The Avalon School

What is the tuition?

Upper School	$13,000
Middle School	$12,000
Lower School	$10,500
Family Rate:	$ 1,000 less for second child

Tuition assistance is available. The cost of books is included. The Avalon School has introduced a tuition payment plan for those families who wish to make their tuition payments over as much as a 10-month period. Call the school for more information.

Does Avalon provide transportation?

A courtesy van is available daily to and from the Bethesda Metro station, picking-up students in the morning at 8:30 a.m. and departing the school at 3:30 p.m. Van service to and from Rockville (Rockville Library), Gaithersburg (Lakelands Park), Germantown (Mother Seton Church and McDonald's at Ridge Rd & Frederick Rd), Kensington (Brookewood School), and the Glenmont Metro is available for an annual fee.

Where will The Avalon School's permanent site be located?

The Avalon Education Group has purchased 10.3 acres of land at 22901 Frederick Road in Clarksburg, MD. It is located just 3 miles north from the Fr. Hurley Blvd., Exit 16 on Route 270.

Avalon received approval for its Special Exception on October 3, 2007. Our goal is to break ground in the summer of 2008 and have the classroom building complete for the school year beginning in September 2009. The first phase of the buildings will include the classroom building, the gymnasium, and the dining hall.

Does The Avalon School need permission from the Archdiocese of Washington to run as a school ?

No. The Avalon School is an independent school. Under canon law, an independent school, which is usually operated by a lay board, must have the approval of the local bishop in order to be able to call itself a "Catholic School." Schools not affiliated with either a diocese or a religious order can no doubt still teach and form students in the Catholic Faith. The Avalon School advertises itself as an independent school that teaches religion in accordance with The New Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Is The Avalon School accredited?

The Avalon School has received approval by the Maryland State Department of Education to run as a private school, fulfilling the same requirements as all public schools in the state. After the completion of our first year we began the self-evaluation process for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Middle States will visit the school next year to evaluate how well we are fulfilling our stated educational mission and complete the formal independent school accreditation process.

Are Avalon students required to wear a uniform?

No, but there is a dress code. Students are required to wear dress shirts, dress pants with belt, dress shoes, and a tie. High school students must wear a sport coat. We believe that school is the training ground for professional life and students should dress accordingly.

Avalon is a new school; how is it funded?

The Avalon School is an independent school, hence it does not receive fiscal support from any federal, state, county or local government. However, we have received substantial contributions and pledges from a number of generous people, and we are actively seeking support from foundations and corporations. In addition, we rely on the generosity of people who believe that additional schools are needed in Montgomery County that offer a challenging liberal arts education in a masculine setting. If you or someone you know can help, please contact school president, Richard McPherson, or our director of development, Ellen Clifford.

What is the average class size?

As a general rule, class size does not exceed 18 students. We prefer that the Lower School (grades 3-5) be capped at 15 students per class.

How do you handle learning differences?

Learning differences are handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the parents and any educational consultants with whom they are working. Small class size allows for greater individual attention. Teachers are available after school each day for extra help. Extra time may be granted on tests. If appropriate, a course may be substituted by a study hall or supplemental work with a tutor. Faculty meetings and workshops also address these issues.