2026-2027 applications are due in February

ADMISSIONS

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HOW TO APPLY
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How to Apply to Gathering Waters

All students eligible to attend New Hampshire public schools are welcome to apply to Gathering Waters Chartered Public School. As a tuition-free public school, we give enrollment priority to New Hampshire residents. Out-of-state students may also be considered when space is available and are subject to tuition.

Review Our 2026–27
Admissions Guidelines

Everything you need to know about the enrollment lottery, application requirements and timeline.
Download Printable PDF

Apply for Open Spots in the 2025–26 School Year

We have openings in select classes this 2025–26 academic year. For more information about applying immediately, please contact the Admissions Office through our Inquiry Form.

2026-27 Enrollment Lottery Timeline

DECEMBER 1 – FEBRUARY 9

During this time period, Intent to Return and Enrollment Lottery Entry Forms and supporting documents must be received by the end of day Monday, February 9, 2026 to be processed for the February 16th Lottery.

FEBRUARY 9 – OPEN ENROLLMENT CLOSES

Forms received after Monday, February 9, 2026 will not be included in this year’s Open Enrollment Lottery.

FEBRUARY 16: OPEN ENROLLMENT LOTTERY DRAWING
The Open Enrollment Lottery drawing will be held at 10am Monday, February 16, 2026.

FEBRUARY 17-18: LOTTERY RESULTS ANNOUNCED
Via email, families will receive notification of their students’ conditional acceptance or placement on the waitlist.

FEBRUARY 20: ACCEPTANCE DEADLINE
Families must reply to their conditional acceptance offer no later than the end day Friday, February 20, 2026. If we do not receive your response by this deadline, the space will be offered to the next family on the waitlist.

Complete an Application Package

  • Tap this link to go to our Alma homepage.

    Tips:

    • Your user name should follow this formula:
      yourfirstname(dot)yourlastname

    • Bookmark the login page for easy access.

    • If you forgot your password, tap the words “Forgot password?” under the login form.

    Once you reach the parent dashboard, locate and tap your initials in the green circle located at the top right corner of the screen. This will open a dropdown menu.

    Select Alma Start next to the play icon.

  • On the Alma Start dashboard, you will find the initials of your current student(s) in orange circles. Lower down on the screen you will find a plus sign in a green circle. Tap through the icon.

    Now enter the name of your student applicant, and tap the green “Add Student” button. You will have a chance to add more students later.

    On the next screen, locate and tap the green “Begin New Process” button on the right-hand side of the page.

    Select the 2026-27 school year, and then your student’s anticipated grade for next school year.

    When the associated application appears below the fields you just filled, tap the green “Begin” button to get started.

  • Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the application. If you run into any roadblocks or have questions, reach out to Liz at admissions@gatheringwaterscharter.org.

    Be sure to complete the following steps:

    • Upload all required documents

    • Fill out the Open Enrollment Lottery Entry Form

    • Register for and attend an information session

  • Once you have started the application process for your student, you will find their initials circled with an orange ring on the parent dashboard.

    Lower down on the screen you will find a plus sign in a green circle. Tap through the icon, and then repeat the above application process for each additional student applicant.

CURRENT GATHERING WATERS FAMILIES ENROLLING A NEW STUDENT

NEW FAMILIES APPLYING FOR THE FIRST TIME

  • Tap this link, and when you arrive at our Alma Start homepage, select “Create Account” in turquoise letters.

    Now enter the following information, keeping in mind that this account is for you, not your student:

    1. Your first name

    2. Your last name

    3. Your email or phone number

    4. Password

      • 7 - 30 characters

      • Include at least 3 of the following: Upper case letter, Lower case letter, Number (0-9), Special character ($ # ! ^ *)

    Then check your email for a message from Alma, and follow the instructions.

    Account Verification
    Before you can use your account, your email or phone number must be verified. Follow the confirmation link sent to the email or phone number you provided in registration.

    Tips:

    • If you lose the link, tap “resend confirmation”

    • If you don’t find the confirmation code in your email, check your spam folder

    Login
    After you verify your account, you’ll be returned to the login screen, and can sign in with the credentials you just created.

    Bookmark the login page for easy access.

  • Enter the name of your student applicant, and tap the green “Add Student” button. You will have a chance to add more students later.

    On the next screen, locate and tap the green “Begin New Process” button on the right-hand side of the page.

    Select the 2026-27 school year, and then your student’s anticipated grade for that school year.

    When the associated application appears below the fields you just filled, tap the green “Begin” button to get started.

  • Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the application. If you run into any roadblocks or have questions, reach out to Liz at admissions@gatheringwaterscharter.org.

    Be sure to complete the following steps:

    • Upload all required documents

    • Fill out the Open Enrollment Lottery Entry Form

    • Register for and attend an information session

  • Once you have started the application process for your student, you will find their initials circled with an orange ring on the parent dashboard.

    Lower down on the screen you will find a plus sign in a green circle. Tap through the icon, and then repeat the above application process for each additional student applicant.

For detailed information, please download our 2026–2027 Admissions Guidelines.


In accordance with RSA 193-B:3,ii(m) Gathering Waters Chartered Public School will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic or marital status, genetic information, pregnancy and pregnancy-related medical conditions in the selection of students or staff, access to its educational programs and activities, with respect to employment terms and conditions or in the administration of the school or in any other way that is prohibited by law.