Admissions & Enrollment
Every Family Is Welcome
American Classical Academy Rutherford is a tuition-free public charter school, open to every family in Rutherford County, and we admit without an entrance exam.
How to Apply
Six steps from application to first day
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Submit the Application
Complete the online application for each child you wish to enroll. It takes only a few minutes and asks for basic family and residency information — no records or fees are required at this stage.
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Receive Confirmation
We confirm your application by email within a few business days. Keep an eye on your inbox — every notification about your child’s status will come from the school.
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The Lottery, If Needed
If applications for a grade exceed the seats available, placement is decided by a public, random lottery. If seats remain open, every applicant is offered a place.
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Offer & Acceptance
You receive a written offer of enrollment. Accept the seat by the date given to hold your child’s place. Unaccepted offers are released to families on the waiting list.
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Registration Paperwork
Complete enrollment by submitting proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and any prior school records. Our office is here to help at every step.
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The First Day
Your child walks into a calm, orderly classroom led by a knowledgeable teacher — and begins a content-rich, character-forming education.
Eligibility & Residency
Who may enroll
We serve grades Kindergarten through 7 — a Grammar School covering Kindergarten through Grade 5 and an Upper School covering Grades 6 and 7. Any child who is age-eligible and lives in Rutherford County, Tennessee, may apply.
A child must turn five years old on or before the state’s cutoff date to enter Kindergarten. There is no tuition, and there is no entrance exam. Admission is never based on academic ability, test scores, income, or prior schooling.
Proof of residency in Rutherford County is required to complete enrollment. Families living in La Vergne, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding communities are all welcome to apply.
Have These Ready
Documents to gather before registration
Nothing is required to submit the initial application. These documents are needed only once a seat is offered and you complete registration.
- Proof of Rutherford County residency A current utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your address.
- Your child’s birth certificate An official certified copy verifying date of birth.
- Immunization records A current Tennessee Certificate of Immunization from your child’s physician.
- Prior school records A recent report card or transcript, if your child has attended school before.
- Parent or guardian identification A government-issued photo ID for the enrolling parent or guardian.
Dates & Deadlines
When to apply
Applications are accepted for the current school year, and the dates for each enrollment cycle — the application window, the lottery if one is needed, and the deadline to accept a seat — are published on the school calendar. An application received after a priority deadline is still welcome and is placed in the order received, or in a rolling lottery as seats allow.
Common Questions
Answers before you apply
Is it really free?
Yes. American Classical Academy Rutherford is a tuition-free public charter school. There is no tuition and no cost to apply or enroll. As a public school, we are funded to serve the families of Rutherford County.
What if we move mid-year?
A child must reside in Rutherford County to enroll. If your family moves within the county during the year, your child keeps their seat — simply update your address with our office. Please contact us if a move takes your family outside the county.
What about transportation?
Families are responsible for getting their child to and from campus at 2 Ingram Blvd in La Vergne. Many families arrange carpools; contact our office for details on drop-off, pick-up, and any available options for your area.
What about special education services?
As a public school, we serve students with disabilities and provide the supports required under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. Our team works with each family to meet their child’s needs within our classical program.
How does the lottery work?
If applications for a grade exceed the seats available, placement is decided by a random, public lottery held on the posted date. Every timely applicant has an equal chance. Those not offered a seat are placed on a waiting list in lottery order.
Can siblings enroll together?
Yes. Siblings of currently enrolled students receive enrollment priority, subject to available seats in the requested grade. Apply for each child, and note their siblings on the application so we can apply the preference.
Enroll Today
Give your child a classical education
The application takes only a few minutes, and there is no cost and no entrance exam.
Common questions
How do I apply to American Classical Academy Rutherford?
Applications are submitted through SchoolMint, the application system Rutherford County Schools uses. The Apply Now button on this page opens it in a new window, where you create a parent account and complete the application.
Does it cost anything to attend?
No. ACAR is a tuition-free public charter school authorized by Rutherford County Schools, serving kindergarten through 7th grade in the 2026-27 school year.
What happens if the grade I need is already full?
Students are seated in the order they apply until all seats are filled. Once a grade is full, later applicants join the waitlist until a seat becomes available.
Which documents do I need to finalize enrollment?
A birth certificate (the original form showing parent information, not a card); two proofs of residency, which must be utility bills from the last 30 days; immunization records or an exemption letter for kindergarten and 7th grade students; proof of custody court documents if applicable; and any EP, IEP or 504 plan if applicable.
Is my child's seat secured as soon as we are accepted?
No. After the acceptance email you complete registration in SchoolMint, the same place you applied. The seat is not final until that registration is submitted.
Which grades does the school serve?
Kindergarten through 7th grade in 2026-27, adding a grade each year until kindergarten through 12th grade is served.
What happens after you apply
- 1Apply
Complete the application in SchoolMint, the system Rutherford County Schools uses. You will create a parent account first.
- 2Watch for your acceptance email
Families with an offered seat are prompted to complete registration. If it has not arrived after applying, contact the office.
- 3Register, with documents
Registration happens in SchoolMint, where you applied. Your child's seat is not final until registration is submitted.
What it costs
- Tuition
- Free. ACAR is a public charter school authorised by Rutherford County Schools.
- Lunch
- Optional. $5.00, or $0.40 on reduced price. Families approved for free meals pay nothing. Details
- Breakfast
- Optional. $3.00, or $0.30 on reduced price. Served each morning in place of before-school care. Details
- After Care
- Optional. Runs every school day until 6:00 p.m., booked in The ACAR Account. A $15 fee applies for late pickup. Details
- Uniforms
- Required. See the uniform guidance for what to buy. Details