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Q
How does Browne Academy operate?
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A
Browne Academy is an independent, co-educational day school that is fully accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). Browne Academy is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Authority rests within the Board as a whole. The Head of School is the Board’s only employee, and she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school including, but not limited to, programs and curriculum, personnel, planning/analysis, finance, and environment/safety.
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Q
Can I apply for admissions beyond the February 1 application deadline?
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A
Yes – assuming seats are still available in that particular grade level. Please contact our Admission Office regarding availability.
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Q
What is the profile of Browne Academy’s student body?
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Our 2009-2010 student body included 300 students – 150 boys and 150 girls. While the majority of our families reside in the Alexandria area, almost 25% of our families live in Maryland/DC. According to definitions set forth by the National Association of Independent Schools, 42% of our students came from what are considered to be diverse cultural backgrounds.
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Q
How does Browne emphasize “safety” on campus?
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The main entrances to all academic buildings at Browne include coded locks with key card access provided solely to authorized faculty and staff. Each classroom is equipped with a telephone that features the capability of broadcasting emergency messages school-wide. Our students regularly practice fire drills as required by the state and county, in addition to tornado, lock-down and other required procedures. In addition, a full-time registered school nurse is available from 8am – 4pm on school days and all visitors are required to check-in at our school’s main office in order to receive an approved visitor’s badge.
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Q
Where do Browne graduates matriculate after graduation?
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Please visit the Secondary School Placement section of our website for more information on the placement process and for a list of high schools our recent graduates have attended.
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Q
Do Browne Academy students take standardized tests? How well do they perform?
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Students in grades four through eight take the ERB (Educational Records Bureau) test each fall. These tests provide valuable information for the student/family and school on both verbal and quantitative reasoning and achievement. Our students typically score at or above the norm compared to their independent school counterparts nationwide.
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Q
What type of extracurricular programs does Browne offer?
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Please visit the Extended Day section of our website for more information on current before and after school offerings. Coverage is available from 7am to 6pm on most school days.
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Q
How does Browne Academy determine financial aid eligibility?
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Browne Academy provides need-based financial aid to assist qualifying families with tuition costs. Our Financial Aid Committee reviews completed financial aid applications on an annual basis - all families must reapply for financial aid each year. In keeping with common practice among independent schools, we require families seeking tuition assistance to submit an online ISM (Independent School Management) FAST financial aid application with required supporting documentation. All requests for financial aid remain strictly confidential. The financial aid deadline for the 2012-2013 school year is Friday, February 22, 2013.
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Q
Do I have to attend an Open House in order to apply?
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A
No - attendance at an Open House event is not required. However, all families are required to visit our campus for a tour and interview at some point during the application process. Prospective students are required to attend a playdate (Preschool and Kindergarten) or half-to-full day school visit during the application process as well.
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Q
Is lunch provided to students?
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Browne Academy offers an optional hot lunch program to students. Please visit the Lunch section of our website for specific information on this program.
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Q
Are there school uniforms?
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Yes – students in grades JK – 8th are required to wear a school uniform each day. Preschool thee-year-old and four-year-old students are required to wear uniforms on field trips only. Lands’ End is the official clothing provider of Browne Academy and the only company authorized/able to embroider the mandated Browne Academy logo on polo shirts, sweaters, fleeces, etc.
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Q
How do parents become involved in the Browne community?
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While Browne is not a co-op, the opportunities to volunteer time/resources in our community are truly endless. Our Parents’ Association plays an active role in various special events throughout the year including class parties, the annual Auction, Family Fun Festival, Book Fair, and other fundraisers. In addition, new families are assigned ambassador families to assist with the transition to our program. Our Development Office spearheads all of our fundraising and volunteering efforts – please click here to learn more about how parents can become more involved.