Scholar Enrollment

If you are a parent interested in applying for the 2026-27 school year.  Please fill out a lottery application for for your K-8 scholar begin by clicking below:
APPLY HERE FOR NEW SCHOLARS   HAGA CLIC PARA SOLICITUDES EN ESPANOL 

Just follow the links above, on this page, to apply.  Once you have completed the application, it will be placed into our application system and you will receive a confirmation email.  We also have paper applications available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.

***If your scholar is a returning scholar from 2025-26, you do not need to fill out a new application.  You will just need to pay the activities fee for returning scholars for 2026-27 (available on our shop page.)***

Galapagos is open to all residents who live within the city of Rockford and any other area served by the district.  Children applying for a 2026-27 kindergarten spot must be five by August 30, 2026.

If you have any questions, please call our enrollment team at (815) 708-7946 ext. 406.

Since our first year, Galapagos Rockford Charter School has increased in size every year.  Many of our grade levels are in high demand, especially kindergarten.  Galapagos Rockford Charter School has a limited number of spots for new scholars.  In order to be considered for a spot, please fill out a scholar application.  You may complete an application online.  You may also visit either of our campuses and fill out an application in person.  The application process takes approximately five minutes.  Please fill out an application for your child or children today. We would love the opportunity to serve your family by giving your child an excellent, college-prep elementary experience!  

FAQ about Enrollment and the Lottery

  • Why does Galapagos have a lottery?

    All charter schools are required to have a lottery period. This is a period of time in which any family can apply and have an equal chance of being selected. Any family who applies between December 1, 2024 and March 17, 2025 will be included in our lottery which is held on March 19, 2025.  This lottery is open to the public.

  • When is the Galapagos lottery?

    The 2025-26 Galapagos lottery will be at 2:30pm on March 19, 2025. The lottery will be open to the public.

  • What happens at the lottery?

    At the lottery, Galapagos staff use a random system to select children to be offered spots for the upcoming school year. We start with all children who applied for 8th grade and work down to kindergarten children.

  • How many children are chosen for spots at the lottery?

    The number of children chosen for spots depends on two things: 1) the number of spots Galapagos currently has open at that grade level and 2) the number of children who applied during the lottery period for that grade level. For example, if we have 30 spots available in kindergarten and 40 children apply, we would randomly pick 30 kids who would be offered a spot. The remaining 10 kids of the 40 who initially applied would be assigned to our wait list in the order they are randomly chosen. For example, the first child chosen after we had completed filling the grade, would be first on the waitlist.

  • If my child is chosen at the lottery does that mean my child is enrolled for 2025-26?

    No, when your child is chosen in the lottery you still need to: 1) attend an orientation scheduled at a different date 2) fill out all necessary forms and bring in all necessary information and activity fees. But do not worry, we are there to help you throughout the process.

  • Should I look for another school if my child is on the waitlist?

    No, in most cases, we are able to get your child in once we have more definitive information from our current families and scholars. For example, if a current family moves out of town a spot would open up and we would call the next person on the wait list.

  • Do I need to attend the lottery to ensure that my child is eligible?

    We recommend that you attend the lottery so that you get information on your child’s status. However, it is not mandatory. You will be sent information about your child’s status following the lottery. You will still need to attend an orientation if your child is awarded a spot.

  • If I do not apply during the lottery period can I still apply?

    Yes! We definitively recommend applying during the lottery period but if you are not able to do so please still apply. Your completed application will be added to our waitlist or if there is not a waitlist at the grade level, your scholar will be awarded a spot at that grade level. Your child will then be enrolled after you attend and complete all forms at your scheduled orientation.

  • Do I need to fill out an application if my child already attends Galapagos Rockford?

    No, if your child already attends Galapagos Rockford you do not have to fill out a new application. BUT, you do need to fill out an intent to return form and pay the annual activity fee. 

  • Do I need to fill out an application for another child if their sibling already attends?

    Yes, you do need to apply for any non-attending siblings of your attending child. Please make sure that you apply during the lottery period. If you apply during this time, your incoming scholars will be included in a preferential sibling lottery.

  • What are the requirements to attend Galapagos Rockford Charter School?

    Galapagos does not have any academic requirements for a child to attend.

    In order to attend:
    1) the child must live within the boundaries of RPS 205.
    2) the child must be in good-standing with the child’s previous school.
    3) the child must be five by August 30, 2026.

  • Do I need to pay a tuition?

    No, GRCS is a tuition-free school.  We do charge a annual activities fee of $65 for the first child, $20 for second child and $10 for the third child. For returning scholars, these rates are further discounted if you pay be the deadlines.

     

  • What if my question is not answered here?

    If your question is not answered here, please click here and ask your question. We will respond to you as soon as possible (usually within one business day.)

  • How can I learn more about Galapagos?

    Take a look at our website. We have many pages to explore and see what Galapagos is all about. We also recommend checking out our Facebook page where we post about things happening in our school community. We also are active on our Instagram- @galapagosrockford . If you still would like to learn more, give us a call to discuss or even set up a tour with Ms Kettelhut, the Recruitment Manager.