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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
What is the student to faculty ratio at Marymount of Santa Barbara? What is your average class size?
Our student to faculty ratio is 9:1. The average class size is approximately 20 children for each grade in the Lower School (K-5). In the Middle School (6-8), each grade has approximately 28-32 students, divided into two sections.
What is your ratio of boys to girls?
We have an approximately even distribution of boys and girls.
My child is not Catholic. Will s/he fit in?
Absolutely. As an independent school, Marymount values each student for his/her unique traits and talents. While the school was founded with Catholic roots, Marymount of Santa Barbara has a long history of welcoming students from diverse faith backgrounds. In fact, approximately 50% of our families identify as Catholic, with the other half identifying as myriad other religions. Faculty and staff also represent many faiths. Catholic instruction is not required: Lower School students may choose the "Kaleidoscope" class which examines ten of the world's major religions including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism, to name a few. Families seeking Catholic instruction may choose the reinforced Catholic curriculum for their religion class. All students are encouraged to be themselves and feel comfortable in sharing their own traditions. Refer to the online Academic Guide to learn more about Marymount's approach to nurturing children in mind, body and spirit.
What if our family wants a traditional Catholic education?
Marymount of Santa Barbara is proud of its Catholic heritage, and as such, is pleased to offer a traditional Catholic education to families wishing for both a rigorous college-prepartory curriculum and Catholic instruction. In the Catholic track for students in Grades 2 through 5, students learn doctrine, the Commandments, and the Sacraments. Of special note is that the entire school comes to watch our Grade 2 students celebrate First Holy Communion at the historic Santa Barbara Mission-what a special day for our young students! This example of the celebration of faith in our community is one of the hallmarks of the Marymount experience. Refer to the online Academic Guide to learn more about Marymount's approach to nurturing children in mind, body and spirit.
Is Marymount of Santa Barbara a parochial school or part of the Marymount network of schools?
No. Marymount of Santa Barbara is an independent school. The school is not subsidized by the Catholic Church, a parish, or the Archdiocese. Marymount is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).
I understand that Marymount of Santa Barbara is an "independent" school. What does that mean?
Independent schools are distinct from other schools in that they are supported by tuition, charitable contributions, and endowment income, rather than by tax or church funds. Marymount is part of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), which requires a school to be independently governed by a board of trustees; practice nondiscriminatory policies; be accredited by an approved state or regional association (Marymount is accredited by CAIS); and hold not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status. To learn more about why families choose independent schools for their children, click here.
How does the curriculum compare to public schools?
Marymount's academically rigorous college-preparatory program not only covers the standard, state-mandated curriculum, but also provides students with opportunities to learn much, much more. We pride ourselves on preparing students to become global citizens possessing leadership skills and a foundation for success. A 9:1 student to faculty ratio, innovative teaching, an accomplished faculty, and a commitment to inclusion are key features of a Marymount education. Every student is known and valued at Marymount.
ABOUT ADMISSION
When should I begin the admission process? Is there a wait list?
The admission process typically begins in the fall before the enrollment year (ex. apply in Fall 2008 to enter in Fall 2009). The application deadline is February 12.
Admission to Marymount of Santa Barbara is competitive. Wait lists do occur; therefore, families are encouraged to complete the application and related steps as soon as possible to be considered in the first round of applications.
For which grade is it best to apply?
While applications to Marymount of Santa Barbara are welcome at all grade levels from Kindergarten through Grade 8, the largest number of openings are in Kindergarten and Grades 6 and 7. Openings may also be available in other grades depending on attrition.
Do you accept mid-year applicants?
Marymount will consider applicants seeking entry after the start of the school year on a case-by-case basis. We take several factors into account as we wish for such transitions to be successful for everyone: teachers, current classes and, most importantly, your child.
When are admissions decisions made?
Families completing their application files by mid-February are considered in the first round of admissions and are notified by mail in early March. After the first round of decisions, we operate on a rolling admissions basis. Please note that all parts of the application process must be complete by mid-February in order for a student to be considered in the first round of decisions.
I'm worried about notification and reply dates! What happens if more than one school offers my child a seat?
Marymount, Crane and Laguna all share the same notification and reply dates in consideration of families and the big decision they are making!
What should I expect during the parent/guardian visit?
Your visit will include a tour of the campus, a review of our curriculum, and a discussion about your child. In seeking the best match between prospective students and Marymount, we strive to understand each family's goals regarding education. The parent/guardian visit takes about one-and-a-half hours.
What should I tell my child about the student visit?
It is normal for both parents and students to be nervous about visiting a new school. Knowing a little about the structure of the visit will hopefully allay the child's concerns. Please note that your application must be filed with Marymount prior to the school visit/assessment being scheduled.
Kindergarten and Grade 1: Visits for children applying to Kindergarten and Grade 1 are designed so that your child can be observed with other children in our academic environment. During this visit (scheduled by appointment in January and February), our faculty will conduct readiness screenings which assess developmental and academic preparedness for entry to Marymount.
