Parents should spend time with the administrators and in the classrooms of schools they are considering.  Such visits are welcomed at Shepherd of the Desert.  Parents are encouraged to contact the Early Childhood Department Office or the Elementary Department Office to schedule a convenient time for their important visit to the school.   Yes, children are welcomed!
Children currently enrolled in and attending the school is considered first.
Factors affecting acceptance of other applications include, but are not limited to, the following:
Children of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church when one or both parents or legal guardians are members of the congregation.
Siblings of children currently enrolled in and attending the school.
Children of parents who are members of sister congregations of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
Families returning to the school.  (Especially those having moved from the area.)
Children moving to the area and transferring from another Lutheran school.

Admission Requirements
Shepherd of the Desert School admits students of any
race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights,
privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or
made available to students at the school.  It does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic
origin in administration of its educational policies and
athletics and other administrated programs.
1.   A copy of your child’s birth certificate is required.
2.   All children must be self-sufficient in the bathroom.

3.   Age Requirements

Two-Year-Old Preschool - Children must have reached the age of two before September 1 of the year in which admission is desired.
Three-Year-Old Preschool – Children must have reached the age of three before September 1 of the year in which admission is desired.
Four-Year-Old Preschool – Children must have reached the age of four before September 1 of the year in which admission is desired.
Four by Fours Preschool – A child must have reached the age of five before January 1 of the school year in which admission is desired.
Kindergarten – Children must have reached the age of five before September 1 of the year in which admission is desired. 
Grade One - Children must have reached the age of six before September 1 of the school year in which admission is desired.  Children will be placed in the age appropriate class. If the child has been enrolled in another accredited school, a grade level adjustment may be made after a period of assessment by the teacher and administrator.
Grades 2 and above – Students transferring into the school must present evidence of their advanced standing (grade placement).  Acceptance into a particular grade shall be based on the student’s academic progress prior to making application for admission, results of entrance examination and the recommendation of professional personnel. 

Students who have been suspended or dismissed/expelled from another school program may be conditionally admitted. Documentation must be provided from a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist or other licensed therapist, paid by the parent, that (1) the academic and behavioral concerns related to the suspension or dismissal/expulsion have been resolved; and (2) the professional who provided the documentation expects that the student will be successful in both the academic and discipline programs.  The principal may wish to discuss the student’s behavior with the health care provider to effectively assess the student’s progress.

4.   Health Requirements

Physical examination of all new enrollees is requested.

Immunization records are required according to Arizona State law.  Verification of such shall be provided to the school prior to attendance.

5.   Agreement with School Statements of Purpose & Goals

For all to work in harmony, parents and older students must agree with the purpose and goals of the school and its departments. Students, Parents and Teachers sign a cooperation agreement at home visits.

6.   Needs of the Child

The regular educational program of the school must be capable of meeting the needs of the child.  This school remains flexible with its program so as to meet the needs of most children but cannot meet the needs of all children with special needs or handicaps.  See the Early Childhood Director or Principal for special considerations or accommodations.

7.   Application for Admission

This form and related forms must be completed in full before consideration for admission.

8.   Payment of Registration Fee

This fee is to accompany the application for admission.  This fee serves to reserve a class opening.  It is not refundable following acceptance of the application by the school.

9.   Parent Interview – Elementary Department

Following application for admission into the elementary grades, the parents of students new to the school meet with the principal.  The purpose of this interview is to determine the reason admission is desired, to communicate the distinctive nature of the school, and to answer parents’ questions before admission is finalized.

.   Placement Examinations – Elementary Department

Students entering the elementary grades may experience a test to determine academic placement.

Acceptance of Applications

Children entering the Early Childhood Department are admitted by the department director.  Children entering the elementary grades are admitted by the principal and the admissions committee.

For printable application, please click here.