Our admissions procedure is designed to insure that students who enroll at Arlington School are appropriately placed. We work exceptionally hard to assure that the student and the school are well matched, academically and clinically.

The admissions process customarily begins when we receive a referral packet from the Out-of-District Coordinator of the student’s local public school. The Director, the Educational Administrator, and designated clinicians read the referral packet to determine if the student is likely to benefit from an Arlington School experience. We cast a wide net, and are mindful that paperwork does not always accurately describe a student’s strengths.

Once our preliminary assessment is complete, we invite the student and parents to come for an interview and tour of the school. Questions about learning style, peer interactions, regulating moods, attention to safety, known coping strategies and a willingness to work toward agreed upon goals are discussed.

The tour includes a brief visit to classrooms, meeting as many teachers and staff as possible.  At the end of the tour, the student and family are asked to think about whether the student would like to visit/attend a half day of classes within the next week. After the half-day visit, teachers and clinicians give feedback, and we determine as a group whether we are able to offer the student a suitable program. This decision is then communicated to the family and referring school system, and, if accepted, a placement agreement is signed and the student is enrolled.

Interested students, parents, therapists and school systems are welcome to call Suzanne Loughlin, Director, (617-855-2124) at any time with questions.

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