Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions 

2024-2025 

 

TFAA is a challenging, academically accelerated school with many opportunities to explore the arts. 

 

Transportation is not provided for our students.  Parents must provide their own transportation.  There are after-school options at local childcare facilities, dance, or karate studios if needed. 

 

The number of positions available varies from year to year.  Openings depend on the number of students who return in subsequent years.  We encourage applying even if there are no current openings as students may move away throughout the summer. 

 

Applications may be submitted online between December 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024.  COMPLETED applications include online application submission with upload of report cards and test scores, plus an uploaded teacher recommendation form submitted by 3:00 p.m. on January 31, 2024.  Anything received after that date and time will be considered late.  

 

Log in to your account periodically to check the status of your application. If something is incomplete, it is likely the teacher recommendation. Please reach out to your child’s teacher to confirm they have submitted the form. Incomplete applications are NOT processed. It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that the COMPLETED application is submitted by 3:00 p.m. on January 31, 2024.  

 

Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade Applicants 

A completed application for kindergarten consists of an application and an uploaded teacher recommendation form from your child’s current teacher; 1st and 2nd grade applicants must submit their most recent report card as well.  All Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade applicants will be scheduled via a SignUpGenius link for a 20-25 minute screening session.  A minimum qualifying score is required. Students will be ranked according to their combined screening scores and recommendation score. 

  

 

3rd and 4th Grade Applicants 

A completed application consists of: an application, a copy of the most recent report card, Cognitive Abilities Test scores, an uploaded teacher recommendation form from a current teacher, and results of any gifted screenings, if available. Students in 3rd and 4th grade qualify based on CogAT scores, grades, and recommendations. The CogAT is the Cognitive Abilities Test given to all 2nd grade students in Rutherford County. You may get a copy of the results from your child’s school. All sections of the CogAT will be considered. A minimum qualifying score is required. Students will be ranked according to their combined test scores and recommendation score. 

 

5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Applicants 

A completed application consists of: an application, a copy of the most recent report card, most recent standardized test scores (CogAT, TN Ready, SAT-10, etc.), and an uploaded teacher recommendation form from a current teacher. A minimum qualifying score is required. Students will be ranked according to their combined test scores and recommendation score. 

 

Students may qualify based on TNReady test scores, 2nd grade CogAT scores, or appropriate “Gifted” screening tests.  If no such scores are available, scores from other nationally normed tests (for example, Stanford Achievement Test-10) may be considered.  

 

Qualifying siblings of current students are given priority consideration.  To qualify for sibling priority status, the family must have a student already enrolled at TFAA for the 2023-2024 school year. 

 

No, current Kindergarten students must apply for 1st grade. 

 

All kindergarten, first and second grade applicants will be screened. Screenings are scheduled in January and early February.  Due to the number of screenings we must complete, we cannot work around preschool schedules, vacations, etc.  

 

It generally takes us the entire month of February to review applicants.  Letters stating entrance status will be mailed before the end of March.  

 

Q. What type of screening tool is used?

The screening instrument is a cognitive assessment that predicts a child’s ability for academic success in our program. 

 

Due to the volume of screenings, we do not send out individual scoring information. 

 

Yes, students must reapply if still interested in the magnet program.  

 

A formal test is not given each year to remain in the program. However, strong academics, good behavior, punctuality, and attendance are important. Students may be removed from the program if these traits are not priorities. 

 

In-person tours will be available beginning in January.  Visit our website to sign-up.  You may also visit our website for a virtual tour. 

 

TFAA and McFadden School of Excellence use the same screening tool for applicants.  Students wishing to apply at both schools may only screen one time.  Scores will be shared between the schools. Students are not permitted to screen at both schools. Applications must be completed at both schools if you intend to apply at both schools. 

  

Additional Information: 

~ There will be an informational meeting for interested families on November 30, 2023 at 6:00 PM.

~  All completed applications submitted by 3:00 PM on January 31, 2024 are equally considered.  

~  Please check your email account periodically throughout the application process.  Email is our primary form of communication. 

~  If there is inclement weather on the day of your screening and schools are closed or delayed, your missed appointment will be rescheduled. 

~  School hours are 7:30-2:30. Doors open at 6:45.  All students must be picked up by 3:00. 

~  Students outside of Rutherford County will not be considered. When addresses are questionable, they will be checked for validity.  

~  Students who move outside Rutherford County are required to transfer to their zoned school.