Enrollment 

Join the Heartwood School Family!

All children eligible for enrollment in New Hampshire Public Schools, regardless of school district, specific needs, etc, are eligible for this tuition-free K–8 public school. For the 2025-26 school year Heartwood will serve students in kindergarten through 8th grade.

Admissions Overview

Heartwood Public Charter School is an open enrollment, public charter school serving grades K–8.  New Hampshire applicants who meet the school’s admission criteria may apply. The school may accept out-of-state applicants at a fee to be set annually, on a space-available basis. Families considering enrollment at Heartwood should be confident in their interest in a hands-on, rigorous education that aligns with our school’s mission and vision. Heartwood is a learning community that values curiosity, connection, and purpose—and we encourage families to join us with a shared commitment to these values.

Educational Mission
Heartwood Public Charter School educates students through authentic, place-based experiences, empowering them to find meaning, engage deeply, and think critically. By using our community as our classroom, students cultivate a love for learning and explore academics within meaningful contexts. We strive to develop inspired students who become stewards of the earth and active citizens of the world.

Educational Vision
At Heartwood Public Charter School, learning extends beyond the classroom walls. We provide opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships within the community through service, experiential learning, and an integrated curriculum. We believe our kind, self-motivated, and empowered students will grow into compassionate, informed, and engaged citizens who help create healthy communities.

Admissions Criteria

1) The applicant will have successfully completed the school year preceding admission with credits or creditable work in all core subjects with verification of last grade completed by the sending school district.

2) The applicant and parent/guardian shall affirm understanding and commitment to the mission and vision of the school, its policies, program, and expectations.

3) Parents/guardians and applicant(s) must meet with the Leadership Team to review the standards and expectations of Heartwood Public Charter School. First year applicants are also required to attend New Family Orientation, typically scheduled for the end of August.

 

Rolling Admissions Period

The open enrollment period for the 2025-26 school year has now closed.
Please sign-up below to be placed on the waitlist. If there is an available spot we will reach out. We do currently have a few spots available!

To apply:

If a child in your household is currently enrolled at Heartwood, you are a “current family”, even if an additional child is enrolling for the first time.

  1. Click the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of this page to go to Alma Start, our Student Information System.

  2. New Families: Create an Alma Start Account. Current Families: Log into your Alma Start account. You will receive an email confirmation from ALMA upon successful account registration. ** Be sure to check your Spam folder if you do not find one in your inbox. **

  3. Current Families: Click the green plus in the bottom left corner of your account to add a new student and follow the prompts. Current Families: Follow the prompts to add your student to Alma Start.

  4. Next, click “Begin New Process” in the upper right corner to start an application process.

  5. Use the drop-down menus to select Heartwood, 2024-25, and your child’s grade level.

  6. Beneath the drop-down menus, select New Hampshire or Vermont New Enrollment

  7. You must click “Complete Application” and then fill out the entire application form.

  8. Click “Submit”. You will not receive a confirmation email regarding successful student application — once you see “Complete Application, Application Received, Nothing To Do” in the system, your application process is complete.

  9. Families of admitted students have 48 hours following notification of admission to submit their Commitment Form. If a Commitment Form is not returned to Heartwood within 48 hours, that space will be offered to the next family in line.

ENROLLMENT PRIORITY

All chartered public schools shall accept qualified pupils from any school district. Per NH law, New Hampshire students are given preference over out of state students—a pupil who meets the admission requirements of a chartered public school, and who is a resident of New Hampshire, shall be given absolute admission preference over a nonresident pupil. Once admitted, chartered public school pupils need not reapply for admission for subsequent years.

At Heartwood, priority is given to the following groups:

  • Children of Heartwood Founding Board members

  • Siblings of currently enrolled students

  • Children of full-time Heartwood employees

For more information about NH charter school policy, visit 194-B:2 Chartered Public Schools; Establishment; Parental Choice; Admission. 

ENROLLMENT ASSESSMENT

There is no standard assessment for any incoming students; however, families should talk with the administration about any concerns they might have to ensure Heartwood is a good fit for their child.

OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS

Out-of-state students may attend Heartwood. While NH residents must be given preference, our current cohort of students come to us from all over the North Country—from Lancaster, Whitefield, Jefferson, Bethlehem, Littleton, Berlin, Groveton, and beyond—as well as several Vermont towns. Tuition applies for out-of-state students, though as Heartwood is a state approved Public Charter School, your school choice district may cover the costs. Please contact us or apply now to learn whether Heartwood is right for your family.