FAQ

Making the decision to send your child to an independent school is a family decision. Please visit our page that offers information to help you decide.

BCD accepts children from both Massachusetts and New York states which have different dates for entry into public schools, which we take into account as we review your application details. In BCD’s Preschool programs, children must be the age of the class as of September of the year enrolled in school. For our Preschool class for two year olds, this means that the student must be two years old in September of the current school year. Our Preschool program also has a three year old program. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten are the gateway to our Lower School program.

At BCD, our tuition rates vary by division. The Board of Trustees must consider and approve any increase in tuition which is announced to parents typically in December prior to the enrollment period of the next academic year.

To guarantee a place at the School, a nonrefundable 10 percent tuition deposit is required with the return of the enrollment contract. We know that enrolling a child in an independent school is a family commitment. BCD provides flexible options for the method of payment as well as a variety of installment payment plans.

For more information on Tuition and Tuition Assistance, click here.

The school day begins at 8:15am, and ends at 3:00pm for students for all divisions, Preschool through Middle School. 

Extended hours are available in the morning, from 7:30–8:00am for Preschool in the three-year-old program through the Middle School and in our After-School program (PM) until 4:30pm for the three year old program through Second Grade. Sports and after-school enrichment programs for Kindergarten through Eighth Grade extend the day until 4:30pm.

BCD prides itself in its small class sizes and individualized attention. Our faculty:student ratio is 1:6. Our classes average about 10 students per class.

Children should dress in neat, comfortable clothing suitable for participation in an active program that includes daily outdoor time, even in cold weather. 

At BCD, we make the most of our storied campus with 26 acres and multiple playgrounds and playing fields. Classes enjoy their snack and lunch outdoors whenever weather permits. Students spend at least 35 minutes a day outdoors in supervised unstructured time, exploring the campus or hiking in the woods. We also have a popular Ski Friday program in the winter where students ski at Ski Butternut on Friday afternoons.

Sports and after-school enrichment programs for Kindergarten through Eighth Grade extend the day until 4:30pm. Extended hours are available in our After-School program (PM) until 4:30pm for the three year old program through Second Grade. 

BCD also offers popular enrichment programs in the afternoons, ranging from theater to community service to Legos.

BCD’s curriculum is founded on five pillars which are social justice, empathy, sustainability, literacy, and engagement. As a community we are committed to equity and justice in all aspects of school life.