Cresthaven Academy partners with the Plainfield Board of Education Transportation Department to offer bus transportation to and from school for those students who qualify. To qualify, students must be Plainfield residents and live a minimum of 2.0 miles away from the school building in which they attend. Distance shall be measured using the shortest route along public roadways or public walkways.

In addition, students with disabilities who require transportation services in accordance with their individualized education program (IEP) shall also qualify for transportation upon proper documentation.

For students who do not qualify for transportation, many of our families utilize carpool van rides to transport their children. This is set up and managed completely by the individual families, Cresthaven Academy does not have a role or responsibility in this service. Students attending our middle school (grades 5-8) have the option to walk home from school once we have been provided written consent from the parent/guardian.

Upon acceptance, families will be directed to complete the registration packet within the SchoolMint application. Additional documentation includes the following:

• 5 Proofs of residency: property deed, mortgage statement, lease, current utility bill, deed, tax, and a landlord affidavit. If the bills are not in your name, you must bring an Affidavit of Resident notarized by the person you live with and one of the utility bills.

• Proof of guardianship — One of the following:

  • Original birth certificate with raised seal (hospital birth certificate is not acceptable)or Passport 

  • Copy of section of court decree awarding custody

• Transfer card from resident district. If enrolling into a school for the first time (i.e. kindergarten or after homeschooling), you will need to first register with your resident district. They will provide a transfer card for enrollment at Cresthaven Academy. 

• Up‑to‑date immunization record from school or doctor.

• Up-to-date physical examination from doctor

Children placed on the waitlist will be called in the order of the lottery placement when and if seats open for that grade level.

In-District preference is only for students who reside in Plainfield, NJ. They will perceive placement preference during the lottery before their out-of district counterparts.

Yes. Siblings of current Cresthaven Academy scholars will receive sibling preference during the lottery. Siblings must have an application on file in order to be considered for sibling preference.

No! Plainfield residents do receive in-district preference when it comes time for the lottery. However, individuals living in any district are welcome to apply.

Kindergarten Age Requirement: Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old by October 1 of the year they plan to enter kindergarten. For the 2026-2027 school year, children must be 5 years old by October 1, 2026.

No! Cresthaven Academy is a tuition-free public charter school.

Cresthaven Academy accepts applications up to three years before your child’s Kindergarten year. For example, if you're interested in applying for the 2026-2027 Kindergarten class, you can submit an application now. The public lottery for the 2026-2027 school year will be held in February 2026.

Yes! Applications for the current school year are open during the school year. When you go to apply online, make sure to select the appropriate school year.

Someone from the Cresthaven Academy front office or admissions office will reach out regarding your placement.

The random public lottery will be held on February 23rd, 2026. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are due by 11:59 am on February 22nd, 2026.