Hinkletown Mennonite School Admission Procedure

We encourage all interested families to visit the school and learn more about what students and families experience at HMS. Contact Melissa Beidler at 717-354-7100 x1002 or mbeidler@hinkletownschool.org to schedule your visit.

STEP 1: Enroll EACH student using the online form. Complete the form for each student you are enrolling.

Click here for New Student / Family Application

The following documents will be uploaded via the form:

• Required: Birth certificate
• Required: Immunization record or vaccination exemption form
• Previous report card (if coming from another school)
• IEP and/or 504 plan (if applicable)
• Any academic or psychological evaluations (if applicable)
• Family custody documents (if applicable)

NOTE for Venture Program applicants: Students applying for the Venture Program for the first time are required to submit a paper application form, in addition to the parent application steps.  Download a paper application here. Click here for a digital version of the Student Reference form to send to reference people.

Reference Information: 

• HMS Statement of Faith
• Parent Covenant (signed as a part of the New Student/New Family application)
• Tuition rates & fees

STEP 2: Pay the non-refundable application fee: by cash/check at the school office or online by credit card

*March 1 deadline for re-enrolling families and June 1 deadline for new families to receive the discounted registration fee.

STEP 3 (optional): Complete the online financial aid application 

Click here for Financial Aid Application

• Financial aid application fee: $25 per family
• Click here to downland an instruction sheet (in English & Spanish). You will create an account then start an application. You can save and return to the application at any step.
• You will be prompted to pay the family application fee at the last step (online payment only).

STEP 4: Getting to know your family

Parents of kindergarten students: If you would like our faculty to provide a free Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, please contact the office (717-354-7100 or office@hinkletownschool.org). More information about Kindergarten Readiness Assessments is available below.

For students transferring from another school: We will schedule a pre-enrollment assessment to get to know the student’s academic growth. HMS will also contact previous schools to request copies of your child’s academic, behavioral, medical, and psychological records.

Interview Conversation: You will have a conversation with the Director of Enrollment and/or Administrator about the school, your child’s educational needs and strengths, and next steps for your family.

Welcome to the HMS Community!  

Since HMS is a parent-governed school, the HMS Board of Trustees accepts every new family into membership as part of the enrollment process. The principal presents a recommendation to the Board and once the Board has acted, you will receive a letter welcoming you into the HMS community.

Orientation Information:  

Submit the additional health forms provided by HMS. This information must be received prior to students starting school.

Pre-K students: All required health information provided with application

Grades K-12: K-12 Health Form Packet – this includes:

• • Health Check-in sheet & Health Services Inventory (can be completed by parents, does not require a doctor’s signature)
  • Physical exam form–doctor’s signature required (submit upon initial school entry, Grade 6 & Grade 11)
  • Dental exam form–doctor’s signature required (required upon initial school entry, Grade 3, & Grade 7)

Financial aid awards and tuition payment information will be provided in May and parents will choose a payment plan at that time. Tuition payments are due on the 15th of the month. One payment must be received before student(s) may start school.

Read the summer letter from your child’s teacher. It is mailed in mid-July will provide information about the class and the list of the supplies that your child will need.

Review the school information that will arrive in early August. The mailing will include information about bus routes, Back-to-School Night, any additional forms, and much more. Other school information such as a family & staff directory will be sent out in September.

Stay informed through the school year by reading NewsLink (the school email newsletter) and checking the school website and online calendar. Both parents and other caregivers can receive NewsLink. If you would like to add another email address, contact the HMS office.

Call the HMS office if you have any questions or need any additional information. 717-354-7100 or office@hinkletownschool.org.

Entrance Guidelines

Pre-K at HMS: Pre-K students must be 4 years of age by September 1 and must be potty trained in order to be enrolled in Pre-K at HMS.

Kindergarten: Students entering kindergarten must be 5 years of age by September 1. HMS provides Kindergarten Readiness Assessments at no cost to families requesting this assessment. Contact the office to schedule an assessment time (717-354-7100 or office@hinkletownschool.org).
Parents may complete the application process before or after the kindergarten assessment is complete.

Grades 1-12:  Placement for children not entering at the kindergarten level shall be determined by evaluating student’s records from the school he/she attended prior to his/her transfer and any necessary medical or psychological records. The principal and classroom teacher will verify if any other assessments must be administered at HMS to determine the appropriate grade level.

Special Needs: HMS provides a Learning Support Program for students who may need a variety of extra educational services. Cost for this program is dependent upon the level of support required. HMS provides a Title 1 Reading/Math Specialist, a Speech/Language Specialist, and counseling services through the Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 for nonpublic schools. The principal will work with the parents on a case-by-case basis to determine if the HMS programs can meet the student’s needs.

About Kindergarten Readiness Assessments

Most children are ready for kindergarten when they are five years old. However, some are not developmentally ready to start school at that age. HMS provides a professional screening assessment to help ensure children will find success as they begin their formal education.

Kindergarten assessment is a free service, and your child does not need to be registered at HMS to take part in an assessment screening.

Students will meet with certified early childhood educators in small groups and individually. Children participate in segments that include letter and number recognition, shape recognition, name writing, and other basic skills along with social/developmental readiness indicators.