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Admissions FAQ's
Click on the questions for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
Why attend a school that focuses exclusively on grades 6-8, when it means we will just have to apply again for high school?
How do you make admissions decisions? What are you looking for in applicant families?
What is the best way to approach the admissions process at Billings?
Are parents able to visit the school?
Does Billings require the ISEE (Indepedent School Entrance Exam)?
Who is the best person to give my recommendation form?
How does the Wait Pool work?
What is the tuition?
Do you offer financial aid?
What does a student visit day look like?
Why attend a school that focuses exclusively on grades 6-8, when it means we will just have to apply again for high school?
If you are exploring different school options, you are the type of parent who recognizes the importance of finding the right school for who your child is right now. The only time the brain experiences more growth than in early childhood is in early adolescence. That means the benefits of a great middle school experience are incomparable. You want your child’s middle school years to be highlighted by teachers who understand students' complex growth and a program that speaks to the essential goals of adolescence; confidence, self-understanding, critical thinking and an ability to advocate for one’s self. That is what makes Billings such a special place.
Educational experts and fifth grade teachers support one expert’s advice to parents, “Choose the best middle school. Students change so much that what seems like the best high school today could be a totally different fit in three years. That’s why you see many students change schools between 8th and 9th grade, even if they enrolled in a 6-12 program.”
Eighth grade is a powerful, culminating experience at Billings. After three years, our students are ready to actively participate in choosing the high school environment that will enrich them the most. Billings students ask critical questions, develop lifelong mentorships with adults and continue to be involved learners throughout their schooling. That’s why graduates of Billings make such great candidates for high schools, and create such profound stories of success as they continue on through their academic careers.
How do you make admissions decisions? What are you looking for in applicant families?
Applications are reviewed by a faculty committee. The committee makes every effort to create the broadest picture possible of each applicant, drawing information from academic records, teacher recommendations, parent interviews and the student’s visit to the school. When considering applicants, we look for students who demonstrate the capacity for grade level work or above, who convey a creative interest in learning and who will play an active role in the school. We look for reflective parents who appreciate the complexity of early adolescence, who are confident of their child’s ability to succeed, open to realistic assessment, and who will actively contribute to the school community. Finally, we seek to create a balanced class cohort, characterized by a diversity of learning styles, abilities and cultural backgrounds.
What is the best way to approach the admissions process at Billings?
Be yourself. Help us create a broad and honest picture of your child. Billings is a warm, caring school community and we welcome the opportunity to work with your family to make the next three years a rewarding stage in your child’s academic life.
Are parents able to visit the school?
The best time for families to visit is during our Open Houses, held in November, December, and January. This gives families the opportunity to meet our faculty, parents and students, and learn about the exceptional programs at Billings. During the application process, our Head of School makes time to sit down with each family here at the school. Families who do not have an opportunity to attend an Open House can call to schedule a tour with Sally Ricker, our Admissions Coordinator.
Does Billings require the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)?
No. However, we encourage families to send any materials that might broaden our understanding of a student’s strengths and challenges. Therefore, if you have taken the ISEE or similar entrance exams, please send the results along with your application.
Who is the best person to give my recommendation form?
We ask that at least one of the recommendations be filled out by a current academic teacher. In some cases, a previous classroom teacher is a great option for the second. Another possibility is a specialist or tutor. We welcome the addition of personal references or an additional teacher/mentor as a third recommendation.
How does the Wait Pool work?
Students who are placed in our Wait Pool are qualified applicants but have not been accepted because of limited space. Should a vacancy occur, the admissions committee will look at all the students on the Wait Pool and select an applicant who best complements the established class to fill the space.
What is the tuition?
The tuition for the 2007-2008 school year is $18,400. Tuition for the 2008-2009 school year will be set by the Board of Trustees in early spring, 2008.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes. Billings is committed to maintaining an economically diverse student body, and, toward this end, we provide financial aid to families on the basis of need. Need is determined by a process designed by School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) and by our own Financial Aid Committee. Applications for financial aid may be obtained from the Admissions Office and be submitted to SSS as well as to the school. In addition, families need to submit a copy of their current year’s IRS Form 1040 including all schedules and attachments, copies of W-2 for all employment, schedule K-1 for all partnerships, S-Corporations, and LLC’s for which the family has an ownership interest. A completed application is required to be considered for aid. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are made independently of one another.
What does a student visit day look like?
A visit to the school is a part of each application. Students come for a full day from 8:20 to 2:30. During a visit day, students will be with other applicants for the day and travel through the school as a class. Students will have the opportunity to participate in classes specifically for them, meet the faculty and current students, and garner an overall feeling about how the school day works. As part of a visit day, each applicant will participate in both a reading/writing and math assessment, and informal interviews with current students and a member of the faculty.
