Review our 2023–2024 brochure for more information.

Admissions Policies

• Children must be at least 24 months and not older than 5 years as of September 1, 2023.

• Children may attend 3, 4, or 5 days per week, and their schedule must include either a Monday or Friday (or both).

• ANS is now a 12-month program.

• There are a maximum of 16 children in school each day for the regular program (8:30am–3:00pm), and a limited number of Extended Day (3:00pm–5:30pm) spaces.

• ANS strives to create a school community that reflects the rich diversity of Dorchester and the surrounding neighborhoods. We actively seek applications from all families, regardless of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, cultural heritage, political belief, marital status, or disability.

• Priority is given to returning families and alumni families. Remaining seats are assigned to prospective families based on availability and with consideration given to ANS's goals to build a diverse and equitable community.

• Once the maximum enrollment limit is reached, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list may move dynamically in the first few weeks after admissions decisions are announced, and even sometimes through the summer.

The Cooperative Model

The success of ANS as a creative and educational enterprise depends on the commitment, involvement, financial responsibility, and cooperation of families. Choosing to send your child to this school means accepting responsibilities and duties which are routinely handled in other organizations by paid administrators.

Parents and guardians attend general meetings (typically held weekday evenings), join standing committees, and participate in regularly-scheduled work and general maintenance programs (typically a weekend day). A parent/guardian from each family must fulfill one Parent Teaching day a month to help care for the children, assist with activities, and participate in clean-up chores. All families are required to participate and assist in the annual fundraiser and yard sale.

Application Procedure

1. Attend the Fall or Winter Open House

2. Submit an admissions application.

3. Pay the application fee of $40.

4. If you are unable to attend an Open House, contact the Admissions Committee to schedule a school visit and tour in March.

Tuition (2023–2024 Rates)

Tuition is paid one month in advance and is due in monthly installments through the school year. The deposit will be applied to the last month’s tuition. Unfortunately, the school is unable to accept childcare vouchers.

Financial Aid

Need-based financial aid will be available on a limited basis for a few families and is made possible by gifts from our generous donors and ANS fundraising efforts. The amount available varies from year to year, and may not be offered every year. Please submit a financial aid application in-person to the ANS Director.