Families complete the Inquiry Form (no more than 1 year in advance)

Parents meet with the administrator to discuss the structure of Willow Wind, tour the campus and have an opportunity to ask questions about the program.

After the initial meeting, parents are asked to reflect on their child’s learning style, level of independence, comfort with transitions and multi age interactions. If they feel Willow Wind is a good match for their child, they contact the office to declare their interest in enrolling.

If the child is attending preschool, the preschool teacher is contacted for input on placement. If the preschool teacher thinks Willow Wind is a good fit for the student, they will be entered into the lottery. If the preschool teacher has concerns about the child’s readiness for the highly independent environment, then the parents are once again contacted for a discussion. Placement is a team decision with input from parents and previous teachers who know the individual child well. If the team believes Willow Wind is a good match for the child, they will be entered into the lottery.

If a child is not attending preschool, the parents will discuss placement with the administrator and if the parents think the child fits the enrollment criteria, they will be entered into the lottery.

Siblings have priority for enrollment if it is determined that Willow Wind is a good placement for their educational needs.

On the day of the lottery, all names are written on pieces of paper and the actual lottery is done at the Student Services Office of the Ashland School District. Names are chosen for enrollment and for an ordered waiting list for back-up in case openings become available over the summer.

Families are notified the following day and are asked to either accept or decline the spot within 24 hours. Waiting List families are notified by e-mail and are asked to declare whether they are interested in remaining on the waiting list or not.