TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview

Curriculum

Preschool

Primary School

MIddle School

Additional Programs

Alumni

Application / Tuition /Financial Aid

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Thank 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.

Stephen ParnesHead of School

WELCOME

We help students discover the academic and personal passions that will take them wherever they want to go.

Founded in 1982, The Banner

School has a long legacy of

educational excellence and is

equally committed to developing

within each student a sense of self-

esteem and respect for others.

The Banner School is a 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organization governed

by a self-perpetuating Board of

Trustees consisting of parents and

grandparents of students, community

leaders, business owners, and

professionals who bring vision and

expertise to the school.

The Banner School is approved by

the Maryland State Department

of Education, accredited by the

Association of Independent

Maryland and D.C. Schools (AIMS),

and a member of the National

Association of Independent Schools

(NAIS).

Our historic, seven-acre, North Market

Street campus provides a nurturing and

vibrant environment for learning. Here

every adult knows every student and

every student knows one another. The

Banner School follows the philosophy

of The Learning Triangle, a belief that

fosters open communication and

cooperation among teachers, parents,

and students.

We also believe that academic

preparation and character

development go hand in hand. Our

students are directed to develop

values that are based on compassion,

integrity, responsibility, civility,

leadership, empathy, and service (our

CIRCLES of Community Citizenship).

OVERVIEW

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Our challenging liberal arts and STEM curriculum expands the boundaries of traditional studies.

CURRICULUM

The Banner School’s rigorous

curriculum calls for the mastery

of basic subject matter while also

encouraging higher-level critical-

thinking, writing, verbal, and

analytical skills. Our approach to

education emphasizes the student

as an individual. Small class sizes

of approximately 15 students allow

faculty members to truly know their

pupils and respond with successful

teaching approaches.

From their earliest years, Banner

School students are introduced to

language arts, mathematics, social

studies, science, Spanish, computer

use, visual art, music and theater,

and physical education. Our state-

of-the-art Middle School science lab

and new library provide resources

that further concepts and principles

learned in the classroom.

Our dedicated faculty expands the

boundaries of traditional studies

with interdisciplinary subject

matter encompassing multimedia

presentations, immersion studies,

school exhibitions, and assemblies,

as well as field trips ranging from the

Chesapeake Bay and Washington,

D.C., to New York City, which provide

greater relevance and practicality to

curricular studies and contribute to

students’ self-development.

At Banner, we value the diversity of

our campus community, incorporating

our students’ cultural heritage into

history and geography class studies,

discussions, and activities. Community

service activities also figure heavily

in our educational initiatives. A wide

array of after-school programs enrich

the extraordinary experience that our

students have.

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The Banner Preschool is founded on the same philosophy and curriculum used throughout the entire school.

PRESCHOOL

Our Preschool program for

ages three and four, located

in our Early Childhood Center,

provides the optimum foundation for

the academic learning that continues

in Kindergarten. Our Preschool

faculty, the curriculum, instructional

approaches, and facilities are fully

integrated with and supported by

the resources of the entire school,

something that distinguishes it

from other programs. Like The

Banner School’s other academic

programs, the Preschool is certified

by the Maryland State Department

of Education and accredited by

the Association of Independent

Maryland and D.C. Schools.

Preschoolers are introduced to

reading and spelling using Open

Court Phonics, which provides

specific techniques and strategies for

identifying and sounding out words.

Our math readiness program teaches

children to classify, sort, measure,

compare, recognize patterns, and

begin one-to-one correspondence

counting. Other subject matter

includes health, science, animals,

physical education, Spanish, and

music. Preschoolers have their own

dedicated playground to enjoy the

outdoors, as well as learn about

the wonders of nature on guided

campus walks.

Preschool is offered year-round and

has various attendance options.

Before-care, beginning at 7:00 a.m.,

and after-care until 6:00 p.m. are

also provided to accommodate

working families.

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Our use of differentiated instruction results in curricular mastery, as well as original, independent thinking.

PRIMARY : Grades K-4

In Kindergarten through Grade

4, Banner School students learn

how to learn through the use of

differentiated instruction in the

classroom, an approach that

addresses each student’s unique

learning style. This diversity of

teaching modes motivates students

to truly engage in their learning

and, in turn, arrive at mastery in

reading, writing, mathematics,

science, social studies, and

Spanish, along with physical

education, visual art, computer

lab, and music. During these

years, students also learn how

to organize, research, and study,

thereby preparing them for the

Middle School.

Small classroom settings allow for

one-on-one interaction between

students and teachers, helping

children to reach their potential.

