The Museum School, a free, public charter school located just outside Avondale Estates, is recruiting students in grades K through 6 for the 2013-2014 school year.

First priority for enrollment is given to children living in Focus Area 1, which follows the attendance lines for Avondale, Knollwood and Midway elementary schools.  If space allows, enrollment is opened to children living in Focus Area 2, which is the remainder of the DeKalb County School District.

Kindergarten and sixth grade will have the most slots, though families with students in other grades are encouraged to apply. For 2013-2014, pending approval from the DeKalb County School District, The Museum School will add an additional classroom for sixth grade, which would open up 24 additional seats.

“We are so excited to add a second class for next year’s sixth grade,” says Principal Katherine Kelbaugh, “With more students, we will be able to offer an authentic middle school experience and welcome new families to TMS.”

The school will accept applications between Feb. 1 and 15. If the school receives more applications than spots available, a public lottery will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the school, and admission offers will go out immediately. Families will have 15 days to notify the school of their intent to enroll.

Parents will have several opportunities to learn about The Museum School. Tours are available every Thursday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Additionally:

Community Information Meetings

Monday, Jan. 14, Redan Library at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 15, Covington Library at 6:30 p.m.

Open Houses at The Museum School, located at 923 Forrest Blvd, Decatur, GA, 30030:

Saturday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 9 a.m.

The Museum School currently serves students in kindergarten through fifth grades, and will add a grade per year through eighth grade. The school will have 354 students in 2013-2014, which is its fourth year of operation.

The school’s innovative curriculum and partnerships with community organizations give students opportunities to learn through experiences. Students display their knowledge in exhibits, which are presented to parents and community members four times a year.

The Museum School does not discriminate in its enrollment procedures or educational programs based on intellectual or athletic ability, aptitude, disability, race, class, gender, family structure, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry or any other basis prohibited by law.

For more details about the curriculum and admissions policy at The Museum School, visit the school’s website at themuseumschool.org.