Admission FAQs

Visiting

1. Can we have a tour if there are no openings?

   Yes, we would love to show you the school in action. Call us!

2. When is the next Open House? Can I bring my children to the Open House or tour?

   Due to the pandemic, we are not currently offering Open Houses. When we are, a schedule of Open House dates can be found on our Admission page. Children are definitely welcome on tours and weekend Open Houses, but the in-school Open Houses are for parents only.

3. Can my child come and visit a class for the day?

   Yes, once you and your child have come for a tour or Open House, and have submitted all application materials, we can schedule a day visit for your child. Due to the pandemic, we are delaying day visits until Spring 2021.

Applying

1. I saw on your website I've missed the deadline, can I still apply?

   Applications after the deadline are welcome; for more information please contact us.

2. Is there a minimum age for kindergarten?

   Applicants for kindergarten must be five by September 15 of the school year.

3. When should I begin the application process?

   The deadline for applying is February 1 for first-round admission. Families should consider beginning the process by contacting SBS in the fall prior to the year they would like to enroll their child; however, later outreach is always welcome. We recommend that you wait to distribute recommendation forms and transcript/progress report requests to your child's current school until after the first grading period to allow teachers to get to know their students.

4. Do you admit students mid-year?

   If there is room in a class, we welcome applications for mid-year enrollment.

Financial

1. Do you have a sliding scale for tuition if more than one child enrolls?

   There is no reduction in tuition for additional siblings.

2. I cannot afford to pay full tuition. Is financial aid available?

   Any family that cannot pay full tuition may apply for financial aid. Awards are based on need and each family’s application is considered individually. Please see the Affording SBS page for more details.

3. What are the fees?

   Students who ride the bus to/from school are assessed a Daily Transportation Fee; there is a reduction in rates for families with more than one child. Some field trips and clubs have fees associated; every effort is made to keep these reasonable.

Exceptions to The Process

1. Do you offer Special Services?

   Sant Bani may provide support for a limited time to a student with demonstrated need. All students are expected to meet teacher and classroom expectations independently; the School does not modify the content of coursework for students.

2. My child is very bright. Do you ever skip a grade for a bright child? Can s/he be tested to determine which grade is a good fit?

   Our experience over time is that for social reasons children do best with their age-peers.

3. My child is struggling at his/her current school – do you accept students who are facing challenges and need to make a change?

   We understand that not every child finds success in every educational environment, and we have had many students thrive here after difficulty elsewhere. We are happy to discuss with you whether your child has the ability to succeed within our curriculum, and can contribute positively to the community.

4. Do you admit children who need a one-to-one classroom aide?

   Sant Bani cannot support students who need a one-to-one classroom aide. 

Program

1. How are disciplinary offenses treated? 

   The School values the safety and well-being of all its students and staff. Behavior that affects the atmosphere of the School, because it is disruptive, dangerous, disrespectful or hurtful, will not be tolerated. Minor disciplinary offenses are handled by teachers through a reflection system; major offenses are handled by the Administration and may result in loss of privilege, suspension or expulsion.

2. Is religion taught?

   There is no religious instruction in our curriculum. 

3. Do you have pre-school? Do you have before- and after-care? Do you have half- and full-day kindergarten?

   We do have a preschool for children ages 3-5. We do not offer before-school care; although it is on hold as of November 2020, at other times there is an after-school enrichment program offered from 3:30 - 4:30, Monday - Thursday. We do not have a half-day kindergarten program; however, if it better meets the needs of their child, parents may arrange to pick their child up on Fridays at 12:45. 

4. How young do you start foreign language studies?

   All students, beginning in kindergarten, have Spanish classes included in their program. 

5. What is the length of the school day?

   The school day begins at 8:30 and ends at 3:30. An optional extended-day enrichment program, on hold as of November 2020, runs until 4:30 Monday through Thursday.

6. Where do the bus routes go?

   For the 2020-21 school year, bus stops are located in Concord, Franklin, Gilford, Laconia, New Hampton, Plymouth, Andover and Tilton. Routes may be adjusted from year to year if needed.

7. What sports are offered?

   Middle School sports include cross-country, soccer and field hockey in the fall; alpine skiing and indoor rock climbing in the winter; and track in the spring.