ADMISSIONS
Admission criteria
GDS exists to provide a world-class education to families living near the poverty line. That principle guides our admissions process.
Income and school status
Although it is a sliding scale, generally speaking our students come from families living at 140 percent of federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines take into account household size and income. This criteria is critical to our mission and model. It allows families to access our services with help from Publicly Funded Child Care, Medicaid and Ohio’s EdChoice scholarship. Students also must be zoned to attend a low-performing school.
Family agreement
In order to enroll, a student’s family must sign a family agreement, promising to adhere to certain attendance standards, volunteer hours and participation in all conferences and appointments. The family also must pay a $375 fee for its first student, with price breaks for additional students. A student must sign a commitment for no social media or cell phones.
Process
The admissions process includes:
- Step 1 – Online application
- Step 2 – Application verification call
- Step 3 – In-person student & parent interview and screening
- Step 4 – Acceptance
- Step 5 – Enrollment
Appeals
*Parents of students who are denied admission may submit a 200-word (or less) appeal essay to the school principal identifying the basis for appeal and reasons the student(s) should be reconsidered. This must be delivered within 30 days of the admission denial. The decision of the school principal is final.
One-on-one: Once enrolled, students receive individualized instruction.
Open Houses for 2025-2026 school year:
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – 5:30p – 6:30p
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – 9a – 10a
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 – 5:30p – 6:30p
Thursday, April 23, 2026 – 9a – 10a
The Greater Dayton School is a top-tier private school using the most advanced teaching strategies to teach a whole child curriculum. Admitted students receive a full tuition scholarship and access an individualized curriculum which helps them become their greatest selves.
Open Houses provide families an opportunity to meet the principal, teachers, and staff of The Greater Dayton School, ask questions, and – during morning sessions – tour our campus.
To register for an upcoming Open House, please click the link below:
Open Houses will be held at 171 Deeds Park Dr., Dayton OH 45404. Please enter through our main entrance and please bring a photo ID to present to security.