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Westlake Academy
New Residency and Admission Policy Amendment Update
As of August 1, 2015
The Westlake Academy Board of Trustees has recently updated our policies for
establishing residency in the Town of Westlake and subsequently admission into the
Academy. The new policies will go into effect on August 1, 2015 and will apply to
students who are admitted AFTER this date. These amendments have been discussed
and adopted by the Board in order to assist us in managing the increased demand for
admission and to serve the best interests of the student enrolled in the Academy.
As many of you are aware, growth in the Town of Westlake is underway with two (2) new
residential areas (Granada & Carlyle Court) and a mixed -use development (Entrada).
With the new residential construction and new families moving into our other
developments, the administrative staff is committed to ensuring that student enrollment
for the Academy is managed responsibly for Westlake residents who wish to attend the
Academy.
We must balance our ability to fulfill our charter commitment to educate students
residing in the primary boundary of Westlake, with the Academy's responsibility for
financial and academic accountability, so that we can provide an optimal learning
environment for all Academy students - from both primary and secondary (extended)
boundaries. It was with this in mind that the Academy's policies on establishing
residency and admission procedures were amended and will go into effect on August 1,
2015. Below, you will find answers to common questions that we have encountered as
we have discussed the policies:
1. Secondary (Extended) Boundary Students - These amendments do not
impact secondary boundary students who have entered the Academy through
the lottery process.
2. Currently Enrolled Primary Boundary Students - These amendments will not
impact a student who has already been admitted to the Academy as a primary
boundary resident (Westlake resident) and who attends the Academy for at least
two years before relocating.
What does this mean for my family?
For example, if you purchased /leased your home in Westlake and your child was
enrolled in the Academy in 2012, and you relocated to Southlake in 2015, your
child may continue to attend the Academy as you met the two (2) year residency
requirement prior to purchasing your new home in Southlake (or any other
extended boundary location).
If child was admitted in August of 2014, and you continue residency in Westlake
until at least August of 2016, then your child may remain enrolled at the Academy
under the then existing policy.
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Grandparents providing after school care to a Westlake student will be subject to
the same guidelines and policy requirements as a parent resident.
3. Newly Enrolled Primary Boundary Students (after August 1, 2015) - If you
are admitted after August 1, 2015, then you will be governed by the newly
amended policy.
What does this mean for my family?
If you move into Westlake and /or your child is admitted to the Academy after
August 1, 2015, your child may continue to attend the Academy for as long as
you continue to reside in the primary boundary of Westlake. Should your
circumstances change and you relocate to a residence within the secondary
boundary, your child may finish the school year at the Academy and then re-
apply as a transfer student from the secondary boundary if you choose to seek
continued enrollment at the Academy.
4. Building Permit Primary Boundary Applicants (after August 1, 2015) —
Under the new policies, applicants to the Academy must be current residents of
Westlake to apply for admission as a primary boundary resident. A building
permit will no longer be recognized as acceptable documentation of residency.
What does this mean for my family?
Homes under construction — Families with students currently enrolled in the
Academy based on a building permit must complete the construction of their
home and establish residency in Westlake prior to August 1, 2016. If you are
unable to complete the construction of your home prior to August 1, 2016, then
will need to provide documentation that you reside in another Westlake residence
by that date or your child will need to apply for admission as a secondary
boundary resident. Upon the completion and occupying of the Westlake home a
student may apply as a primary boundary resident.
New home construction permitted after August 1, 2015 — Students whose
families file a building permit after the effective date of the policy may apply for
admission as a primary boundary residence once the family occupies the home
as their residence.
Should you have further questions, please contact Amanda DeGan, Assistant Town
Manager, at (817) 490 -5715 or adegan @westlake - tx.org.
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