Admissions Process

The Prospect Hill Academy admissions process is open to all Massachusetts residents and is non-selective and non-discriminatory. Governed by Massachusetts charter school laws, admission is lottery based with preference given to Somerville and Cambridge residents and those with siblings in the school. Below is a detailed outline of the various steps in the application process.  

1. Open House: Attend Open House and School Tour (strongly recommended but not mandatory). School Tours are schedule following the Open House events in January and February.
   
   
2. Application: Complete and submit an application form: Application forms can be received during Open Houses, at the main offices of all campuses, or completed and submitted online. Please note that March lottery applications receive preference.
   
   
3. Lottery: The first lottery takes place the second Wednesday in March. Subsequent lotteries are be held in late spring. At the lottery, applications are drawn at random. However, preference is given to the following applicants:
   1. Somerville and Cambridge residents with siblings in the School
   2. All other district resident with siblings in the School
   3. Somerville and Cambridge residents
   4. All other districts
      
      
4. Acceptance Notification: Accepted students will be notified within 2 weeks of the lottery.
   
   
5. Shadow Student: Upon request, children accepted into 5th grade or higher will have the opportunity to spend one day at school with a currently enrolled student.
   
   
6. Orientation: All applicants and parents/guardians must attend a mandatory orientation. At orientation all students and parents/guardians must sign a compact that outlines student and parent obligations.
   
   
7. Grade-level Assessment: After orientation all students applying for grades 1-10 are required to take a grade-level placement assessment.  Families will be contacted after results are received. Not all students may qualify for the grade they applied.
   
   
8. Registration: Upon acceptance of grade placement, all parents/guardians must complete a formal student registration. A registration packet will be sent to the applicant’s home and parents/guardians are required to complete all forms and provide all requested documentation in order for the child to begin school at PHA.
   
   
9. Waitlist: Students not accepted are placed on the Waitlist until a space becomes available or enrollment closes. Applications do not carry over to the next year. All children not accepted must reapply the following year.

For more information about admissions, please send email to admissions@prospecthillacademy.org or call 617-284-7911.