Admissions
Who Should Apply
Rawson Saunders serves students with dyslexia in grades 1 through 12. Our students demonstrate curiosity, cooperation, and intelligence. In our innovative, student-centered environment, learners are inspired to explore an abundance of academic and creative opportunities.
The Rawson Saunders admissions process is designed to identify, through dialog with parents and professionals, those students who will benefit most from our specialized approach to teaching and learning. Through a multi-step process, we become acquainted with each prospective student and their unique academic abilities and needs.
Attendance at a Rawson Saunders Admissions Information Session is encouraged for all Lower School and Middle School prospective parents/guardians. Admissions Information Session dates are listed on the right—to reserve a spot, please SUBMIT THIS RSVP FORM. If you are interested in our Upper School or have any questions, please email admissions@rawsonsaunders.org.
How to Apply
Click below for details and the link to our online application.
Steps for Applying to Rawson Saunders
Step 1
Completion and submission of the online application with supporting documents and application fee.
First CREATE AN ACCOUNT HERE by clicking New user registration. Once logged in, go to the ONLINE APPLICATION and click the start button to the right of Regular School Year Application. Once submitted, you will receive an email with a confirmation of your submission and a copy of your application for your records. Our Admissions Office will contact you once the application has been received.
- A completed application includes the following required documentation for a student to be considered at Rawson Saunders:
- A psycho-educational assessment by a licensed professional.
- Two teacher reference forms—Language Arts and Math. These forms are collected electronically via email by the Admissions Department. More details can be found in the online application.
- A copy of the student's most recent report card, including conduct grades and/or comments.
- Reports from any other educational service providers who work with the student. This may include speech, occupational, or physical therapists; special education teachers; academic language therapists; or other tutors. If the student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) at their current school, please include a copy.
Step 2
Parent/Guardian Consultation
The Admissions Committee reviews each completed file and invites the parents/guardians of qualifying students to meet with the admissions staff and tour the campus.
Step 3
Two-Day Student Shadow Visit
Students whose profiles are determined to be well-suited to Rawson Saunders’ academic program may then schedule a two-day visit to enable the grade-level teaching team to assess in a natural classroom environment the student’s “fit” for Rawson Saunders.
Step 4
Admissions Decision
The admissions committee carefully reviews all paperwork and teacher feedback following each student’s visit. Additional information may be requested from parents/guardians. The admissions office will notify parents/guardians by phone of the decision. Those wishing to accept an offer of admissions will then submit enrollment paperwork and a non-refundable deposit to secure a place. In the event no open spots are available, accepted students may be placed on a waiting list.
Affording a Rawson Saunders Education
Tuition and Fees
An investment in a Rawson Saunders education is an investment in your child's future. Small classes and challenging academics, including internationally recognized math and science programs, daily Academic Language Therapy, and athletic, musical and creative opportunities, are designed to facilitate dyslexic students' academic achievement and social and emotional development and lay a solid foundation for future academic success.
There is a $250 application fee. An initial payment of the new student fee, the materials fee, and a $2875 nonrefundable deposit (toward the annual tuition) is due on acceptance of an offer of admission. Tuition is payable monthly, semi-annually, or annually through Smart Tuition. The new student fee includes the purchase of an iPad (for grades 1-8) with accompanying case and apps as required for school. Other expenses not included in tuition and fees include the purchase of a laptop (grades 9-12) as well as field trips fees and Middle School sports participation fees.
Financial Aid
Rawson Saunders is committed to assisting families demonstrating financial need.
Create an account with SMART AID to start an application for Financial Aid. Click here for detailed instructions, the list of required documents, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Education Loans
Education Loans
Sallie Mae offers low-interest education loans. You can find us on the Sallie Mae site under our corporate name, Austin Area School for Dyslexics. Our school code is 60791900. For more information, visit www.salliemae.com.
Student Loans
Some private banks also offer low-interest student loans.
Tax Credits
Special Education Tax Deduction
Rawson Saunders tuition may be tax-deductible for your family as a medical expense. Click here for an article explaining possible tax benefits for parents/guardians of dyslexic and ADHD students.
- IRS publication 502, under the heading of Special Education, states:
You can include in medical expenses the cost (tuition, meals, and lodging) of attending a school that furnishes special education to help a child to overcome learning disabilities. A doctor must recommend that the child attend the school. Overcoming the learning disabilities must be a principal reason for attending the school and any other ordinary education received must be incidental to the special education provided. - Under the heading of Transportation, the publication states:
You can include in medical expenses amounts paid for the transportation for, and essential to, medical care... You can include out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of gas and oil, when you use a car for medical reasons. You can't include depreciation, insurance, general repair, or maintenance expenses. If you do not want to use your actual expenses...you can use the standard mileage rate...You can also include parking fees and tolls. You can add these fees and tolls to your medical expenses whether you use actual expanses or use the standard mileage rate.
Please check out the IRS publication at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf and speak to your tax professional about your family's eligibility for this deduction.