frequently asked questions
This section is divided into two parts: Parents' Questions and Students' Questions.
Parents' Questions
Why girls not young women?
Young people today are growing up so quickly that they miss out
on the joys of childhood. Many of the difficulties girls are
experiencing are the result of their attempts to fulfill social
expectations that are beyond their level of maturity. At Bromley
Brook all girls high school, our students will gain an understanding of their cognitive, emotional and physical maturity, which will guide them toward healthy choices about their future.
Why girls only? What are the pros and cons of all girls schools?
Research has shown that girls perform better and are more prepared
for adult success when educated in a single sex environment.
At Bromley Brook boarding school for all girls, our faculty is hand selected for their professional expertise and boundless enthusiasm for working with girls.
Why math, science and technology?
Women in the U.S. continue to be largely underrepresented in positions of executive leadership, particularly those related to science,
mathematics and computer technology. Bromley Brook girls will be prepared to excel in these areas.
Why expressive arts?
Girls are very in touch with their feelings and the feelings of those around them and as such, find tremendous power in the use of expressive arts.
Why uniforms?
Girls are known to use many different means to either associate with each other or alienate each other, and clothing is one of the primary instruments used to establish this social order. Additionally, many of the current styles present girls in ways that are not appropriate for the Bromley Brook environment. To avoid the formation of cliques or exclusive social groupings, and to present girls in a more conservative, refined manner, Bromley Brook students will wear a school issued uniform.
How will she live?
Students live in dorms that consist of a bedroom and bathroom, to be shared with up to three other students. This space becomes the girls' "home away from home" with each student taking responsibility for keeping their surroundings and personal belongings orderly. Dorms are organized such that they form a "house" of approximately 32 students with a common area at the end of the hall. Each house is assigned an adult supervisor, coaching and night staff to maintain safety and monitor behavior in the dorms.
How will she interact with the community?
The school community must be one that provides openness, acceptance and personal privacy. This will be accomplished through:
- Morning and evening focus meetings for checking in
- Groups two times weekly to process emotions and frustrations
- Dorm Life Coaches who provide individual planning guidance and individual discussion time for forming healthy adult relationships
- Projects and structure promoting peer collaboration and support
- Celebration of personal achievements and milestones including birthdays, holidays, seminar completion, academic achievement, learning phase completion, graduation and alumnae success
- Quiet time for self-reflection, writing and introspection
What kind of clinical support will my daughter receive?
The Bromley Brook team includes a doctoral level psychologist, registered nurse, consulting psychiatrist, and masters level clinicians who will provide individual counseling, including formal therapy when indicated, and issue focused groups for girls to process with other girls having similar issues. The counseling faculty provide oversight to development and implementation of the Individualized Learning Plan and serves as the primary liaison between the school and families.
How good are your academics?
Whether they come to complete their high school experience, or for a year or two to get on track, all girls at Bromley Brook will participate in a demanding college preparatory academic curriculum with a strong emphasis on science, mathematics, technology and expressive arts. Faculty create an assessment based Individualized Learning Plan to meet the needs of each student to prepare them for higher learning and professional pursuits and learning specialists assist in making the curriculum accessible to all students.
Bromley Brook School is accredited by CITA, licensed by Vermont Department of Children and Family Services, and a Recognized Independent School in the Department of Education in the State of Vermont. As such, our curriculum is approved by the State, facilitating appropriate credit transfer to other schools across the country. Our High School Diplomas are recognized by the State of Vermont.
How will we communicate?
Students will communicate with their families through mail, telephone and email. Weekly telephone calls will be scheduled and parents can also access information regarding their child through the Parent Check-In technology.
When can I see her?
Families are encouraged to visit the school during monthly family weekends and are invited to join the activities planned for that weekend. Students also have the opportunity to leave campus for home visits for winter, spring, and summer break based on their participation in the community and individual learning program plan.
How much is the tuition and what does it cover?
The tuition is $6100/month and it covers normal, daily boarding and educational expenses with the exception of dry cleaning service, personal care items, medication and medical
treatment provided outside the realm of our licensed nurse including
psychiatric services, travel to and from airports for break
which occurs outside of normally scheduled transportation times,
and spending money for your daughter on trips & recreation.
Is there an enrollment fee?
The enrollment fee is $2500 and it includes uniforms, textbooks and preliminary assessments.
How long should she attend?
It is our hope that your child will enroll at Bromley Brook to complete her high-school experience with us, however we expect your daughter to enroll for a minimum of 12 months, and anticipate that students will need approximately three full, four month semesters to complete the core curriculum requirements. Read an article to help with the transition home from Bromley Brook >>
References
"Single Sex Schooling, Perspectives from Practice and Research." Vol I, A Special Report from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. U.S. Department of Education, 1992.
"Achievement, Leadership and Success: A Report on Educational, Professional, and Life Outcomes at Girls' Schools in the United States." National Coalition of Girls Schools, Goodman Research Group, Inc. January 2000.
Balancing the Equation: Where are Women and Girls in Science, Engineering and Technology? The National Council for Research on Women, 2001.