Our Primary School students also

have the benefit of being mentored

by older, Middle School students,

who support them, build up their

confidence, and assist in their

development.

While great emphasis is placed on

academic mastery, our faculty and

staff also recognize and promote

the wonder, curiosity, and spirit of

childhood in our students.

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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

transition that middle school students

experience and respond to their

academic, social, and emotional

needs by providing them with greater

independence, challenge, and

guidance. Because of this approach,

our students gain a strong sense of

self-confidence and motivation.

We prepare our Middle School students

for the demanding academic standards

that they’ll encounter in upper school

or high school and later in college.

Trimester exams for 7th- and 8th-

graders require students to synthesize

information, manage time, and develop

study strategies. Students graduate with

strong research skills, the ability to

think in advanced conceptual terms,

and the wherewithal to work both

independently and collaboratively. Our

Middle School students also benefit

from experiences that occur beyond

the classroom. There are field trips and

outdoor studies. Their participation

in local community service activities

and projects supports others in need

while expanding their own view of the

world, and their monthly operation of

an on-campus Coffee House not only

benefits charitable organizations but

also offers real-life lessons in business

and commerce. Eighth-grade students

complete their Banner School education

with a capstone project, a substantive,

self-directed, year-long project executed

with the guidance of mentors both on

campus and in the greater community.

Whether on the playing field, when

making a presentation during a school

assembly, or in support of one another,

our Middle School students exhibit the

qualities of dynamic young adults in

the making.

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After-school programs allow students to discover their passions and experience the joys of shared achievement.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

At 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.

ACADEMICSChess ClubComputersJunior Achievement BizTownLEGO Club Mathalon Competition National Junior Honor SocietyScience & Engineering ClubWorld Language ClubsYearbook & Newspaper ARTS ChorusConcert BandInstrumental Ensembles and LessonsKarateTheatre ArtsVisual Arts ATHLETICS Boys and Girls SoccerBoys and Girls BasketballBoys LacrosseBoys Flag FootballCoed Cross CountryCoed Track & FieldGirls Volleyball

SUMMER DISCOVERY CAMPThe 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 CAREExtended 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.

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Time and again, alumni credit The Banner School as the foundation of their academic and career success.

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 HistoryResidential Leader, WrestlingUSMA - Black Knights Parachute Team

Recent History2010 – Current Director of Education and Outreach, Multi-Service, Eating Disorders Association, Newton, MA2007– Intern, National Organization for Women (NOW)2006 – Intern, Paste Magazine, a national arts publication

Current and Recent HistoryPresident, Big Red Relief, raises funds for humanitarian causes Research Assistant, Sociology DepartmentVice President, PACE, a mentor/tutor program Member, National Society for Collegiate Scholars 2009 / 2010 – Summer employee, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth2007– Volunteer, International Rescue Committee

OreOluwa Badaki• BA, Cornell University (2012), Development Sociology, double minor in Communications & Inequality Studies• Glenelg Country School (2008)• The Banner School (2004)

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)

ALUMNI

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Academy of the Holy Cross

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts

Baltimore School for the Arts

The Bryn Mawr School

The Bullis School

Chapelgate Christian Academy

Delone Catholic High School

Foxcroft School

Frederick County Public Schools

Garrison Forest School

George School

Georgetown Preparatory School

Glenelg Country School

Harmony Intermediate School

Mercersburg Academy

McDonogh School

Mount de Sales Academy

Mount Saint Joseph′s Academy

New Life Christian Academy

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

Oxford Area High School (PA)

Randolph-Macon Academy

Saint James School

Saint John’s Catholic Prep

Sandy Spring Friends School

St. Andrew’s School (DE)

St. Bernard Preparatory School (AL)

St. Maria Goretti High School

St. Timothy′s School

South Carroll High School

Walt Whitman High School

Westtown School

HIGH SCHOOLS AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

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:

ALUMNI

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

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

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APPLICATION / TUITION / FINANCIAL AID

specific tuition fees and coverage,

visit our website or contact the

Business Office at 301-695-9320,

extension 16.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid is available to all

qualified applicants who demonstrate

need. To learn more, call our

Business Office at 301-695-9320,

extension 16, or visit our website

where applications are available.

The availability of financial aid makes a Banner education accessible to a wide array of students.

APPLICATION

The Banner School admits students

who are motivated to learn and who

will benefit from and contribute to

the school’s mission. We accept

student applications at any time of

the year, provided that there are

openings. If a class is full, students

are accepted on a first-come, first-

served basis as openings occur.

Before applying, we encourage you

to arrange a school visit or to attend

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

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 21701www.bannerschool.org