General Info:
Address: 1750 West 64th St., Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 202-2500
Website: www.sycamoreschool.org
Open House Info: If you were unable to attend the Fall Open House and would like to take a close, in-person look at Sycamore School, visit www.sycamoreschool.org/admissions/visit, or contact the Enrollment Management Office at (317) 202-2544 or [email protected].
Q&A with Sycamore School:
What makes Sycamore unique?
At Sycamore School, we understand that gifted children need a special education, and our mission reflects our focus and drive: “Sycamore School exists so that academically gifted students can experience the enriched, accelerated education they need to reach their potential and to lead responsible, constructive, fulfilling lives.” There are few schools in the country with such a clear focus and unique commitment to providing an appropriate education for gifted learners. All that we do, in and out of the classroom, is focused on helping gifted students realize their fullest potential while being known and loved.
What is Sycamore’s age/grade range?
We enroll students in Preschool (age 3 by September 1) through Grade 8.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
While we still can enroll students for the 2024-25 school year, we are also accepting applications for enrollment in the Fall of 2025. Parents can apply online at www.sycamoreschool.org/apply. In addition to an application that includes a parent questionnaire, families also provide a recent report card and standardized achievement test results and request a current teacher recommendation. Additionally, each child must complete an individual intellectual ability assessment. For admission to Preschool, this involves a preschool screening and observation conducted at Sycamore. For admission to Prekindergarten through 8th grade, this involves IQ testing with a full-scale IQ at or near the Very Superior range. All applicants must demonstrate age-appropriate social and emotional development and behavior that would enable the child to function effectively in a classroom environment.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we offer need-based financial aid. During 2024-2025 we will award approximately $1.05 million of financial aid to approximately 20% of our students. You can learn more at www.sycamoreschool.org/admissions/financial-aid.
What are the standard school day hours?
The school day for Preschool through Grade 4 is 8:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. There is a half-day option of 8:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for Preschool, and extended care is available from 12:00-3:15 p.m. for families who choose the half-day option. The school day for Middle School (Grades 5-8) is 8:10 a.m.-3:20 p.m.
Does Sycamore offer before/after school care? Does Sycamore offer afterschool activities?
We offer Quest for before and after school care, and there is a fee for this service. Before school care is available as early as 7:00 a.m. After school care is available until as late as 6:00 p.m. We also offer an extensive Extended Program that includes after school activities, which include academic teams, athletics, and other enrichment opportunities. Families can learn more at sycamoreschool.org/beyond-the-classroom/.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
No.
How many children attend Sycamore? How many students are in the average classroom?
Enrollment for 2024-25 is 400. Preschool has a maximum enrollment of 30 students, with 15 per classroom with a full-time teacher and two assistant teachers in each classroom. Prekindergarten has a maximum enrollment of 36 students, with 18 per classroom with a full-time teacher and two assistant teachers in each classroom. The maximum class size in remaining grades typically is 20 students. In Kindergarten and Lower School (Grades 1-4), there is a lead teacher and a full-time assistant teacher in each classroom.
Does Sycamore have a homework policy?
No.
Does Sycamore offer support for students with special needs?
Sycamore does enroll some students who are “twice-exceptional,” or “2e.” These are gifted students with the potential for high achievement and who give evidence of one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria. We develop educational plans that meet these students’ needs academically and in other applicable ways.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does Sycamore offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
All students take specialty classes each year. These specials include art, library media, music, physical education, technology, and foreign language (Spanish). In addition to these, we offer an array of activities that nurture student interests academically and otherwise.
Who should parents contact for more information about Sycamore?
Interested families can contact the Enrollment Management Office at 317-202-2544 or [email protected]. Additionally, www.sycamoreschool.org/admissions outlines the admissions process and provides much information about the school.
