TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview
2
Curriculum
4
Preschool
6
Primary School
8
MIddle School
10
Additional Programs
12
Alumni
14
Application / Tuition / Financial Aid
15
WELCOME
Stephen Parnes Head of School
T
hank you for your interest in The Banner School, Frederick County’s only nonsectarian independent day school, serving
students from Preschool through 8th grade. We are dedicated to providing each student with the skills, knowledge, values, competence, and confidence to become responsible and contributing citizens in our increasingly high-tech and global society. Our challenging and engaging curriculum is instructed by our outstanding faculty, which believes in the dignity and worth of each student and in his or her unlimited potential. Here intellectual curiosity, independent thinking, and individual creativity are prized. At Banner, we also celebrate the cultural and economic diversity of our campus community, knowing that it enriches the lives of our students and better prepares them for the future. Whether you are applying for admission or are an old friend of the school, I encourage you to visit and experience “The Banner School Difference� for yourself.
We help students discover the academic and personal passions that will take them wherever they want to go.
OVERVIEW
F
ounded in 1982, The Banner
Association of Independent Schools
School has a long legacy of
(NAIS).
educational excellence and is equally committed to developing
Our historic, seven-acre, North Market
within each student a sense of self-
Street campus provides a nurturing and
esteem and respect for others.
vibrant environment for learning. Here every adult knows every student and
The Banner School is a 501(c)(3)
every student knows one another. The
nonprofit organization governed
Banner School follows the philosophy
by a self-perpetuating Board of
of The Learning Triangle, a belief that
Trustees consisting of parents and
fosters open communication and
grandparents of students, community
cooperation among teachers, parents,
leaders, business owners, and
and students.
professionals who bring vision and expertise to the school.
We also believe that academic preparation and character
The Banner School is approved by
development go hand in hand. Our
the Maryland State Department
students are directed to develop
of Education, accredited by the
values that are based on compassion,
Association of Independent
integrity, responsibility, civility,
Maryland and D.C. Schools (AIMS),
leadership, empathy, and service (our
and a member of the National
CIRCLES of Community Citizenship).
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Our challenging liberal arts and STEM curriculum expands the boundaries of traditional studies.
CURRICULUM
T
he Banner School’s rigorous
Our dedicated faculty expands the
curriculum calls for the mastery
boundaries of traditional studies
of basic subject matter while also
with interdisciplinary subject
encouraging higher-level critical-
matter encompassing multimedia
thinking, writing, verbal, and
presentations, immersion studies,
analytical skills. Our approach to
school exhibitions, and assemblies,
education emphasizes the student
as well as field trips ranging from the
as an individual. Small class sizes
Chesapeake Bay and Washington,
of approximately 15 students allow
D.C., to New York City, which provide
faculty members to truly know their
greater relevance and practicality to
pupils and respond with successful
curricular studies and contribute to
teaching approaches.
students’ self-development.
From their earliest years, Banner
At Banner, we value the diversity of
School students are introduced to
our campus community, incorporating
language arts, mathematics, social
our students’ cultural heritage into
studies, science, Spanish, computer
history and geography class studies,
use, visual art, music and theater,
discussions, and activities. Community
and physical education. Our state-
service activities also figure heavily
of-the-art Middle School science lab
in our educational initiatives. A wide
and new library provide resources
array of after-school programs enrich
that further concepts and principles
the extraordinary experience that our
learned in the classroom.
students have.
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The Banner Preschool is founded on the same philosophy and curriculum used throughout the entire school.
PRESCHOOL
O
ur Preschool program for
specific techniques and strategies for
ages three and four, located
identifying and sounding out words.
in our Early Childhood Center,
Our math readiness program teaches
provides the optimum foundation for
children to classify, sort, measure,
the academic learning that continues
compare, recognize patterns, and
in Kindergarten. Our Preschool
begin one-to-one correspondence
faculty, the curriculum, instructional
counting. Other subject matter
approaches, and facilities are fully
includes health, science, animals,
integrated with and supported by
physical education, Spanish, and
the resources of the entire school,
music. Preschoolers have their own
something that distinguishes it
dedicated playground to enjoy the
from other programs. Like The
outdoors, as well as learn about
Banner School’s other academic
the wonders of nature on guided
programs, the Preschool is certified
campus walks.
by the Maryland State Department of Education and accredited by
Preschool is offered year-round and
the Association of Independent
has various attendance options.
