How can I get an application?
You can request an application and brochure either by filling out the online inquiry form or calling the Admission Office at (617) 738-2725.

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Is an interview required as part of the application process?
Yes. An interview is a required for all students and their parents/guardians. Call the Admission Office at (617) 738-2725 to arrange a tour of the campus and an interview. One or both parents or guardian should accompany the student applicant. Interview appointments are available daily when school is in session throughout September through mid-January. We also hold several open house sessions during the fall/winter when you can take a group tour of the campus and attend an information session, but you will still need to schedule a private interview by the January 15 application deadline.
Who should come to the interview?
The student should come to the interview along with parent(s)/guardian(s). In families where a student has more than one parent/guardian, not all of the adults in the family are required to attend the interview. Although it is nice when the whole family is able to come, we understand that it is not always possible for everyone to attend.
What exactly happens during an interview at BCDS?

The interview will begin with both the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) taking a personal guided tour of the school with a BCDS student, parent, or faculty member. 

Immediately following the school tour, the student will first meet one-on-one with a member of the admission staff. (If siblings are applying, a second interview with the brother/sister will immediately follow). After the student has been interviewed, the admission officer will meet with the parent(s)/guardian(s).

The interview is an opportunity for the admission staff to meet the student in person and learn more about his or her experiences and interests. Students and families have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about BCDS.
How long will the interview take?
The entire visit (tour and interviews) should take approximately 2 hours (a bit longer if siblings are applying).
What should a student wear to the interview?
Students visiting BCDS usually feel most comfortable wearing what they would normally wear for a typical day at school. Beaver’s dress code is casual, so formal dress is not necessary.
What should we do if we cannot make it to our interview appointment?
Please let us know as soon as possible that you will not be able to keep your appointment with us. Our interview schedule books very quickly and rescheduling an interview can be difficult. However, we understand that illness and family emergencies do occur, so if you must reschedule an interview, please contact us as soon as possible either by phone (617) 738-2725 or email Nedda Bonassera at nbonassera@bcdschool.org.
Where should I park for my interview, and where is the admission office located?
There are designated parking spots for those visiting the admission office. As you enter the school's driveway from Hammond Street, the admission parking area is approximately 150 yards on the right-hand side. If those spots are occupied, you may park in any open space. There is handicap parking in the front circle.

After you park, you may enter the admission reception room directly from the right-hand side of the front circle. Or, if you enter through the school's main entrance doors (under the porch), turn right, walk down the hallway about 20 yards, and take your first right turn. The admission reception room is the 3rd door on your right.
Which standardized test do I need to take to apply?
All applicants are required to take either the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) by January 15, 2009. The SSAT may be taken at BCDS on Saturday, December 13, 2008. The ISEE may be taken at BCDS on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Other test dates are available at other locations. You must register for each in advance and ask that the official score report be sent directly to BCDS. Use the following school codes for BCDS when you register for either test: #22095 (ISEE) or #1528 (SSAT).

Links to online registration:
SSAT
ISEE
When is the deadline for applications for admission and financial aid for new students?
Applications for admission are due January 15, 2009. Financial aid applications are due on February 1, 2009.
What is the tuition for 2008-09?
$31,450. Together with the enrollment deposit of $1000, the tuition covers nearly all expenses except the tuition refund insurance (1.1% of tuition).
Is financial aid offered?
Yes, over 25% of our students receive need-based financial aid. To learn more about how to apply, please go to the Financial Aid section of this site.
How many new students join BCDS each year?
Sixth, seventh and ninth grades are  “entry years,” enrolling 28-30 students for sixth grade, 15-18 students for seventh grade, and 25-35 students for ninth grade. Eighth, tenth and eleventh grades add new students as space is available.
How much homework do BCDS students get?
Time spent on homework varies by student and course load. Middle School students have regular daily study halls but can expect to do one and a half to two and a half hours of work at home. Upper School students who manage their time well in school usually have three to three and a half hours of work at home.
I'm interested in both the arts and sports. Can I do both at BCDS?
Yes! In fact most of our students do both. Because of our trimester schedule, students are able to take courses in the arts (visual arts, drama, or music) as part of their regular courseload along with the full complement of other academic subjects. In our afternoon program, students can choose among interscholastic sports and arts activities so long as they fulfill the athletic program participation requirement each year. 

For more information about our athletic and arts programs, please go to the respective pages on this site.
What are the opportunities for students to perform community service and participate in leadership training?
BCDS has a very active community service program and many students are involved far beyond the minimum graduation requirement of 40 hours. In the upper school, community service is offered as an afternoon activity each trimester, comparable to participating in the athletic and arts programs. Opportunities for service are also offered to middle school students. In late 2005 the school received a $1 million gift from the family of an alumna to endow the Anne Hiatt Center for Community Service and Social Change, which coordinates programming for service and leadership activities. To read more about community service at BCDS, please go to that section under School Life.
What do BCDS students wear to school?
Student dress is casual at BCDS but students must use good judgment in choosing what to wear. Students who wear hats, revealing clothes, or clothes with profane or inappropriate slogans are asked to change or are given different clothes to wear that day.
What time does the school day begin and end?
The school day begins at 8:00 AM except on Tuesdays, when it begins at 9:00 AM (to allow time for faculty meetings). Students may arrive daily starting at 7:15 AM and have a light breakfast in the cafeteria (offered free, along with lunch).

For middle school students, the academic day ends at 1:40 PM and study hall and afternoon activities run until 3:40 PM (sometimes slightly later if a team travels to an away game). Middle school students may leave at 3:40 or stay until 4:45 PM for supervised study on Monday through Thursday.

For upper school students, the academic day ends at 3:30 PM (2:10 on Wed.) but students are expected to stay until 5:15 PM for afternoon activities. Athletes returning from away games often return later, and in the winter some teams practice later.
How do BCDS students travel to and from school?
The school is accessible by public transportation (the Chestnut Hill stop on the Green Line is nearby), and BCDS provides a shuttle bus to and from the T station at peak arrival and dismissal times. Most students travel by car, and carpooling is encouraged. Older students with drivers' licenses may drive themselves and park on campus. (Only seniors are permitted to leave campus by car during the school day.) Students in some communities use private van services.
What are the opportunities for parental involvement?
BCDS welcomes parental involvement in school life through its Parents Association, of which every parent/guardian is automatically a member. Parents volunteer to serve as admission tour guides, library helpers, grade communications reps, and on several committees (such as athletics, diversity, parent education, and social events). The PA has open meetings each month during the school year, and there are several evenings a year dedicated to parent education. Each spring, the PA hosts an evening social event for the entire parent community. For more information, please go to the Parents Association section of this site.
If I've been accepted will I get a chance to come and visit classes before I make my decision (before April 10)?
Yes, there are re-visit days in early April. You will be notified of your assigned day.
What should I do if I'm interested in applying but I missed the regular application deadline (January 15)?
Please contact us after April 10, the date by which accepted students must notify us if they plan to enroll next year. At that time we will have a better idea of the length of the waiting list associated with each grade. We are happy to send you a brochure at any time of year. Sometimes there are unforeseen openings during the summer if an enrolled student withdraws, in which case a new application may be considered. An interview is still required.