Admissions Overview

Who goes to The Howard School?

Our students possess average to above-average cognitive ability and have struggled in school in various ways. Their profiles may include one or more of the diagnostic labels listed below. The Howard School isn’t the right fit for every student. We are not a therapeutic school, and we do not have specialized programs primarily for behavioral/psychiatric diagnoses, social/emotional diagnoses, or pragmatic language disorders.

We serve students with one or more of the following challenges:

• Dyslexia: a brain-based learning difference that impacts one’s ability to read and spell
• Expressive language disorder: difficulty using language to express thoughts and feelings
• Receptive language disorder: trouble understanding the words one hears or reads
• Dysgraphia: a brain-based learning difference that impacts your ability to transfer thoughts and ideas into written language
• Dyscalculia: a brain-based learning difference that impacts one’s ability to understand number-based information and math
• Auditory processing disorder: a brain-based disorder that decreases a person’s ability to hear the small differences in words and sounds, resulting in reduced comprehension, delayed language acquisition, and difficulty keeping up with directions and information shared in the classroom
• Executive functioning (EF): time management, attention, planning and organizing, remembering details, multitasking (the skills that help people get things done)
• Attention deficit disorder (ADHD): an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development

How do I apply? What is the process/timeline?

We offer rolling admissions for Grades K-12.  So there is no particular timeline to follow. Students can apply and enroll any time throughout the school year, and applications are being accepted for the 2027-28 school year.

What services are included in The Howard School's individualistic, wholistic approach to learning?

Every student at The Howard School has access to math specialists, literacy specialists, assistive technology specialists, speech-language pathologists, and school counselors/psychologists.

How do we approach social-emotional learning for students who enter mid-year? 

We offer social-emotional learning lessons and mentoring programs to support every student during their time at The Howard School.

Do you have financial aid?

Yes, we have financial aid for qualifying applicants. Click here for more information about financial aid and the process.

What are school hours? What calendar do you follow?

Our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Our school calendar/school holidays can be found here.

What is the student to teacher ratio?

Our student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1.

What literacy & math programs do you use? Are you an Orton-Gillingham school?

All of our teachers are Orton-Gillingham trained, however, we utilize various instructional methods and curriculum to support learning for students with various needs.

How do I schedule a tour?

To schedule an individual tour with our admissions department, either call the number 404.377.7436 or email admissions at admissions@howardschool.org.

Do we accept students with behavior issues?

We are not a behavioral school, however, there is often time comorbidity that exists for students with learning differences. Admission is determined on an individual basis after participation in shadow day.

If my child is behind grade level academically, will my child be retained?

In general, we typically do not retain students. However, we work with families to look at individual learning needs and educational needs to make decisions in the best interest of the student.

How long do students stay at The Howard School? Do they transition to mainstream schools?

Every student is different. Some stay at Howard for a few years and then transition to another school. Other families choose for their child to stay through graduation.

Our expert staff is here to work with each family as they consider the progress of their child and make important decisions about the future.

Do you have bus/transportation?

We do not offer a bus program, but families often coordinate carpool schedules.

How is communication handled from the teachers?

Teachers send newsletters and other various email communications to parents regularly.

How is student progress shared with parents throughout the year?

We have two family conferences per year in-person and a virtual family conversation.

Do you have an after-school program and clubs? 

We offer a robust after-school program and clubs for our lower school students.

How is student progress shared with parents throughout the year?

We have two family conferences per year in-person and a virtual family conversation. Benchmark testing, progress monitoring, and learning profiles are shared with families.

Can Middle School students go to after school care?

Our after-school program W.I.N.G.S. is available for all middle school students.

Can Middle School participate in sports and clubs?

We offer a variety of no-cut sports and clubs based on student interest. Check out our athletics offerings for more information.

Do you have High School AP courses?

We offer multiple modalities to participate in advanced/college courses through dual enrollment/virtual learning.

How is student progress shared with parents throughout the year?

We have two family conferences per year in-person and a virtual family conversation. Benchmark testing, progress monitoring, and learning profiles are shared with families.

Can high school students participate in sports and clubs?

We offer a variety of no-cut sports and clubs based on student interest. Check out our athletics offerings for more information.

How do we prepare students for life after high school?

All of our students meet with our College and Next Steps Counselor, participate in the Howard Emerging Leaders Fellowship, and additional programs to be ready for graduation.