The ACDS shadow experience allows your child to experience two full days (or one-day for Kindergarten applicants) of the robust ACDS program, and lets the school observe your child's classroom participation, engagement, and academic fit. At ACDS, we consider the shadow experience as a pivotal step in both your child's educational journey and your family's decision-making process.

Learn more about how to apply to ACDS
and schedule Your student's ACDS Shadow Visit

Preparing for the Shadow Visit

Have an Open and Stress-Free Conversation
Your child will shadow in their current grade with their peers. To best prepare your child for their shadow visit, we recommend having an open and stress-free conversation with them beforehand. Emphasize that the visit is simply an opportunity to explore ACDS and see what it’s like. The more relaxed and comfortable your child can be with the experience, the more enjoyable and productive the shadow visit will be.

Visit Days

Our aim is to ensure your child's comfort from the moment they step on our campus. A shadow visit may evoke a mix of emotions, both excitement and nervousness. Rest assured that your child's wellbeing is our priority from the moment they step foot on our campus. The shadow visit is a wonderful opportunity for them to get to know more about ACDS and meet new friends and teachers. For grades 1 - 7, your child will be paired with a friendly shadow buddy who will guide them through the visit and make them feel like a VIP. Our teachers and staff will also provide a warm welcome and help your child to embrace the rhythm of our enriched academic program.

For students applying to grades 1 - 7, the second day offers an opportunity for students to relax into a now more familiar schedule. This extended shadow visit promises a deeper and more immersive experience, allowing our prospective students to truly embrace the life of an ACDS student.

Drop Off and Pick Up

Each day will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 3:10 p.m (or 3 p.m. for students shadowing in Kindergarten for first grade).
Please bring your student to the front office a few minutes before 8 a.m. on the first day of their two-day shadow experience (one day for Kindergarten applicants). For students applying to grades 2 - 7, we will call your child’s homeroom teacher who will send a shadow buddy to the office to greet your student. Your child can say goodbye to you at that point and the buddy will walk your child to the homeroom.
Students shadowing in grades 1 - 5 may be picked up on the blacktop outside of the grade-level classrooms. Grade 6 and 7 students may be picked up in front of the school office.

What to Wear

What to Bring

Students in grades 5 - 7 participate in regular physical education classes and will need P.E. clothing. Please bring running shoes, gym shorts, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt if needed.
Snack and lunch (if not ordering hot lunch): Please pack a healthy snack for our snack recess time. You may pack a lunch for your child or purchase a hot lunch from our vendor, Pasta Market, anytime before 6 a.m. on the day of the shadow. You can login and view the menu at https://pastamarket.boonli.com. You will need to create an account. The ACDS login password is acs180.
Backpack with notebook and pencils (optional): While no supplies are needed, you may wish to have your child bring a backpack with lunch (if none is ordered) along with a notebook and pencils.

After the Shadow Visit

We firmly believe in safeguarding the precious nature of childhood and shielding students from undue stress related to school choices, and we extend our support to you and your family as you move through the decision process. Choosing the right educational institution is a family decision, and over the years we’ve found that placing undue pressure on your child may lead to apprehension or anxiety. After your child's shadow visit concludes, we suggest having a thoughtful discussion (with age-appropriate input from your child) to consider whether the community, culture, and academic program at ACDS resonates with your child and family.

To schedule your child's shadow visit and embark on this exciting experience with us, please click below.

Learn more about how to apply
and Schedule Your student's ACDS Shadow Visit
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at admissions@almadencountryday.org or by phone at 408-997-0424. We are here to support you every step of the way!

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The ACDS Shadow Experience