Maryland and D.C. Schools.
Before-care, beginning at 7:00 a.m., and after-care until 6:00 p.m. are
Preschoolers are introduced to
also provided to accommodate
reading and spelling using Open
working families.
Court Phonics, which provides
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Our use of differentiated instruction results in curricular mastery, as well as original, independent thinking.
PRIMARY : Grades K-4
I
n Kindergarten through Grade
Small classroom settings allow for
4, Banner School students learn
one-on-one interaction between
how to learn through the use of
students and teachers, helping
differentiated instruction in the
children to reach their potential.
classroom, an approach that
Our Primary School students also
addresses each student’s unique
have the benefit of being mentored
learning style. This diversity of
by older, Middle School students,
teaching modes motivates students
who support them, build up their
to truly engage in their learning
confidence, and assist in their
and, in turn, arrive at mastery in
development.
reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and
While great emphasis is placed on
Spanish, along with physical
academic mastery, our faculty and
education, visual art, computer
staff also recognize and promote
lab, and music. During these
the wonder, curiosity, and spirit of
years, students also learn how
childhood in our students.
to organize, research, and study, thereby preparing them for the Middle School.
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We address students’ developmental needs by helping them recognize and embrace their individuality.
MIDDLE: Grades 5-8
Our faculty and staff understand the
from experiences that occur beyond
transition that middle school students
the classroom. There are field trips and
experience and respond to their
outdoor studies. Their participation
academic, social, and emotional
in local community service activities
needs by providing them with greater
and projects supports others in need
independence, challenge, and
while expanding their own view of the
guidance. Because of this approach,
world, and their monthly operation of
our students gain a strong sense of
an on-campus Coffee House not only
self-confidence and motivation.
benefits charitable organizations but also offers real-life lessons in business
We prepare our Middle School students
and commerce. Eighth-grade students
for the demanding academic standards
complete their Banner School education
that they’ll encounter in upper school
with a capstone project, a substantive,
or high school and later in college.
self-directed, year-long project executed
Trimester exams for 7th- and 8th-
with the guidance of mentors both on
graders require students to synthesize
campus and in the greater community.
information, manage time, and develop study strategies. Students graduate with
Whether on the playing field, when
strong research skills, the ability to
making a presentation during a school
think in advanced conceptual terms,
assembly, or in support of one another,
and the wherewithal to work both
our Middle School students exhibit the
independently and collaboratively. Our
qualities of dynamic young adults in
Middle School students also benefit
the making.
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After-school programs allow students to discover their passions and experience the joys of shared achievement.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
A
t Banner, we’re dedicated to educating the whole student.
Our extracurricular programs promote creativity, healthy living, and academic performance while also serving the needs of working families.
ACADEMICS Chess Club Computers Junior Achievement BizTown LEGO Club Mathalon Competition National Junior Honor Society Science & Engineering Club World Language Clubs Yearbook & Newspaper ARTS Chorus Concert Band Instrumental Ensembles and Lessons Karate Theatre Arts Visual Arts
SUMMER DISCOVERY CAMP The Summer Discovery Camp is a coeducational day camp for children 3 1/2 - 14 years of age that operates from June through August with a wide array of weekly programs, each with its own specific theme. EXTENDED CARE Extended Care is available for students in Preschool through 8th Grade. Banner’s Extended Care program is fully accredited and approved by the State of Maryland. Before-care begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 8:20 a.m. at the start of the regular school day. After-care begins immediately following school dismissal and is available weekdays until 6:00 p.m. Please visit our website for more information and our fee schedule.
ATHLETICS Boys and Girls Soccer Boys and Girls Basketball Boys Lacrosse Boys Flag Football Coed Cross Country Coed Track & Field Girls Volleyball
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Time and again, alumni credit The Banner School as the foundation of their academic and career success.
