2011-2012 FAQ’s
1. How soon should I apply for my child to attend the next school year?
Applications can be submitted at any time, but class size restrictions limit the number of accepted applicants in each grade level. Applying early is always a good choice.
2. Can a student enroll during the current school year?
Yes. Brook Hill has a rolling enrollment process, meaning students may enroll at any time during the school year upon acceptance and providing there is availability in the appropriate grade level. If a space is not available, the student’s file will be put on “HOLD” awaiting availability.
3. What is the student/teacher ratio?
11:1 is the current student/teacher ratio. The target number for Lower School class sizes is 18 students per section. Middle/Upper School class sizes are usually 20 students per section.
4. Are payment plans available? Or is the whole tuition amount due at one time?
Yes, payment plans are available for day students and non-international boarding students. Please contact Heidi Camp, the Tuition Financial Officer at (903) 894-5000 Ext. 1031 for details. International Boarding tuition is due in full within 10 days of issuance of the Enrollment Contract.
5. Are scholarships offered?
We do not offer scholarships of any kind (athletic, academic, or performing arts). Upon qualifying, student tuition assistance (STA) is available based solely on exhibited need. Assistance applications are available on our web site under “Parent Links.
6. Are uniforms included in the cost of tuition?
No. Uniforms are purchased separately from Academy Uniforms in Ft. Worth, Texas. You may access the store through their website at www.academyuniforms.com or call toll free 1-888-297-5243. The approximate uniform cost for a student’s first year ranges from $150 to $350. The uniform dress code is available under “Parent Links” on the Brook Hill website.
7. Are textbooks included in the cost of tuition?
Yes, for grades PK – 5. They are not for grades 6 – 12. Grades 6 – 12 books are purchased separately from MBS Direct. You may access the store through their website at www.mbsdirect.net or call toll free 1-800-325-3252. The cost of textbooks varies per grade level. The cost ranges from $250 - $500. Books may be sold back at the end of the year, and students may purchase used books during the summer sale on campus.
8. What time do the students need to arrive at school and when are they released from school everyday?
Classes currently begin at 8:20 for the Lower School and 8:30 for the Middle/Upper School. Lower School is dismissed at 3:20 and Middle/Upper School is dismissed at 3:30. “Backwork” is the time for extra teacher help and is held from 8:00 until 8:25 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and from 3:30 until 4:00 Monday through Thursday for Middle/Upper School students. Students are released an hour earlier on Fridays and do not come until after 9:00 on Wednesdays. Middle School Athletics begin between 7:30 and 7:45 and end after 1st period. Upper School Athletics begin with 7th period.
9. Do you have any type of program that will allow my child to stay at the school until I can pick them up after I get off work?
Lower School families may opt to enroll in the Cadet Club which provides supervision until 5:30 PM. Middle and Upper School buildings are locked at 4:30 and children should be picked up by that time. Brook Hill offers after school activities such as Athletics, Fine Arts practices, and Club meetings.
10. How do you handle disruptive students?
The Dean of Students for the Middle and Upper Schools oversees all Middle and Upper School discipline. The Lower School Principal oversees all discipline for the Lower School. Behavior expectations and consequences are clearly outlined in the “Brook Hill Parent and Student Handbook” for Middle and Upper School and the “Parent Survival Guide” for Lower School. Both are available under “Parent Links” on the Brook Hill web site.
11. Do you offer any classes where students can earn college credit while attending Brook Hill?
Courses currently offered include: Pre-AP Geometry, Pre-AP Algebra II, Dual-Credit College Algebra, Dual-Credit College Pre-Calculus, Dual-Credit Statistics, Dual-Credit Calculus I/II, AP Calculus AB, Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP Chemistry, Advanced Physics, Dual-Credit Anatomy & Physiology, Dual-Credit Environmental Science, AP Chemistry, Honors French III, Honors Spanish III, Honors Spanish IV, Pre-AP History 9, Pre-AP History 10, Pre-AP History 11, Advanced History 11, Dual-Credit Government, Dual-Credit Economics, Dual-Credit United States History, Pre-AP English 9, Pre-AP English 10, Pre-AP English 11, Dual-Credit English 11, Dual-Credit English 12, AP English Language & Composition, and AP English Literature & Composition.
12. About how many hours of homework will my child have each week?
Lower School students will generally have homework every night. One to two hours of homework per night is average for Middle and Upper school classes, depending on the child’s grade level. Students taking AP or concurrent credit courses should expect between 10 and 12 hours a week.
13. Can my child participate in both sports and fine arts?
Yes! They may participate in as many activities as their schedule allows.
14. If my child attends Brook Hill, will colleges recognize the education from a small, private school?
Yes, The Brook Hill School is accredited by AdvancEd {formerly The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – (SACS)}, a nationally recognized accrediting organization. Brook Hill graduates have been admitted to over 200 different colleges worldwide and have received millions of dollars in scholarships and grants.
15. How do I find out how my child is doing in his/her classes?
Middle/Upper School parents may check their child’s grades, homework assignments, and attendance online through the school’s internet-based academic software, Renweb. In addition, all Brook Hill faculty and staff have e-mail addresses and phone numbers available on Renweb for quick communications.
16. Are all of the teachers at The Brook Hill School degreed?
Yes, all teachers are degreed. In fact, 54% of our Middle and Upper School teaching staff hold advanced degrees.
17. Am I still responsible for the tuition and fees if my child is withdrawn?
Yes. When you enroll your child, you enter into a contractual agreement indicating you accept the contractual terms and conditions. You will also be given an opportunity to participate in a Tuition Refund Plan at that time. Contact our Business Office for more details.
