To best serve our students, Sulam asks parents to begin the admissions process as early as November and no later than April 30th of the preceding school year. The deadline for all applications is May 1st.

Our admissions process is designed to help us get to know your child—their strengths, interests, learning profile, challenges, and the support they need to be successful. Just as importantly, it gives your family an opportunity to learn more about Sulam and determine whether our program feels like the right fit.

1. Start a Conversation

The first step is simply to reach out. Call us at (301) 348-1323 or email office@sulam.org to schedule an initial parent meeting.

2. Parent Meeting

Parents meet with Lianne Heller, Executive Director/Head of School, and, when appropriate, members of our educational team.

This conversation is primarily about your child—who they are, their strengths and interests, where they have experienced success, and where they may need additional support. We will also discuss their educational and social history and answer your questions about Sulam.

The meeting typically lasts about one hour, is for parents only, and may take place in person or by Zoom. If it appears that Sulam may be an appropriate fit, we will invite you to move forward with an application.

3. Submit an Application

Families invited to continue in the admissions process will receive an application. A completed application includes the requested educational records and current evaluations, including:

• Current neuropsychological or psychoeducational testing

• Current IEP, if applicable

• Signed release forms

• Other requested educational or clinical documentation

• A $350 non-refundable application fee

Applications are reviewed once all required materials have been received.

4. Initial Admissions Review

Sulam's multidisciplinary special education team carefully reviews the application, evaluations, educational history, and supporting documentation.

The team makes an initial determination about whether Sulam may be able to provide an appropriate educational program for the student. If so, the admissions process continues. If we determine that Sulam is not the right setting for the student's needs, we will communicate that decision to the family.

5. School Observation & Provider Consultation

When possible, a member of the Sulam Admissions Team observes the student in their current educational environment. We work with parents and other professionals to determine the setting that will give us the best understanding of the student.

With parental permission, our team may also speak with teachers, therapists, and other professionals who know the student well.

6. Student Visit

The student visits Sulam, where members of our educational and social-emotional team have an opportunity to meet them and observe them within the school environment.

The goal is for us to get to know the student beyond what we have learned from evaluations and reports. Informal academic assessment may also be included when helpful.

7. Final Admissions Review

Following the observation and student visit, the Admissions Committee reconvenes to consider everything we have learned.

If placement appears appropriate, the team begins thinking about what an individualized educational program could look like for the student. Because successful inclusion depends upon close partnership with our host school, relevant Sulam administrators also consult with the Berman Hebrew Academy administration as part of the placement process.

8. Admissions Decision & Enrollment

recommendation. Families offered placement will receive enrollment materials from the Sulam business office and have two weeks to return signed documents and required registration fees to secure their child's placement.

Admission is subject to space availability and program requirements. In our Lower School, a minimum of two students per grade is required to form a cohort. Because enrollment is limited, placement cannot be guaranteed, even when a student meets our admissions criteria.

Finding the Right Fit

Throughout the process, our goal is not simply to determine whether a student can be admitted to Sulam.

Our responsibility is to determine whether Sulam and our partner school can provide an environment in which that student has a meaningful opportunity to learn, grow, participate, and belong.