Enrollment FAQs

 

What do I need to apply?
To complete your application online you will need basic information about your child, such as their birth date, current school, and grade, as well as information about your family, such as address, phone number, and guardian's name. No documents or more detailed information will need to be provided at this step.

 

 

What happens if I miss the open enrollment deadline?

If you miss the deadline, you can still apply but your application will be placed on a waitlist after those who applied during the open enrollment period. See the Lottery & Waitlist page for more information regarding our enrollment priorities.

 

Can someone walk me through how to complete an application online?
Yes, you may visit the school's main office or call (510) 748-4017 for support. 

Is there a paper application for enrolling? If so, where can I get it?
The application is available online. Filling out an online application is fast and easy, and you can access it from your smartphone.

If you don't feel comfortable doing the application online, don't worry - the Enrollment Team can create, view and edit applications for you over the phone at (510) 748-4017, and school office staff can also assist you in completing it online.

I don't have an email address, and only use a landline - can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply, but we will need an email address or a mobile phone number for communication purposes. You may use a relative's or friend's contact information (mobile phone number and/or email address) for login purposes if you don't have one of your own. Much of the communication that will come from AoA regarding the status of your application will be via email or text message, so we want to ensure that you have access to this information.

Does AoA give preferences to certain applicants?
Yes. If we receive more applicants than available space, we will hold a random lottery. AoA's enrollment priorities will determine applicant preference in the lottery. Siblings of existing students and Alameda residents will receive lottery preference. See our Lottery & Waitlist page for more details.

I have two children that I'd like to complete applications for. Do I complete separate applications for each?
Yes, you must complete one application per child, but will be able to do so under your one online account. In your SchoolMint Family Profile, you may add as many children as needed to accurately represent your family and will then be able to select any child and submit an application on their behalf. It is important to set-up your family profile this way in order for us to identify siblings who are applying together.

How will I know if my application is submitted?
You will receive confirmation of your application submission via email and/or text message (depending on the communication preference you indicated in your application). You can also login to your SchoolMint profile at any time to check your status. Once you've submitted an application, there is no need to resubmit.

Why didn't I receive confirmation of my application submission?
If you don't get a submission confirmation by email or text, go back to your online profile. If your application status is "Pending" click on the "Submit" button on the last page. This will complete your application.

I am completing an application, what kind of communication can I expect?
You will be contacted by email and/or text message at various times throughout the online application process, including when you submit your final application and when/if you are offered enrollment or placed on the waitlist. So keep your information in SchoolMint up to date.

 

 

I have accepted my enrollment offer. What's next?
Registration. After accepting your enrollment offer, AoA will email you the registration link along with specific instructions and requirements. Be prepared to present certain documents for verification purposes like proof of address, copy of birth certificate, etc. You may also be invited to attend a Welcome New Families event, so be on the lookout for communication about those events.

How does the waitlist work?
AoA has a set number of spots available in each grade. We may receive more applicants than spots available, so applicants not offered a spot in the lottery will be placed on a waitlist. Those submitting an application after the open enrollment deadline will also be placed on the waitlist, behind those who completed their applications by the deadline. AoA will admit applicants from the waitlist if space becomes available. This can happen at any time throughout the year. You may choose to stay on the waitlist. However, AoA's waitlist expires every year and you would need to submit a new application if you are interested in attending in future years. As with the lottery, admission from the waitlist is not guaranteed.