Admissions
Prerequisites
The Inclusive Social Development programs are field-based courses of study, delivered in partnership with participating communities. Admission and continued participation are contingent on membership in a participating community and sponsorship by that community. Only individuals who are members of a participating community and have been awarded a Community Fellowship by their participating community are eligible to enroll in the Inclusive Social Development programs full-time.
Individuals cannot apply independently to participate in these programs. Communities that are not currently participating in the Inclusive Social Development programs of Camphill Academy must establish affiliation before they can sponsor their members for enrollment.
Students must have completed a high school education or equivalent and be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment. Generally, preference will be given to applicants who can show some relevant life experience after graduation from high school, such as a gap year, volunteer service (within or outside the Camphill movement), work, study and/or meaningful travel.
The programs presuppose a solid command of the English language. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score. A score of 70 (internet-based) (corresponds to an IELTS overall band score of 6 or DET score of 95-100) is considered the minimum necessary for admission, though individual sub-scores are also taken into account.
To fulfill the field-based supervised practice requirements, students are required to be resident members of a participating community. Participation by others is arranged on a case-by-case basis.
Students with significant prior education and experience may qualify for advanced entry into the Paraprofessional Certification program. They must demonstrate that their background is at least equivalent to the Foundation Studies program in terms of relevant practical experience and knowledge, including a good understanding of the anthroposophical foundations of this work. In addition, a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (corresponds to an IELTS score of 6.5 or DET score of 105) is required for advanced entry into the Paraprofessional Certification program.
In general, students need basic computer and technological skills to be able to successfully participate in the Inclusive Social Development programs. This includes: email, word processing, web browsing, online search, and filling out online forms. Students receive orientation and training in additional technological platforms as required for program participation after enrollment.
Students are generally expected to provide their own computer or equivalent device. Computers/ devices should meet the minimum requirements to operate an internet browser, word processing software, and other relevant software. A microphone and camera may be needed to participate in classes utilizing synchronous video conferencing platforms. This will be reflected in Course Descriptions.
If a student is concerned about their digital literacy, or if accessing a computer/equivalent device would prove a significant hardship, this should be discussed during the admissions process. Issues that arise once enrolled in the programs should be directed to the Class Advisor.
If you are unsure whether to apply directly for enrollment as a student in the Camphill Academy, or whether you should explore the possibility of experiencing Camphill as a volunteer first, please contact us.
Process
For candidates applying to become new members of a participating community in order to enroll in the program, the following is required:
- Simultaneous submission of application to join the participating community and to become a student in the Camphill Academy, including all required materials. Specific materials required for the Academy application include:
- The ‘Autobiography’ section of the application should be about 2 pages in length and comment on your interest, motivation, study skills and prior practical and academic experience.
- At least one reference must be an academic reference (teacher/professor) and comment on your study skills and oral and written expression.
- Non-native English speakers must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score. For TOEFL, the institution code is #8718. For IELTS, an institutional code is not required. Please contact the test center where you took the IELTS test and request that your text scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system. For DET, indicate that you want to share your test score with Camphill Academy from the Duolingo English Test website.
- Evidence of highest level of education completed, such as a high school or college diploma or transcript.
- Admission interviews with the community’s admissions group and one or more members of the respective Core Faculty Group.
- Acceptance into the participating community and into the Foundation Studies Certificate program (or the Paraprofessional Certificate program, for those who qualify) by the Core Faculty and award of Community Fellowship by the participating community.
Current members of a participating community should express their interest to the responsible individual or group in their community, who will then approach the Program Director with a request for enrollment. Like other applicants, they should submit a similar statement of their intent to participate in the program to the core faculty. The admissions process will follow all other steps, as outlined above, except for those relating to admission to a participating community.
For more information please refer to our Program Handbook:
Participating Communities
To view the various communities’ websites, visit Our Affilitions page.
Camphill Communities California (Soquel, CA)
Camphill Village USA (Copake, NY)
Students from Cadmus Lifesharing, Camphill Hudson (Hudson, NY) and Triform Camphill Community (Hudson, NY) may also join this cohort.
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills (Kimberton, PA)
Heartbeet Lifesharing (Hardwick, VT)
The Camphill School (Chester County, PA)
The Camphill Academy is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students at The Camphill School, Camphill Village USA, Camphill Communities California, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, and Heartbeet Lifesharing locations.
