Admissions
Admission to The North Branch School is open to anyone, regardless of race, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, physical ability, class, color, ethnic origin or religious affiliation. The admissions process at NBS is “need-blind,” meaning the ability to pay does not affect acceptance decisions. In addition, we give first consideration to siblings, though sibling status does not always guarantee a spot. It should also be noted that the school is quite small (twenty-seven students), and therefore, in a given year, there may be more applicants than spaces.
We do not have a “kind of kid” we are seeking. Rather, we seek to put together a balanced class with respect to learning styles, gender, age, abilities and affinities, family background, geography, and socio-economic diversity. Each year there are innumerable variables which go into making a class. Interested families may begin the admissions process by contacting us for information and guidance.
Admissions decisions are arrived at through a process involving an admissions committee comprised of teachers and members of the board.
We do not have a “kind of kid” we are seeking. Rather, we seek to put together a balanced class with respect to learning styles, gender, age, abilities and affinities, family background, geography, and socio-economic diversity. Each year there are innumerable variables which go into making a class. Interested families may begin the admissions process by contacting us for information and guidance.
Admissions decisions are arrived at through a process involving an admissions committee comprised of teachers and members of the board.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $11,500. Arrangements for payment may be made according to individual family needs. Generally, families elect to pay on a quarterly or monthly basis.
There is financial assistance available to be distributed on the basis of demonstrated need. The school is committed to making every reasonable effort to assist families financially. Requests for financial aid have no impact on admission decisions and are completed following enrollment.
Tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $11,500. Arrangements for payment may be made according to individual family needs. Generally, families elect to pay on a quarterly or monthly basis.
There is financial assistance available to be distributed on the basis of demonstrated need. The school is committed to making every reasonable effort to assist families financially. Requests for financial aid have no impact on admission decisions and are completed following enrollment.
Non-Discrimination Policy
In hiring, admissions and administration The North Branch School does not discriminate on the basis of physical ability, gender, race, national or ethnic origin, creed, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
In hiring, admissions and administration The North Branch School does not discriminate on the basis of physical ability, gender, race, national or ethnic origin, creed, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
Application Procedure
1. Application
Prospective students should fill out the student questionnaire (by hand, if possible). Parents should fill out the parent forms. Applications are due March 15. All materials can be sent to the school address (below).
The application fee is $50.00 (non-refundable). This fee may be waived if it presents a financial hardship.
2. School Visits
Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to attend our school open-house in mid-January when they will have an opportunity to hear from teachers, current students, and alums. Parents are then encouraged to schedule a time to meet with Donna & Joanna at the school. Together with the student “group interview” below, these visits give students and families a feel for the school and its culture, and provide several different forums for questions.
3. Group Interview
Students who apply are asked to attend a group interview after school with Tal and a handful of other applicants. This usually happens after the open house and parent visit, and before or shortly after the application deadline. NBS will contact parents to schedule these visits.
4. Transcripts and Records
Please sign the Transcript Release Form and submit it to your child’s current school. Please inform the school that they should send all pertinent materials, transcripts, records, IEP’s, or other information to The North Branch School.
5. Math Teacher Recommendation
A teacher recommendation from a current math teacher is useful in providing us with more specific information in this area. Please give the form to the applicant’s present math teacher and ask that it be mailed directly to The North Branch School. This recommendation will remain confidential. You may want to provide a stamped and addressed envelope for the convenience of the teacher.
A completed application should include:
Please mail completed forms to:
Admissions
The North Branch School
P.O. Box 209
Ripton, Vermont 05766
1. Application
Prospective students should fill out the student questionnaire (by hand, if possible). Parents should fill out the parent forms. Applications are due March 15. All materials can be sent to the school address (below).
The application fee is $50.00 (non-refundable). This fee may be waived if it presents a financial hardship.
2. School Visits
Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to attend our school open-house in mid-January when they will have an opportunity to hear from teachers, current students, and alums. Parents are then encouraged to schedule a time to meet with Donna & Joanna at the school. Together with the student “group interview” below, these visits give students and families a feel for the school and its culture, and provide several different forums for questions.
3. Group Interview
Students who apply are asked to attend a group interview after school with Tal and a handful of other applicants. This usually happens after the open house and parent visit, and before or shortly after the application deadline. NBS will contact parents to schedule these visits.
4. Transcripts and Records
Please sign the Transcript Release Form and submit it to your child’s current school. Please inform the school that they should send all pertinent materials, transcripts, records, IEP’s, or other information to The North Branch School.
5. Math Teacher Recommendation
A teacher recommendation from a current math teacher is useful in providing us with more specific information in this area. Please give the form to the applicant’s present math teacher and ask that it be mailed directly to The North Branch School. This recommendation will remain confidential. You may want to provide a stamped and addressed envelope for the convenience of the teacher.
A completed application should include:
- NBS prospective family open-house/zoom meeting in late January (01/31/2021; 3:30-5PM)
- Application Fee ($50.00, non-refundable/waived by request if a hardship)
- Prospective student’s application
- Student’s (hand written) writing sample (other work or art samples are optional and welcome)
- Parents’ form
- Current Math teacher’s recommendation
- Current school’s transcripts and records sent to The North Branch School
- Parent interview/visit (to be arranged)
- Student group visit with Tal/teachers (to be scheduled after application is submitted)
Please mail completed forms to:
Admissions
The North Branch School
P.O. Box 209
Ripton, Vermont 05766
If there are questions, please call 388-3269 or email us at nbs@northbranchschool.org
