Our 2019-2020 Enrollment Policy is available here.
Alma del Mar is an open enrollment, free charter public school. Admission is based on a random, public lottery. There are no admissions tests or interviews. Alma del Mar invites all students in New Bedford to enter the lottery. The school welcomes English Language Learners, Limited English Proficient students, and Special Education students.
Applications
All applications for the 2021-2022 school year are due by 5:00 PM on Monday, February 22. Our Enrollment Lottery for the 2021-2022 school year will be held on February 24, 2021, at 5:00 PM. We hold a lottery every year to make a new waiting list for each academic year. Please follow the link below to fill out an application.
Alma del Mar 2021-2022 Scholar Application (English)
La Escuela de Alma del Mar Chárter Aplicación para el año 2021-2022 (Español)
The waiting list for the 2019-2020 school year is available online
Alma del Mar Waiting List.
For Your Information
What grades does Alma del Mar offer?The Alma del Mar: Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus offers grades K-8 with 50 scholars in each grade.
During the 2020-21 school year, the Alma del Mar: Frederick Douglass Campus will offer grades K, 1, 2, 3 as well as grades 6 and 7 with 50 scholars in each grade. One additional grade will be added each year thereafter. By the 2022-2023 school year, the Alma del Mar: Frederick Douglass Campus will offer grades K-8.
How do I enroll my child at Alma del Mar?
All admissions are based on a lottery. Every student from New Bedford who applies prior to the application deadline has an equal chance of acceptance.
Do I need to live in New Bedford for my child to be eligible?
You may apply to Alma del Mar if you live anywhere in Massachusetts. Children who live in New Bedford will receive priority over children who do not. Given that Alma del Mar has a long waitlist, it is unlikely that children from outside New Bedford will have the opportunity to attend Alma del Mar.
Do siblings have an advantage in the lottery process?
If you have more than one child whom you would like to enroll at Alma del Mar, you must complete a separate application for each child. Each application will be treated independently.
Once one of your children is enrolled at Alma del Mar, your other children will receive priority over children who do not have a sibling at Alma del Mar.
May I attend the lottery?
Absolutely! The lottery is a public event that is open to anyone who would like to attend. The times and places of all lotteries will be posted on the website. You do not have to be present at the lottery to be chosen for an open spot.