ALUMNI
Katie Heimer • MA, The New School (2010), Media Studies, 4.0 GPA • BA, Vassar College (2006), English, Honors • Mercersburg Academy (2002) • The Banner School (1998) Recent History 2010 – Current Director of Education and Outreach, Multi-Service, Eating Disorders Association, Newton, MA 2007– Intern, National Organization for Women (NOW) 2006 – Intern, Paste Magazine, a national arts publication
Skylar Mackay • United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, Class of 2013 • St. Andrew’s School DE, Magna cum laude (2009) • The Banner School (2005) Recent History Residential Leader, Wrestling USMA - Black Knights Parachute Team
OreOluwa Badaki • BA, Cornell University (2012), Development Sociology, double minor in Communications & Inequality Studies • Glenelg Country School (2008) • The Banner School (2004) Current and Recent History President, Big Red Relief, raises funds for humanitarian causes Research Assistant, Sociology Department Vice President, PACE, a mentor/tutor program Member, National Society for Collegiate Scholars 2009 / 2010 – Summer employee, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth 2007– Volunteer, International Rescue Committee 17
Upon graduation, Banner School students are well prepared for the next level of learning. Our alumni have gone on to the following preparatory schools and colleges:
HIGH SCHOOLS AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS Academy of the Holy Cross
Mount de Sales Academy
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts
Mount Saint Joseph′s Academy
Baltimore School for the Arts
New Life Christian Academy
The Bryn Mawr School
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
The Bullis School
Oxford Area High School (PA)
Chapelgate Christian Academy
Randolph-Macon Academy
Delone Catholic High School
Saint James School
Foxcroft School
Saint John’s Catholic Prep
Frederick County Public Schools
Sandy Spring Friends School
Garrison Forest School
St. Andrew’s School (DE)
George School
St. Bernard Preparatory School (AL)
Georgetown Preparatory School
St. Maria Goretti High School
Glenelg Country School
St. Timothy′s School
Harmony Intermediate School
South Carroll High School
Mercersburg Academy
Walt Whitman High School
McDonogh School
Westtown School
ALUMNI COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Allegany College of Maryland American University The Art Institute of Chicago Bard College Bates College Beloit College Berklee College of Music Brevard College Bridgewater College Brown University Campbell University Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Carroll Community College The Catholic University of America Coastal Carolina University College of the Atlantic Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Covenant College DePaul University Drexel University Duquesne University East Carolina University Elizabethtown College Emory University Florida Institute of Technology Franklin & Marshall College Frederick Community College The George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgetown University Gettysburg College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hood College Howard Community College Howard University Jacksonville University James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Juniata College Kalamazoo College Lehigh University
Loyola University Chicago Maine Maritime Academy McDaniel College Middlebury College Mount St. Mary’s University Notre Dame of Maryland University Pennsylvania State University Pfeiffer University Radford University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Salisbury University Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Shepherd University St. John’s College St. Mary’s College of Maryland Syracuse University Texas Christian University The Tisch School for the Arts at N.Y. University Towson University Tulane University The University of the Arts The University of British Columbia University of Colorado, Boulder University of Delaware University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park University of Miami University of Montana University of North Carolina, Charlotte University of Virginia Ursinus College U.S. Military Academy at West Point U.S. Naval Academy Vassar College Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Waldorf College Washington College West Virginia University West Virginia Wesleyan College Wilkes University Yale University
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APPLICATION / TUITION / FINANCIAL AID
APPLICATION
specific tuition fees and coverage,
The Banner School admits students
visit our website or contact the
who are motivated to learn and who
Business Office at 301-695-9320,
will benefit from and contribute to
extension 16.
the school’s mission. We accept student applications at any time of
FINANCIAL AID
the year, provided that there are
Financial aid is available to all
openings. If a class is full, students
qualified applicants who demonstrate
are accepted on a first-come, first-
need. To learn more, call our
served basis as openings occur.
Business Office at 301-695-9320,
Before applying, we encourage you
extension 16, or visit our website
to arrange a school visit or to attend
where applications are available.
one of our regularly scheduled Open Houses so that both you and your child can experience our campus and classroom environment firsthand.
TUITION Tuition includes books and most materials supplied by the school. Multiple tuition payment options are available. To learn more about
The availability of financial aid makes a Banner education accessible to a wide array of students.
Discover “The Banner Difference” for yourself. Arrange for a private tour of our campus by calling our Director of Admission at 301-695-9320, extension 32.
1730 N. Market Street • Frederick, Maryland 21701 www.bannerschool.org