For Families » Enrollment Process

Enrollment Process

ENROLLMENT PROCESSa father smiles for a photo while hugging his young scholar

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.
 
Alma del Mar's enrollment application for the 2024-2025 school year is now available:

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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. This campus offers one point of entry: Kindergarten (50 seats).
 
During the 2023-24 school year, the Alma del Mar: Frederick Douglass Campus will offer grades K-8 with 50 scholars in each grade K-5 and 98 scholars in each grade 6-8. This campus offers two potential points of entry: Kindergarten (50 seats) and Sixth Grade (50 seats).
 

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. Alma del Mar's next enrollment application will be made available on November 1, 2023. 
 

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.