Grades 2-6: Children applying to Grades 2 through 6 will spend a half a day in the classroom and will participate in the normal activities of the school day. Additionally, they will interview with the Director of Admission. Applicants to Grades 5 and 6 take the ISEE exam (see below), while younger students test on-campus on the day of their visit.
Grades 7-8: Applicants to Grades 7 and 8 will spend a day in the classroom, taking part in the typical activities of the school day. They will also interview with the Director of Admission. They take the ISEE exam as well (see below).
Do prospective students need to bring or wear anything in particular for the visit?
Applicants for Kindergarten and Grade 1 do not need to bring or wear anything special to the readiness evaluation.
Children applying to Grades 2 through 8 will dine with Marymount students, and hence are asked to bring a lunch and a snack. Dress cleanly and comfortably for the day, and bring appropriate clothes and sneakers for physical education. Many visiting students enjoy bringing their usual school back pack or favorite notebook and pencil with them that day.
What is the ISEE?
ISEE stands for the Independent School Entrance Exam, a standardized test taken by applicants to Grades 5- 8. ISEEs are administered in group sessions at local schools throughout the year on certain Saturdays. It is comprised of multiple-choice aptitude questions and an essay topic. The test may be taken only once in a six month period. Students must register in advance for the ISEE: go online to register and find out more, or contact the Director of Admission.
If you live overseas, the ISEE may be taken in many cities around the world. Contact ERB directly to locate an ISEE testing center near you.
ABOUT TUITION ASSISTANCE
Does the school offer financial aid or tuition assistance?
Yes. Typically, awards are need-based rather than solely academic merit scholarships.
When and how should I apply for tuition assistance?
The School and Student Service (SSS) form from the National Association of Independent Schools is used. Used by more than 2400 schools nationwide, this form facilitates a normative evaluation of families' ability to pay for tuition and other educational expenses.
Families are strongly encouraged to apply online at https://sss.ets.org/ beginning November 15. Online completion is preferred; if one does not have computer access, hard copy forms may be requested from the Director of Admission. The deadline is January 26 for submission of the SSS and all supporting documents.
Will my child's chances for admission be negatively impacted if we apply for financial aid?
No. Marymount of Santa Barbara holds a nondiscriminatory admissions policy, meaning that the admission process is separate from the financial aid process.
What does a Marymount education cost?
Tuition for the 2008-09 school year ranges from $16,210 at the Kindergarten level to $18,730 at the Grade 8 level. In addition, trip fees range from $400 in Grade 5 to $900 in Grade 8. Click here for a detailed breakdown.
What is the deadline? What happens if I miss it?
The PFS form and supporting documents must be submitted to SSS no later than January 26 for first-round decisions. Copies of these are also due at Marymount on the same day. Again, online completion of the form is highly suggested for efficiency and timeliness.
If the deadline is not met, the request for assistance may not be processed. Please do not jeopardize the consideration of your family's application by filing late. All late applications will only be considered after all timely applications have been reviewed and then only if there are funds remaining.
How is the level of tuition assistance determined?
Marymount's awards are based on demonstrated need. Every family situation is reviewed carefully. Although family income level is an important consideration, many other factors enter into the decision-making process including the number of children in the family, number of children attending schools for which tuition is paid, other family dependents, assets (including real estate) and liabilities, unusual expenses, etc. The school will learn of these special considerations from the information provided on the SSS form and supplementary documents.
To what extent will I be expected to use my own resources?
Many families seek tuition assistance through aid program each year, and the school's resources are limited. It is important that the family assumes primary responsibility for financing a student's education. Therefore, we begin the review of each family's financial circumstances with the assumption that family resources will be used to the maximum extent possible. We anticipate that this will involve some degree of sacrifice. We ask that you give careful thought to the maximum amount of tuition which you can reasonably pay, and ask only for that which cannot realistically be paid from your own resources or those of your extended family.
Are applications and awards confidential?
Yes. The granting of tuition assitance at Marymount is confidential and no one other than the representatives of the Tuition Assistance Committee and necessary personnel are aware of the award. It is essential to the trusting atmosphere of Marymount and to your continuing eligibility for financial aid that you also keep the matter confidential.
What if I am separated, divorced, or remarried?
In the case of divorced or separated parents/guardians, the School considers the assets of both natural parents/guardians, if living, before making any award. Therefore, both sets of parents/guardians must submit the SSS and supporting documents. The school cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent/guardian has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. If either the custodial or the non-custodial parent/guardian has remarried, we consider also the assets of the stepparent, always bearing in mind the obligation of that stepparent to his or her own natural children.
Must I re-apply each year for assistance
Yes. Aid is not automatically renewable. Financial circumstances often change from year to year, and in order to allocate the school's limited resources wisely, it will be necessary for you to reapply each year for assistance. Many families keep copies of their completed SSS forms for reference the following year.
