Frequently Asked Questions

	What type of school is The Country School?
	The Country School is an independent coeducational day school of approximately 290 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade.

	What are the class sizes at The Country School?
	There are two classes per grade with an average of 17 students per class.

	What is the student/teacher ratio at The Country School?
	The student/teacher ratio is 8:1.

	What are The Country School's affiliations and who accredits the school?
	The Country School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), is accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS), and is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

	How do Country School graduates place in secondary school?
	Graduates of The Country School attend a variety of well-regarded secondary schools, locally, regionally, and nationally. The class of 2010 attended the following types of high schools: Boarding = 16% Public = 52% Independent Day = 13% Parochial = 19%

	How much is tuition at The Country School?
	Tuition for the 2011-12 school year is $13,250 for grades 1-8 and full-day Kindergarten, and $9,750 for half-day Kindergarten. Tuition is all-inclusive; there are no additional fees throughout the year.

	How and when can I apply for admission to The Country School?
	Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Spaces are filled as they come available, except in Kindergarten, where applications are accepted through January at which time testing is administered. Parents are notified of admissions decisions in March.

	Is financial aid available?
	Yes, approximately thirty-five percent of families receive tuition assistance. Please see the financial aid section for more information.

	Are teachers at The Country School certified?
	Country School faculty members do not have to be certified, however, most, if not all, meet state certification requirements and all have extensive training in the subject area or in elementary education, which often exceeds certification standards.

	What are the school's hours?
	Classes are in session Monday through Thursday, 8:15 - 3:20, and Friday, 8:15 - 1:00. Please see the school calendars for holidays and scheduled closings.

	Does The Country School provide Early Morning Care and After School Care?
	Our early morning care program, offered on our campus by Critchlow Adkins Children's Center, is available to all students daily from 6:45 until 8:05. The cost is $43 per week or $10 per day. Breakfast is served and various activities take place. Registration is required. Our after school care program is available to all students Monday - Thursday 3:20 - 5:30 at a cost of $15 per day, and on Friday 1:00 - 5:30 at a cost of $30. During this time our staff provides assistance with homework, a nutritious snack, and a well supervised “play” time. Both programs meet all state requirements.

	Does The Country School provide busing?
	While the school does not own any buses, parents independently contract for transportation service from Caroline and Queen Anne's Counties, as well as the Bay Hundred area of Talbot County. Also, many parents establish a carpool schedule with other parents living in the same area. Once your child is accepted into The Country School, we can put you in contact with school parents who live in or near your neighborhood so that you can learn of current or desired carpool schedules.

	Does The Country School have interscholastic sports?
	The Country School supports a comprehensive interscholastic athletic program for students in grades six through eight. Students may participate in soccer and field hockey during the fall, basketball during the winter, and lacrosse in the spring. Each team plays 6 - 10 games per season with other schools. Practices are generally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Consistent with the school's philosophy is the athletic department's policy of permitting all eligible students to participate regardless of experience and/or skill. There are no tryouts and no cuts. The focus of The Country School Athletic Program is the development of teamwork, fair play, self-discipline, and self-confidence. Leadership opportunities exist for all student-athletes. At the conclusion of each season, a special awards assembly is held to honor those students who participated on each team.

	Does The Country School offer a summer program?
	Please see Summer Programs for more information.