Admissions Process

The admissions process is a collaboration between HMS, the school district and the prospective family.

Admission to HMS operates on a rolling basis throughout the year and is based on several factors. Primary aspects include, gaining support from the student’s school district and determining if HMS is an appropriate program for a student. HMS accepts students throughout Pennsylvania, across the US and occasionally, from foreign countries.

The Process

The admissions process varies from student to student, below is a general summary.

• A parent, school district or other professional contacts HMS to exchange initial information about the potential applicant.
• The admissions coordinator arranges a tour of the school with the prospective family.
• The school district makes a referral and school records and relevant medical information are submitted to HMS for the admissions committee to review.
• If HMS has the potential to provide an appropriate program, we will work with the family to schedule an evaluation.
• A multidisciplinary team including a special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, assistive technologist, social worker and nurse complete a developmentally appropriate evaluation and prepare a comprehensive written report with education and therapy recommendations.
• If HMS is able to provide an appropriate program and the family and school district are in agreement with placement, enrollment can take place at any time during the school year.
• Once a child is accepted for admission and funding is in place, HMS’s social worker and the family work together to facilitate the child’s transition to HMS.

Admission, the provision of services and referral of students shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability (except as limited by PA Department of Education program approvals), ancestry, national origin (including limited English proficiency), age (within school ages) or gender.

“HMS has a staff of passionate people who are committed to making the lives of children with cerebral palsy the best that they can be. We are fortunate that our home school district understands the benefits of sending our son to HMS. I don’t know a school that can hold a candle to the services provided by HMS.”

– Parent