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Q
What are the grade levels at Barrie?
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A
Lower School is age 2–Grade 5
Middle-Upper School is Grades 6–12
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Q
Are all grades on one campus?
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A
Yes, we have a wooded, 45-acre campus that includes all divisions, in addition to Barrie Camp and the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studis. The Lower School's toddler, primary, and lower elementary classrooms (age 2 through Grade 3) are "up the hill." The Lower School's upper elementary classrooms (Grades 4–5), along with the Middle (Grades 6–8) and Upper School (Grades 9–12) programs, are found "down the hill" near the entrance on Barrie Campus Drive. Each area of campus has a unique identity and feel, while maintaining an overall sense of an integrated whole.
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Q
What is the curriculum?
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A
Lower School has a fully accredited Montessori curriculum. The Middle-Upper School has a progressive, experiential, college preparatory curriculum.
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Q
Can I visit the school?
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A
School tours for parents are offered weekly by appointment. Please call the Admission Office to schedule your tour. Open Houses are scheduled throughout the academic school year. Please check the website or contact admission@barrie.org for the next Open House. We also host drop-in events that do not require an RSVP. In case of inclement weather, please call our school number (301.576.2800) to see if school has been closed or delayed.
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Q
Are there application deadlines?
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A
Applications are accepted during the fall of the year prior to entry. Our deadline for 2013-2014 school year is January 18, 2013 for first-round admission decisions. Admission files must be complete by February 15, 2013 for first-round consideration.
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Q
What if I missed the January 18th deadline?
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A
After this date, we will accept applications for admission as space is available.
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Q
Is there an application fee?
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A
Yes, a fee of $50 must accompany each application. It is non-refundable.
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Q
What do I need to do other than submit an application?
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A
1. Submit requests for transcripts and recommendations to your child’s current school. The request forms are available through the Office of Admission and Financial Aid and as printable PDF forms from our website.
2. Submit teacher recommendation forms to your child's current teachers. These forms are available through the office of Admission and Financial Aid and as printable PDF forms from our website. These should be sent directly to Barrie by the teacher.
3. Arrange for testing per the schedule below. (Please note that testing is not mandatory, but may be required on a case by case basis).
GRADE: APPROPRIATE TEST:
2 year olds no testing is required
3 year olds WPPSI-III
4 & 5 year olds WPPSI-III or WISC-IV
Grades 1 – 5 WISC-IV
Grades 6 – 12 SSAT or ISEE
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Q
Where are these tests offered?
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A
The WPPSI-III and WISC-IV must be administered by a registered psychologist and the results sent directly to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. Psychologists are listed in the Yellow Pages or the Office of Admission and Financial can help you locate one. The SSAT(Secondary School Admission Test) or the ISEE (independent School Entrance Exam) schedule national test dates beginning in October through June. Results must be sent directly to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. The Barrie School Code for SSAT is 1495 and for ISEE it is 210957.
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Q
Are there any other evaluations?
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A
Lower School: Ages 2–5 are invited for a 45-minute classroom visit, Grades 1–5 are invited for a half-day visit. At this time, the classroom teacher will do an informal evaluation.
Middle and Upper Schools: Applicants will have an interview with a member of the Admission Committee and will visit for a half or full day. A Student Ambassador will serve as a host.
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Q
Are there minimum age requirements?
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A
Barrie follows the State of Maryland, Department of Education’s age eligibility requirements:
AGE BY SEPTEMBER 1 TO ENTER THIS AGE/GRADE LEVEL
2 -- 2 year old class
3 -- 3 year old class
4 -- 4 year old class
5 -- 5 year old class/Kindergarten
6 -- Grade 1
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Q
How will I know if my application file is complete?
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A
The Office of Admission and Financial Aid will notify you when your application file has been completed.
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Q
When can I expect to hear if my child is accepted?
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A
Admission decision letters will be mailed first week of March 2013. As space allows, applications will be considered as they are completed after that.
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Q
Does Barrie offer financial aid?
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A
Yes, there is a limited funding available and it is awarded on a need basis. Please call the Office of Admission and Financial Aid for a financial aid information packet. This process must occur at the same time as the admission application process.
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Q
What are the class sizes?
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A
LOWER SCHOOL:
Our 2 year old classes have an 8-1 student-teacher ratio. Maximum class size with a credentialed teacher and teacher assistant is 16.
Age 3–Grade 5 classes range from 20-26 students with least one Montessori credentialed teacher in each classroom with assistance from teacher aids or Montessori interns
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL:
Classes average 15 students.
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Q
Does Barrie accept international students?
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A
Yes, accepted students may enroll and obtain an I-20 form. Barrie is not a boarding school and we do not offer an English as a Second Language Program. Barrie does require appropriate scores on the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SSAT, previously listed. Interviews may be conducted by telephone for international applicants.
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Q
Is Barrie affiliated with a certain religion?
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A
No, Barrie is a non-denominational, independent school.
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Q
Are uniforms worn at Barrie?
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A
No, we expect our students to adhere to Barrie’s dress code guidelines.
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Q
Is transportation available?
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A
Barrie provides a free shuttle service to and from the Glenmont Metro Station for students who are at least 12 years old. We facilitate carpooling with a password-protected interactive tool for parents on our website.
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Q
Is before and after school care available?
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A
Yes, it is available for students Age 2 through Grade 8 for an additional fee. Morning supervision begins at 7:00 am and afternoon supervision ends at 6:00 pm. Students may attend either or both supervisions. Drop-in supervision is also available as needed with advance notice and an additional fee.
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Q
Does Barrie have an equestrian program?
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A
Our school maintains a stable of horses on our campus. Beginning at age 4, individual and group lessons are available for a fee. Grades 6–12 may also join our award winning Equestrian Team.
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Q
Does Barrie have a summer camp?
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A
Yes, the fully accredited Barrie Day Camp runs from June through August with a staff of more than 200 counselors and specialists. Children from 4 years old through Grade 8 can attend. Please contact the Camp Director for additional information at 301.576.2815.
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Q
What is IAMS?
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A
The Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies is located on our campus. Through an affiliation with Trinity College’s Master of Arts in Teaching Program, IAMS offers intensive summer courses in advanced Montessori education. It is a member of the International Association of Montessori Education and is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Please call the Director of IAMS for additional information at 301.576.2866.