• Who is my student’s advisor? How do I contact them?

    Advisors are assigned by the Dean of Students. You may contact your student’s advisor by email; they’ll reach out to you to introduce themselves so you will have their contact information before the school year begins.

  • How do I notify the School if my student is late or absent?

    If your student is absent or tardy for a non-health-related reason, the parent or guardian must notify [email protected]. If your student is absent or tardy for a health-related reason, the parent or guardian must notify [email protected] and also contact Director of Health & Wellness Jenny Potee within 24 hours after the missed class/classes.

  • How are Middle School students assessed?

    In accordance with the principles of the Association for Middle Level Education’s The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, middle school students are assessed through multiple means including written teacher feedback, conversations with teachers, and student self-reflection. These may be applied to any work students do, from specific activities to long-term projects. Progress reports are sent to families six times a year. Mid-term reports include individual comments written to students by teachers, and end-of-term reports include an overview comment written by the student’s advisor.

  • What are the technology requirements?

    Students are expected to bring a device of their own to school each day, fully charged. iPads, other tablets, laptops, and Chromebooks are all acceptable for use with a few guidelines:

    • Devices should be relatively new, capable of running HTML5, Zoom/GoogleMeet, and the latest security updates.
    • Laptops should be reasonably sized (e.g., Macbook Air/Pro, Ultrabooks, etc.) No large gaming laptops are allowed.
    • Chromebooks should have an active AUE.
    • iPads and other tablets should have a physical keyboard.

  • Am I required to participate in athletics? Can I get a waiver?

    All students are required to participate in the extracurricular program each trimester which takes place after the academic day. There are competitive and non-competitive options available. Students may get a waiver one trimester per year to participate in an outside program and would partner with the Athletic Director to organize this.

  • Is the equestrian program included in tuition costs?

    All equestrian-related lessons and activities are an additional expense to the family. Additionally, each winter, there is a seasonal scholarship, the Nora Lucas Burby Scholarship, which covers the cost for a rider during the winter trimester. Enrolled students are encouraged to apply for the Nora Lucas Burby Scholarship when the application opens in the fall. 

  • Is there a dress code?

    Students are expected to dress for the responsibilities they have that day while upholding the values within the SBS honor code. SBS embraces individual expression! Classroom attire is casual, and teachers may ask students to wear specific clothing for safety precautions in class (science labs or art courses, for example.) Any specific apparel needed for an athletic or after school activity would be expected at practices or lessons.

  • What are the rules on cell phones?

    Cell phones are not permitted during school-day hours while in academic spaces and halls. Phones are also not permitted in the dining hall or on the first floor of the main building. Cell phones are turned in each evening for grades 7-10 and returned in the morning. Turn-in times are different for each grade level.

  • Can my student drive to campus?

    Day students are permitted to drive to campus. Once the vehicle is parked on campus, it may not be operated again until the end of the school day (unless permission from parents/guardians and the Dean of Students has been granted). The student’s family must complete a Car Registration form and turn it into the Dean of Students office before parking on campus. Students with a vehicle will be assigned a parking sticker.

  • Where does SBS organize travel to/from during school breaks?

    To the train and bus station in Greenfield, MA plus Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT and Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, MA.

  • How do I request a transcript?

    Transcripts may be requested through our Registrar via email at [email protected].

  • What kind of support (academic, social-emotional, etc.) is available to SBS students?

    We have a strong advisory system along with a team of administrators that meets regularly to discuss ways to support the academic, physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our students. We offer a Learning Center program for students needing additional support developing targeted learning skills and strategies. Our Counseling Services department is available to students and able to partner with experts in the field for specialized support.

Here’s a list of contacts who can help you with specific questions: