SANT BANI SCHOOL
Admissions
Welcome to Sant bani school!
Thank you for your interest in Sant Bani School! We are excited to have you learn more about our School as you consider Sant Bani School as a next step in your child’s academic journey.
One of the most difficult questions a prospective family can ask me is, “Why should my child come to Sant Bani School?” What makes this question difficult is there are so many reasons, it’s hard to choose just one.
Our School is a small, nurturing, close-knit community led by a team of dedicated teachers who are committed to working with each child to foster a genuine love of learning, while recognizing that each child learns differently and working with each child to optimize their learning experience. Sant Bani School classrooms are “judgment free” zones in which students are encouraged to stretch their comfort zone without worrying about how others might respond, in the spirit of one of our founding principles of “there is something to learn from everyone.” Small class sizes allow for more individual attention and collaborative learning. There are both formal and informal opportunities for cross-grade collaboration and learning.
Our setting – students have access to 200-acres of woods and trails, streams, and a vernal pool – allows our classes to have ample outdoor time and outdoor education is integrated into our curriculum. Service also plays an integral part of a Sant Bani School education, as our students learn the importance of giving back to their community – both locally and globally. We offer a comprehensive after-school enrichment program which allows our students to further pursue their passions or discover new talents.
These are just some of the things that make Sant Bani School such a unique place. I hope you will consider scheduling a campus visit for your child to get a firsthand glimpse of what our School has to offer. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about the admissions process.
Sincerely,
Sara Nicolaisen ’04 P’29
Application Process
Inquire
To learn more about Sant Bani School and begin the application process, please visit the FACTS Application Portal and create an applicant account.
Schedule a Tour
We strongly encourage prospective families to schedule a campus visit as a part of the application process. Tours are available Monday through Friday year-round. You may schedule a tour by contacting Director of Admission and Student Life Sara Nicolaisen at sara@santbani.org.
Complete Your Application
To be considered in the first round of admissions decisions, applications must be completed by February 1. Families who miss the February 1 deadline may still complete the application process at any time. Please note that the Financial Aid deadline is February 15. A list of materials needed to complete your child’s application can be found in your FACTS applicant account.
Prospective families: keep track of upcoming important dates in the application process and the supplemental information required for various grades by viewing and printing the application timeline and checklist.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition
Tuition for the 2022-2023 school year is $9,250 for grades K-8 and for Little Swans who enroll in the five-day program (Little Swans enrolled in preschool for fewer than five full days per-week have lower tuition; details here).
In addition to the regular school day (8:30am to 3:10pm), the optional extended-day enrichment program, held until 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday, is included in K-8 tuition.
Applicable Fees
Bus service is available for K-8 students to school (and back) from a number of local communities; Routes include Concord; New Hampton and Plymouth; Tilton and Gilford; and Franklin and Andover. Bussing fees are assessed separately. For the 2022-23 school year, round-trip bus service is $900 for one child, and $350 for each additional sibling; morning or afternoon bus service is $525 for one child, and $175 for each additional sibling.
Nominal fees may also be associated with participation in some clubs, special events and activities.
Affording a Sant Bani School Education
Sant Bani School offers need-based financial aid for families who cannot afford to pay full tuition. The financial aid application deadline is February 15, and the financial aid application can be accessed in the FACTS application portal.
Sant Bani School annually awards $250,000 in financial aid to its students. It is important to note that applying for financial aid does not guarantee that a family will receive any; each application is reviewed on an individual basis with grant amounts being determined by a family’s demonstrated need.
All parents/guardians will need to contribute financially to a Sant Bani School education. In cases of divorce, separation, or non-marriage, both parent households will need to fill out financial aid information and assume responsibility for their child’s educational expenses unless specific court-ordered arrangements or divorce agreements indicating otherwise are supplied to the School. If special circumstances exist, please be sure to include that in the optional personal statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have a tour if there are no openings?
Yes, we would love to show you the school in action! Contact Tina Nussbaum Wagler to arrange a visit.
When is the next Open House? May I bring my child(ren) to the Open House or tour?
Open Houses were put on hold for 2020-21 due to the pandemic and we are still evaluating whether we can safely hold an open house in 2021-22. When we do hold Open Houses, a schedule can be found in the Admissions Calendar.
Children absolutely are welcome on tours and weekend Open Houses, but the in-school Open Houses are for parents only.
May my child come and visit a class for the day?
Please note that campus building access is currently limited to current Sant Bani School students and employees, which impacts our ability to host prospective families for a class day. Under normal circumstances, 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.
I saw on your website I’ve missed the application deadline – may I still apply?
Applications after the deadline are welcome – please contact Tina Nussbaum Wagler for more information.
Is there a minimum age for Kindergarten?
Students must be five (5) years old by September 30 of the current school year to be eligible for Kindergarten.
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.
Do you admit students mid-year?
If there is room in a class, we welcome applications for mid-year enrollment.
I cannot afford to pay full tuition. Is Financial Aid available?
Yes, 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.
Do you have a sliding scale for tuition if more than one child enrolls?
No – there is no reduction in tuition for additional siblings.
Are there additional fees throughout the school year?
Students who ride the bus are assessed a transportation fee; there is a reduction in rates for families with more than one child. Some field trips and clubs have associated fees, though every effort is made to keep these reasonable.
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.
Do you ever allow bright children to skip a grade? Can (s)he be tested to determine which grade is the best fit?
Our experience and field research suggest that children do best socially with their age-peers.
My child is struggling at their 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.
Do you admit children who need a one-to-one classroom aide?
Sant Bani School cannot support students who need an individual classroom aide.
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.
Is religion taught?
There is no religious instruction in our curriculum.
Do you have pre-school? Do you have before and aftercare? Do you have half and full-day Kindergarten?
Little Swans Pre-school is available for children ages 3-5. We do not offer before-school care; there is an after-school Enrichment program offered Monday through Thursday until 4:30 PM.
We do not offer a half-day Kindergarten program, but if it better meets the needs of their child, parents may arrange for a 12:45 PM pickup on Fridays.
At what age do you start foreign language studies?
Beginning in Kindergarten, all students have Spanish classes included in their curriculum.
What is the length of the school day?
The school day begins at 8:30 AM and concludes at 3:30 PM. An optional after-school Enrichment program runs until 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Bus services are available for students in the afternoon at 4:30 PM, after Enrichment concludes. and at 3:30 PM on Friday.
Where do the bus routes go?
For the 2021-22 school year, bus stops are located in Concord (2), Franklin, Gilford, Laconia, New Hampton, Plymouth, Andover, and Tilton. Routes might be adjusted from year-to-year based on demand.
What sports are offered?
Students may begin playing sports in fifth grade. Sports offered include cross-country, field hockey, soccer, rock climbing, track and field, and lacrosse; interscholastic participation for each team is dependent upon interest. If there are not enough players to field an interscholastic team, the sport will be offered as a club.