Admissions Process

DS recommends exploring enrollment options by contacting the Office of Admissions at (425) 885-6296, admissions@dartmoorschool.org, or by making an online inquiry here. Wherever possible, a school visit is ideal as it gives families and DS staff an opportunity to discuss student needs in person.

The admissions process requires the following items:

1. A complete, submitted application (available here) [need application!]
2. Official copies of transcripts from all previously attended schools
3. Scores from IELTS, SLEP, or TOEFL
4. A student essay on any topic

Upon admission, DS will issue an I-20 which the family can utilize to apply for an F1 visa. This process can take a few months so families ought to plan accordingly. Dartmoor requires proof of a valid F1 and housing arrangement, as well as all tuition and fees before a student can enroll. Students are welcome to apply at any time during the calendar year. Once admission has been granted and all documents have been received, Dartmoor will establish a start date with the family. DS typically requires one to two weeks to assemble an individual ESL program.

Placement

Dartmoor places ESL students at instructional level in an appropriate one-to-one program. Placement depends upon a number of factors:

1. Previous exposure to English
2. Academic history
3. IELTS, SLEP, or TOEFL scores (required for credit coursework)
4. Telephone or face-to-face interview
5. DS Intake Assessment
6. Ongoing Assessment

Students who present a strong application may attend Dartmoor as an ESL Credit student, and take ESL coursework in core subjects (English, math, science, history) to build an academic transcript toward graduation at DS or another school. Advanced students may qualify for non-ESL college preparatory or even honors courses. Please consult Academics for more information on non-ESL programs.

Students may also enroll as an ESL Supplemental student. This is an excellent option for students wishing to increase proficiency for enrichment, admission to a school or college, test preparation, or students who require further study before progressing to credit coursework. Ongoing assessment allows students to demonstrate mastery and permits students to change from ESL Supplemental to ESL Credit or even non-ESL status as they achieve greater fluency.

Location

The Seattle area provides a wealth of opportunities to its residents, not the least of which is an unparalleled natural setting skirted by the waters of the Puget Sound, Lake Union, Lake Washington, and the majestic Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Mt. Rainier, at 14,410 feet (4,392 m), rises sublimely presenting a dramatic profile southeast of the city. As an international technology, business, and industry hub, Seattle maintains a high standard of living including access to world-class entertainment and services. Domestic students can select from DS's four Seattle locations: Bellevue, Issaquah, Seattle, and Woodinville.

Bellevue hosts Dartmoor's international students. Situated between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, Bellevue is a cosmopolitan, affluent suburb graced with the amenities of a much larger city, but without many of the distractions and nuisances of a metropolis. Dartmoor's Bellevue campus is only minutes from downtown, and a short distance from Seattle and its adjacent suburbs. Vancouver, BC is two and a half hours north, and Portland about three hours south.

Boarding

International students live in one of the two following arrangements:

• A parent or parents (required, grades 1-8)
• A host family

Once a student has been accepted, parents may contact Admissions to discuss living arrangements. DS requires verification of appropriate housing before an international student enrolls.

Extracurriculars

Dartmoor does not offer extracurricular programs. Full-time students, however, may participate in a full range of activities at local public schools.