FAQs

These FAQs will help you find answers to common questions about our admissions process, academic programs, and student life.

Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your child's education. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our friendly admissions team. We look forward to getting to know you and your family. Welcome to The Brook!

In this section

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE? WHEN WILL THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE NOTIFY ME OF ACCEPTANCE?
The Early Application deadline is Monday, December 16, 2024. The Standard Enrollment deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025. After these two deadlines, admissions are rolling throughout the year until the start of the School year in August or until we reach maximum capacity. Prospective students can still apply after January 17th so long as room is available. Early applicants will be notified on January 1, 2025, and standard applicants will be notified on March 10, 2025. After these two notification dates, the Admissions Office works to notify applicants as soon as possible.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT ALL PARTS OF MY APPLICATION AT THE SAME TIME?
No. We encourage prospective families to complete the first two steps in the application process as soon as possible. The first step is to complete the inquiry form. The second step is to submit the student profile and pay the application fee. The other steps can be completed at a later date. You can find the complete process here.
WHAT IS THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE LOOKING FOR WHEN EVALUATING APPLICATIONS? WHAT PIECES ARE WEIGHED THE MOST IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
When reviewing applications of potential students, we look at the application as a whole—taking into account the quality of teacher recommendations, transcripts, and the in-person interview.
WHICH STANDARDIZED TEST DOES SBS REQUIRE?
For our Fall 2025 applicants, standardized testing is not required. While optional, should you want to submit standardized testing, we will receive and review it. Applicants to Grades 7-10 may take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). When registering for the SSAT please include the code for SBS (7510). Please note that the SSAT typically requires registration to be completed three weeks in advance of the test date so please plan accordingly. Applicants to Grade 11 and 12 are welcome to submit a PSAT, PreACT, ACT, SAT or SSAT score report.
AS AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT, WHAT ARE YOUR TESTING REQUIREMENTS? DO I NEED TO TAKE THE TOEFL OR IELTS?
In addition to any required standardized testing, all applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to take an English language proficiency test. Our office prefers the TOEFL exam. When registering, please use the following code for TOEFL (8083) in order to send us the applicant's scores directly. Please note that our office does not accept TOEFL's MyBest Score. If the TOEFL is not available, international applicants can consider one of the following exams: Duolingo, IELTS, Cambridge, and ELTiS. Even if the applicant has studied in the United States for several years or is currently attending an international school with an American or British curriculum, the student may still need to take a test. Please contact the Admissions Office for further questions.
IS AN ADMISSION INTERVIEW REQUIRED? ARE PARENTS/GUARDIANS REQUIRED TO BE PRESENT?
Admission interviews are required; however, the interview is one on one with the applicant. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are not required to be present for the interview.
CAN STUDENTS APPLY AS BOTH A DAY AND A BOARDING STUDENT?
No. Students must pick one or the other. Five-day boarding is another option, which allows students to go home on weekends.
DOES SBS DO INTERVIEWS DURING THE SUMMER AND MAJOR SCHOOL BREAKS?
Yes. Please make sure to call or email the Admissions Office to set up an interview during those times. Please note that interviews are scheduled after the biographical portion of the application is submitted and the application fee is paid, making you an official applicant of SBS.
WHAT SHOULD APPLICANTS WEAR TO THE INTERVIEW?
While SBS does have a dress code, we do encourage applicants to wear what they feel most comfortable in.
HOW DO STUDENTS INTERVIEW IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO VISIT CAMPUS?
The Admissions Office offers interviews via Webex.
HOW WILL ADMISSIONS DECISIONS BE COMMUNICATED?
The Admissions Office will send an email to parents with the acceptance letter and instructions for accessing the parent portal to complete the enrollment process.
HOW IS FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED? HOW MUCH FINANCIAL AID CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE?
As a Christian institution, we believe that our diverse community of students deserves to reap every benefit of a Stony Brook education no matter where they stand socioeconomically. About 37% of our students receive financial aid, we are committed to make SBS the right fit for your family. Please apply for Financial Aid using Clarity.
DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID EACH YEAR?
Yes. Families that are interested in receiving financial aid must submit a financial aid application whether they are new to SBS or a returning family. The reason is that a family’s finances can change from year to year.
CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
Yes. International students can receive financial aid; however, the vast majority of financial aid is allocated to domestic students. Families should apply for financial aid via the Clarity. In addition, the Admissions Office does require proof of income by way of bank statements, tax documents, pay stubs, etc.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR HOME-SCHOOLED APPLICANTS OR APPLICANTS COMING FROM NON-TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS?
The process will be similar to the process for students attending traditional schools. The one major exception is that recommendations will be completed by online teachers or homeschool teachers (i.e. parents). We strongly encourage that at least one recommendation comes from an adult that is not the applicant’s parent. You are also welcome to include additional outside recommendations if you would like.
WHAT ARE THE TUITION, ROOM, BOARD, AND FEES?
Updated information on tuition and fees can be found here.
CAN I VISIT CLASSES OR SPEND A NIGHT IN THE DORMITORIES?
Should you have an interest in visiting campus to attend a full day of classes and have lunch on campus, please email us. We are unable to accommodate overnight stays.
HOW CAN I REQUEST A MEETING WITH A COACH?
When scheduling your campus visit, please notify the admissions staff of your request and we will do our best to arrange a meeting. If the coach’s schedule permits, they will meet prospective families in the Admissions Office. If the coach is unavailable, we will do our best to have our athletic director attend instead.
DO I HAVE TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO ATTEND SBS?
No. While SBS is a distinctly Christian institution and aspects of our faith are integrated into the students' daily lives (ex: weekly mandatory chapel), students are allowed to maintain their own personal beliefs. Our hope is that students will develop their own understanding of who God is and who He is calling them to become.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Yes. Our dress code requires academic dress during the school day. During the fall and winter students are also required to wear blazers. Additional dress code information will be given upon acceptance.
ARE THERE ANY COSTS THAT TUITION DOESN’T COVER?
Yes. Books, missions trips, specific athletics, extracurricular school trips, health insurance for international students, school blazers, etc.
WHAT MEDICAL SERVICES DO YOU HAVE ON CAMPUS TO TREAT STUDENTS WHO MIGHT BE SICK OR INJURED?
When school is in session, the health center is open and staffed with a Registered Nurse Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Our on-call registered nurse is available for any health concerns that arise when the health center is closed.
WHAT ARE THE ATHLETIC REQUIREMENTS AT YOUR SCHOOL?
Every student enrolled must participate in two of our three athletic seasons, but only one has to be a physical sport. The other can be an extracurricular—such as chess, robotics, theater, mock trial, managing a sport, etc.