Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions
How many children are in each class?
Average class sizes are as follows:
- Sprouts – 10 children
- Saplings – 13 children
- Mighty Oaks – 16 children
What is the application process?
Applications received by DECEMBER 1 that meet any of the following criteria (listed in order of priority), are given preferential consideration for admission to the school or the wait list:
- Family applying for a child who will be attending concurrently with a sibling who is already enrolled;
- Family who has had children previously enrolled in the school;
- Family currently resides within the Bannockburn community of Bethesda or the Bannockburn Elementary School district; and
- Parents/Guardians who attended BNS as children.
In addition to the priorities noted above, other factors considered by the Admissions Committee include the date on which the application was submitted and the gender and age balance of the classes.
For more information, please see our Admissions page.
When will I find out if my child is accepted?
Acceptance notification is generally sent after the beginning of the new year.
Do you offer extended-day programs?
Yes! BNS offers early drop off (Early Mornings at BNS) and Lunch Bunch on Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm. For more details, please see our Extended Day Programs page.
What is your COVID-19 policy?
BNS is employing a multi-tiered approach to protect the health of our children, staff, and families while at the same time ensuring that children are experiencing developmentally appropriate and responsive interactions and environments. Our approach is informed by guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Health, in accordance with best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Maryland Office of Childcare, and with everyone's well-being in mind. Our core enhanced practices include enhanced cleaning protocols, frequent hygeine practices such a handwashing and increased outdoor learning. Adults and children are not required to mask indoors or outdoors, but may do so if they choose. Children and adults with COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should report their condition and/or exposure to the BNS Director and follow guidance provided by the school regarding isolation, quarantine, and mask use.
Our COVID-19 policy was last reviewed in August 2022 and will be subject to additional review/update prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year.
Do you offer summer camp?
Yes! BNS offers a fun and engaging camp program each summer. It is open to BNS children as well as those from outside the school.
More information, please see our Summer Fun page.
Do you accommodate food allergies? Are you a nut-free school?
BNS is not a nut-free school. However, we are happy to accommodate food allergies in our classrooms, during the regular school day, when necessary. We have had students in the past with a variety of food allergies. Working with those children’s parents or guardians, we communicate clear guidelines to the teachers and other parents about what foods are allowed for snack each day.
This does not typically extend to the Lunch Bunch Program, when children bring their own lunches to school. However, we evaluate our children’s needs, and may make adjustments as needed, on a case-by-case basis.