enrollment decision is in the best interest of both the student and the school community.

When the fit is right, everyone benefits.

 

See What Other Families Experienced

Every family's journey is unique. Read how TCS helped students build confidence, friendships, and a love of learning.

Take a Look Inside The Craig School!

Questions?

Every family's journey is different.

If you have questions about admissions, financial aid, or whether The Craig School may be the right fit for your child, we encourage you to reach out.

We're happy to help.

Admissions Frequent Questions

Is TCS for students who have already failed in other settings?

Many of our students come to us after experiencing difficulty in public or private school. That history does not disqualify them — it often tells us exactly what kind of support they need.

What we look for is not a clean record. It is fit: whether this environment, with its structure and support, is the right match for this student at this point in their development.

Do students need a formal diagnosis?

No. A formal diagnosis is not required.

Many students have ADHD, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges. Others simply struggle to meet the increasing demands of school. We focus on functional fit, not labels.

Do all students have ADHD?

Most students experience challenges related to attention, regulation, or executive functioning. Some have specific learning differences. Many are academically capable but struggle in traditional environments.

This is a school built for students whose learning experience improves with structure and support.

What learning profiles are a good fit?

We commonly support students with:

  • ADHD
  • Executive functioning challenges
  • Anxiety
  • Students who struggle in a traditional school environment
Students should have average intellectual ability and be able to participate in a small classroom setting.
Do you provide ADHD testing?

Diagnostic assessments are available for currently enrolled families through licensed professionals familiar with our model.

Is this a nonpublic (NPS) school?

Yes. The Craig School is certified by the California Department of Education as a Nonpublic School and may contract with districts for appropriate placements.

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The Craig School

A school day that works.

The Craig School is a nonprofit private school in Irvine, California, for capable students in grades 3-8 who need a different kind of school. Real academics stay real. Support is built into every part of the school day, not added on around the edges. Founded on 35 years of research from UC Irvine, TCS is a structured classroom designed to help students learn, belong, and grow more independent.

 

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