Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ #1: What is the difference between Public Placement and Private Placement?

The Winston School is certified by the California Department of Education as a non-public school. District-funded placements require a direct referral from a school district or SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area). Winston will not support or participate in the efforts of any family taking action against a district to specifically obtain funding for placement. As such, no tuition assistance funding (scholarship) is available if and while a family pursues placement by or reimbursement from a school district or SELPA for a Winston placement.

There are two paths for enrollment at Winston:

Path 1

Private Placement:

Enrollment is initiated by the student’s family.
Enrollment agreement is between the family and The Winston School.

Path 2

Public Placement:

Enrollment is initiated by the placing district.
The placing district must send a referral packet directly to The Winston School Director of Special Education for enrollment consideration.
The referral packet and IEP must reflect a primary disability of SLD, OHI, AUT, or ED.
The enrollment agreement is between the district and The Winston School.

Private-to-Public Change of Placement Process

Privately-placed students must complete the public acceptance process prior to transitioning.
Enrollment is not guaranteed.
Graduation requirements of publicly-placed students are dictated by placing district and are different than Winston’s.
Families are responsible for all tuition and fees incurred between the initial placement and the date of district funding and must be paid in full prior to acceptance.

Scholarships: The Winston School strives to serve students and families from all economic backgrounds. Scholarship awards are not transferable and may not benefit a district. If you receive a scholarship and then subsequently qualify or negotiate for public funding or reimbursement, you must notify the school. The scholarship does not transfer if your placement changes from Private to Public and all awards are withdrawn.

FAQ #2: What is the admissions process?

The admissions process is as follows:

Send in your application online and all required paperwork: IEP, assessments, transcripts, etc.
The Admissions Team will evaluate the application. You will then receive a follow-up communication to schedule a two-day visit if appropriate.
After your student’s two-day visit, the admissions team will review your student’s files and make a final decision.
Enrollment may be offered or declined.
The Winston School will not accept a pupil with exceptional needs if The Winston School cannot provide or ensure the provisions of service outlined in the pupil’s IEP.

Please make sure to sign up for the open house under our Inquire Now tab, or on the front page pop-up. If you cannot attend the open house during that month, please contact the front office at (858) 259-8155.

FAQ #3: How many students attend Winston on average?

The Winston School has approximately 100 students with the population identifying as 35% girls and 65% boys.

FAQ #4: How much is tuition?

The tuition for the 2023/24 school year is $33,500, with a $995 registration fee. The Winston School has a rolling admissions policy, so students are welcome to apply throughout the year. Please see more information under our Tuition tab.

FAQ #5: What grades does Winston serve?

We serve grades 6-12.

FAQ #6: What is your cell phone policy?

We have a zero-tolerance policy for cell phones and other devices that require wifi. Cell phones may not be used at all during school hours.