Admissions
Join a community where every child’s unique learning journey is celebrated and supported.
Champaign Location
Currently on waitlist through May 2026
We are accepting applications for our waitlist. Students will be admitted as space becomes available.
Bloomington Location
Now Accepting Applications
Limited spaces available for the current academic year.
Welcome to ExcelPrep Admissions
We understand that finding the right educational placement for your neurodiverse learner can be challenging. At ExcelPrep, we’re committed to making the admissions process clear, supportive, and focused on understanding your child’s unique needs.
Whether you’re a parent seeking specialized instruction, a school district looking for placement options, or exploring ABA therapy services, we’re here to help you navigate the process.
Who We Serve
ExcelPrep’s PreK-8 program is designed for neurodiverse learners who need specialized, evidence-based instruction.
Learning Disabilities
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Language-based learning disabilities
Attention Challenges
- ADHD
- ADD
- Executive function difficulties
- Processing speed challenges
Autism Spectrum
- Autism
- Related developmental differences
- Social communication needs
- Sensory processing differences
Other Neurodiversities
- Developmental disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Multiple diagnoses
- Students who learn differently
Good to know: Students with and without public school IEPs are welcome. We prioritize student learning success regardless of formal special education designation.
Three Ways to Fund Your Child’s Education
We believe every family should have access to specialized education for their child. ExcelPrep offers three funding pathways:
School District Referral and Placement
What it is: Your child’s public school district refers them to ExcelPrep and covers tuition as part of their special education services.
Who it’s for: Students with IEPs whose needs cannot be met in their current public school setting.
How it works:
- School district evaluates your child’s needs
- IEP team determines ExcelPrep is the appropriate placement
- District contracts with ExcelPrep for educational services
- District covers tuition costs
Parent tip: If you believe your child needs specialized instruction that your current school cannot provide, request an IEP meeting to discuss alternative placements. You have the right to advocate for appropriate services.
ABA Therapy Insurance Benefit
What it is: Clinical ABA therapy services through our partner program, ExcelLearning, which may be covered by your health insurance.
Who it’s for: Students with autism or related diagnoses who qualify for ABA therapy services under their health insurance plan.
How it works:
- ExcelLearning provides clinical ABA therapy services
- Services may be covered by your insurance benefits
- Academic instruction integrated with behavioral support
- Insurance processes claims according to your plan
Parent tip: Check with your insurance provider about ABA therapy coverage. Many plans cover Applied Behavior Analysis for children with autism spectrum diagnoses. Our team can help you understand your benefits.
Learn more about clinical ABA services: ExcelLearning.clinic
Private Tuition
What it is: Families pay tuition directly to ExcelPrep for educational services.
Who it’s for: Families who choose to privately fund their child’s specialized education.
What’s included:
- Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching
- Small group and individualized instruction
- Ongoing progress monitoring and assessment
- School supplies
- Snacks and lunch
Tuition information: Contact our admissions team for current tuition rates and payment plans. We understand this is a significant investment in your child’s future and are happy to discuss options.
Not sure which pathway applies to you?
Our admissions team can help you understand your options and determine the best funding pathway for your family. We’re here to make this process as clear and supportive as possible.
The Admissions Process
ExcelPrep supports rolling admission, meaning we accept applications throughout the year as space allows. Here’s what to expect:
Complete Initial Enrollment Form
Start by filling out our initial enrollment form. This brief form helps us understand your child’s needs and your family’s situation.
- Basic information about your child
- Current educational setting
- Learning challenges and strengths
- What you’re looking for in a school
Video Intake Meeting
We’ll schedule a virtual meeting with you (parents/guardians) and our admissions team to learn more about your child and answer your questions.
- Discuss your child’s learning history
- Review current challenges and goals
- Learn about ExcelPrep’s approach
- Discuss funding options
- Tour our facilities (virtual or in-person)
Full Application & Record Review
If ExcelPrep seems like a good fit, we’ll invite you to complete the full application process.
- Submit educational records and evaluations
- Provide IEP/504 plan (if applicable)
- Share relevant medical or psychological reports
- Complete detailed application forms
Onsite Intake Assessment
Your child will visit ExcelPrep for an intake assessment where we observe their learning style and assess their current academic skills.
- Academic skill assessment
- Learning style observation
- Social-emotional screening
- Interaction with our educators
- Typical duration: 2-3 hours
Admission Decision
After reviewing all information and completing the assessment, we’ll provide you with an admission decision or next steps.
- Acceptance: Welcome to ExcelPrep! We’ll begin enrollment paperwork.
- Waitlist: We’ll place your child on our waitlist and contact you when space opens.
- Referral: If we’re not the right fit, we’ll help connect you with appropriate resources.
Enrollment & Start Date
Once accepted, we’ll work with you to complete enrollment and plan your child’s start date.
- Complete enrollment paperwork
- Finalize funding/tuition arrangements
- Schedule transition visits
- Meet your child’s teaching team
- Plan first day of school
What to Prepare
Having these documents ready can help expedite the admissions process:
Educational Records
- Most recent report cards
- Standardized test scores
- Progress reports
- Teacher evaluations or notes
Special Education Documents
- Current IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- 504 Plan
- Special education evaluations
- Any educational assessments
Medical & Psychological
- Psychological evaluations
- Neuropsychological assessments
- Autism diagnostic reports
- Medical documentation (if relevant)
- Speech/OT/PT evaluations
Other Helpful Information
- Behavior plans (if applicable)
- Previous school placement history
- Medication information
- Parent observations and concerns
Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these documents. We understand that every child’s situation is unique. Submit what you have, and we’ll work with you to gather any additional information needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you accept new students?
ExcelPrep supports rolling admission throughout the year as space allows. We don’t limit enrollment to traditional semester start dates, though most students begin in August/September or January.
What if my child doesn’t have an IEP?
Students with and without IEPs are welcome at ExcelPrep. We prioritize student learning success regardless of formal special education designation. If you believe your child needs specialized instruction, we encourage you to apply.
Can I tour the school before applying?
Absolutely! We offer both virtual and in-person tours. Tours are typically scheduled as part of your video intake meeting, but we’re happy to arrange a tour earlier in the process if you’d like. Contact our admissions team to schedule.
How long does the admissions process take?
The timeline varies depending on document availability and scheduling, but typically takes 3-6 weeks from initial form submission to admission decision. We work as quickly as possible while ensuring a thorough evaluation of each child’s needs.
What happens after I submit the initial enrollment form?
Our admissions team will review your submission and contact you within 3-5 business days to schedule your video intake meeting. If you don’t hear from us within that timeframe, please reach out directly.
What if ExcelPrep is full or my location is waitlisted?
If we’re at capacity, we’ll add your child to our waitlist and contact you as soon as space becomes available. You can also ask about availability at our other location. We update waitlist families regularly about their status.
Do you provide transportation?
Transportation varies by funding pathway. For school district placements, transportation is typically provided by the district. For private pay and insurance-funded placements, families are responsible for transportation. Contact us to discuss options.
What are your school hours?
School program hours are 8:00 AM – 3:15 PM, Monday through Friday.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Our ratios vary based on student needs and where they are in our learning continuum. We offer both small group instruction and one-to-one support. Specific ratios will be discussed during your intake meeting based on your child’s needs.
Get Started Today
Admissions Team
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Champaign Location
2301 W. Bradley Avenue, Suite 2
Champaign, IL 61822
Status: Waitlist through May 2026
Bloomington Location
1602 Tullamore Avenue
Bloomington, IL
Status: Now accepting applications
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start your child’s journey to academic and social success at ExcelPrep.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Reach out anytime and our admissions team will guide you through the process.