4211 Hermitage Road
Richmond, VA 23227-3718
p: 804.266.2494
f:  804.264.3281
Welcome to Admissions

Thank you for your interest in The New Community School and the unique way we approach education. We are a highly specialized school devoted solely to restructuring the language skills of students with dyslexia, while challenging their intellect and preparing them for college.

We understand the challenges that you and your child may have faced while studying in a traditional educational setting. Exploring the admissions opportunities at New Community is the first step in leading your child to academic success and independence, positive self-regard and realistic options for college.

We hope that the admissions process will provide you with helpful information about the mission of The New Community School. In turn, we will need to gather information on your child to ensure proper placement.

Our campus is a caring place, a learning place, a welcoming place. We invite you to schedule a visit to meet our exceptional faculty and involved students and to see what a difference a New Community education can make. We look forward to becoming a partner with you in your child's education.

The Application Process

An application is complete when the admissions office has received the following:

  • An application form completed and signed by you and your child
  • School records, including special education records
  • Results of a Wechsler Intelligence testing (WISC IV in most cases) that includes subtest scores and is no more than three years old
  • Any other professional evaluations relevant to your child's learning difficulties (psychological evaluation, educational evaluation, audiologist's evaluation, etc.) that have been previously completed
  • The $75 application fee
Though not required, you are invited to schedule a visit to the school. School visits are scheduled directly with the Admissions Director. Your child is welcome to visit with you. However, we do not invite students to sit in on classes because of the small size of our classes and specialized nature of our program.

Once the application is complete, the school will schedule diagnostic educational testing. This testing will be followed by a feedback appointment with school personnel. At the feedback appointment, we will discuss the results of the testing and the Admission Committee's determination of the appropriateness of the school's program for your child.

Admissions Calendar
We are currently accepting applications for the 2008-2009 academic year. Should you like to consider New Community as an option for your child, we urge you to apply early and arrange for all necessary records to be sent in a timely manner. We will continue to consider applicants as space permits. We will test students whose applications are complete by February 1st during the months of January, February and March and expect to have feedback appointments for these students completed by April 15th.

Spaces will be offered to students in this group on a rolling basis. In cases where there are more appropriate candidates for the grade than we have space available, spaces will be offered on the basis of date of application.

Waiting List
The school will maintain a short waiting list at all grade levels. We will offer any space which opens up to a wait-listed candidate who can be appropriately scheduled without overloading existing classes. A student who is wait-listed in one year may be considered for openings in the next year upon parent request.

Questions may be directed to: Gita Morris, Admissions Director via voicemail (266-2494, ext. 19) or e-mail (Admissions@TNCS.org)

Signs of Dyslexia

  • Poor oral reading skills, dislike of reading or low reading comprehension.

  • Poor spelling and handwriting.

  • Extreme disorganization and trouble following directions.

  • Difficulty with math and letter/number confusion.

  • Difficulty paying attention.

  • Increased emotionality.

  • Self-esteem problems.

Middle School Summer Program and Professional Institute

Registration complete for this year's Summer Programs.  Please check back next summer.

TNCS offers seven short courses for rising 6th - 8th graders focusing on improving skills in reading, writing, mathematics, keyboarding, organization and physical fitnessJune 16 - July 11

The Professional Institute offers 1 to 4 day seminars for parents, teachers and administrators seeking insights, tools and strategies to help students succeed both in the classroom and beyond. Professional Institute courses will be held June 17- August 14. Several scholarships are available to parents and teachers as a result of a gift from the Learning Disabilities Council. Please contact the school for details.

For information about future courses, e-mail summerprograms@tncs or call 266-2494.

Success Stories


The master of thrills and chills:
Chris Alburger, class of '91.

© Copyright 2008 - The New Community School - Richmond, VA