The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Special Education Office, Attorneys, Social Workers, parents, and other professionals refer students for placement at SunRise Academy. An information package, consisting of the asterisked items below, must be faxed or mailed for consideration. After reviewing the package, interviews are conducted with the student, parents and/or an advocate to determine if SunRise Academy is an appropriate placement for the student.

Students are accepted based on a review of records and the interview. If a student referred by DCPS is accepted and a seat is available, the admissions inquiry form is returned to DCPS with an admissions date indicated. If a student referred by an attorney or other professional is accepted for an available seat, a pending letter of acceptance is sent indicating the need for receipt of an official notice of placement from DCPS.

Official placement at SunRise Academy occurs via one of the following documents:

1. Notice of placement (NOP) from the DCPS Special Education Office
2. Hearing Officer’s Determination (HOD)
3. Settlement Agreement
4. Superior Court Order

In addition to one of the above placement documentations, students must have the following documentation in their files:

1. Current IEP
2. Admissions Inquiry Form/Acceptance Letter
3. Residency Verification
4. Admissions Application (includes emergency and medical contact names & numbers)
5. Immunization Record
6. Social History Report/SunRise Academy Intake Document
7. Psychological Evaluation
8. Psychiatric Assessment (required if student is prescribed medication)
9. Physicians Verification of Student’s Ability to Self-Administer Prescribed Medication
10. Medication Monitoring Agreement
11. Copy of Birth Certificate
12. Copy of Social Security Card
13. Consent to Conduct Performance Evaluations
14. Student Classroom Behavior and Consequences Contract
15. Acknowledgement of Parental/Guardian Responsibility & Receipt of Handbook
16. Field Trip Permission Slip for Local Trips
17. Consent for after school detention
18. Consent to request student information
19. Transcript of grades
20. Consent for Student Searches

If a student is appropriate for SunRise Academy, and no seat is available, a letter is generated to that effect, the student’s information is kept on file for one year, and the student’s name is placed on a waiting list. If the student is not appropriate, DCPS or the student’s advocate is so informed.