FAQs
General
Q: What grade levels does The Gunston School include?
A: Grades 9-12, coed.
Q: What kind of student is Gunston looking for?
A: Gunston seeks students who are motivated and capable of successfully completing a demanding college preparatory program.
Q: How are the classrooms conducive to quality education?
A: The combination of experienced and highly qualified teachers with an average class size of 10-12 makes for a dynamic classroom setting.
Q: Is there tutoring available?
A: Yes, the primary goal of the tutoring is to assist students in the development of learning and study skills in order that the students increase their level of independence in preparation for college. Tutoring is offered to students requiring additional academic support. The program is individually tailored to provide one to one assistance in the specific needs of each student. Tutors work in conjunction with subject teachers and advisors in an effort to assist students toward developing mastery in skills and content.
Q: Is there time for "extra help"?
A: Yes, students can have a 30-minute morning tutorial session with any classroom teacher. Students may elect to attend tutorial to review material or to prepare for upcoming assessments. Teachers may assign students to tutorial when they identify the need for extra help or when the student’s performance is below course and school expectations. Tutorial is designed to ensure academic success by providing early intervention to students who are experiencing academic difficulty.
Q: Is there an advisor system at Gunston?
A: Yes, each teacher is assigned 8 to 10 students as advisees whom they assist throughout their high school careers. The advisor is also the link in the chain of communication between the student, the school, and the family.
Q: When can I come to visit Gunston?
A: Contact David Henry, Director of Admission (dhenry@gunston.org; 410-758-0620, ext 1104) to arrange a tour of the campus, set up a shadow day visit, or to attend an upcoming Open House. Tours typically last an hour and are very informative.
Tuition & Fees
Q: What is the tuition at The Gunston School?
A: Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $29,850 (includes tuition and lunch).
Q: Are there payment plans available at The Gunston School?
A: Yes, Gunston offers the following payment options to assist our families:
Option One: Interest-free monthly payments
This program is interest free, and families can enroll with Tuition Management Systems. There is a small fee to enroll in the program. A 10% deposit is due with the enrollment contract, and all payments should be completed by February of the following year. Tuition Protection Plan is required.
- 10-month plan begins May 1
Option Two: 60/40 Payment Plan This plan consists of 3 payments per year. Tuition Protection Plan is required.
- A 10% deposit is due with the contract
- 60% of the balance is due August 1
- the remaining balance is due January 1
Option Three: Payment in full
The entire balance is paid in full with the contract.
Is there financial aid available?
Yes, Gunston has need-based financial aid available. Please see the Financial Aid page for details on deadlines, etc. There are also Merit Scholarships available.
Loan Programs
Gunston also has information on loan programs available through various sources. Contact David Henry, Director of Admission and Financial Aid for details.
Tuition Protection Plan
If you elect to take advantage of one of the payment plans listed above you will be required to enroll in the Tuition Protection Plan at a cost of 3.1% of the net tuition amount.
Q: Are there expenses in addition to tuition at The Gunston School?
A: Additional possible fees include:
Books: approximately $400-$600
Bay Studies Fee: approximately $450
Bus Transportation (Optional): Cost TBD—Available from: (MD) Annapolis, Chestertown, Easton, Grasonville, Kent Island, and Severna Park. (DE) Middletown.
Admissions
Q: What is the deadline for admission?
A: The application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is January 6 for Early Decision, and February 1 for Regular Decision. Applications received after February 1 will be evaluated on a rolling admission basis as space becomes available.
Q: Will Gunston tell me if pieces of my application are missing?
A: Yes, the Director of Admission and Financial Aid will be in close contact with the applicant's parents during the application process.
Q: How can I receive a View Book from The Gunston School?
A: Contact David Henry, Director of Admission, at dhenry@gunston.org; 410-758-0620, ext 1104.
Q: What kinds of standardized tests do I need to take to be considered for admission to The Gunston School?
A: No standardized tests are required for admission. However, applicants can submit results from the SSAT or the ISEE if they choose to.
Q: May a student be admitted for his/her senior year only?
A: Unfortunately, no. Exceptions may be made for students transferring from other independent schools, or moving to the area provided the necessary course requirements have been met to allow timely matriculation.
Q: When will I know about acceptance to The Gunston School?
A: Applicants will be notified of the admission committee's decision by mid-January for Early Decision applications, and late-February for Regular Decision candidates. For rolling admission, decision notifications are done as time & space permits.
Q: Can a student transfer into Gunston during the school year?
A: Yes, as long as space is available and the applicant meets the criteria for admission.
Financial Aid
Q: What is The Gunston School's philosophy concerning financial aid?
A: Gunston wants to make its program available to as many students as possible. The school administers a need-based financial aid program and offers payment plans allowing balances to be spaced over 10 months.
Q: Does applying for financial aid affect my chances for admission?
A: No - the Admissions Committee evaluates each application without taking into account a family's ability to pay tuition.
Q: Is there an application deadline for financial aid?
A: Financial aid applications will need to be submitted online at https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up, no later than the dates posted for the application for admission to Gunston (Jan 6 for "early decision"; Feb 1 for "regular decision"). Please enter our school code (3634) as a recipient of the financial aid report. If applying for "rolling admission", financial aid applications will need to be submitted concurrently with the completed application for admission.
Q: How much can a family expect to contribute?
A: The Gunston School expects a family to do all it can reasonably do to meet educational expenses.
Q: What levels of income does Gunston consider in awarding financial aid?
A: Gunston considers each applicant individually. We consider families within a wide range of financial situations. Since each family's financial circumstances are unique, a family's income is only one of the factors that we consider in determining a family's need.
Q: Can financial aid change from year to year?
A: Yes, the aid may be adjusted depending on the school's financial aid budget for a particular year, as well as if the family's financial circumstances have changed.
Q: What if we are unable to complete the financial aid application on time?
A: Please notify David Henry, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, as soon possible.
Q: If my child does not receive financial aid, can we apply for aid in subsequent years?
A: Yes.
Q: What should I do if my family's financial situation is complicated?
A: Attach a letter to the financial aid form that specifically explains your situation. Gunston will use this to help determine financial aid consideration.
Q: Are there Merit Scholarships available?
A: Yes - please visit the Merit Scholarship page.