Program Highlights

The elementary curriculum at the Sant Bani School emphasizes language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, presented within a developmental framework. Foreign language instruction begins in seventh grade. Instruction in basic academic skills begins at the lower level and continues through the upper level. Classes are small by design, with fourteen students as an ideal maximum in the lower grades, and sixteen in the upper grades. Younger and older children interact frequently; this way of life in the school fosters an attitude of cooperation. Sant Bani stresses an ongoing commitment by the students to use their education for the benefit of others.

At the secondary level, the curriculum is a blend of traditional and innovative course choices, designed to prepare students for college or university enrollment. Graduation requirements include: four years of English; three years each of mathematics, history, foreign language, and science; a year of comparative religion; various electives; and annual service projects. Students spend from one to three hours on homework daily. Breadth in teaching is made possible by the use of part-time staff and, when appropriate, concurrent enrollment at local colleges.

When developing the curriculum, we consider individual needs carefully. Several specialists work with students one-on-one and in small groups to accommodate a limited number of students with mild learning disabilities. Students in grades one through six receive quarterly narrative reports that describe their course of study and progress. Students in grades seven through twelve receive letter grades as well.

Daily Schedule

For third through twelfth graders, each day begins with Morning Session followed by seven periods: six academic and a final period devoted to the arts. Kindergarten, first, and second grade have their own Morning Session later in the day, but sometimes join the older students for special occasions.

Morning Session is a time for the school community to gather together for announcements, a presentation of some kind (usually reading from a story), and a moment of quiet “before we begin our busy day.”

As one trustee described it:

Look at Morning Session: individual kids finding their own space on the floor they share with the community. Having their own private response to the shared reading (which usually has some spiritual significance). Seeing/hearing faculty take care of the details collaboratively during announcements. Sitting on the same floor as their teachers/principal. Having that moment of silence, something rare for most young minds in school. Seems like a great blend of the two currents SBS fosters, where the individual spark is fanned as a valued part of the one fire.

Yearly Schedule

The school observes the following holidays and vacations:

• September 11: Sant Ajaib Singh’s birthday
• Second Monday of October: Columbus Day
• November 11: Veterans Day
• Late November: Thanksgiving (school dismissed at noon Wednesday; no school Thursday or Friday)
• Late December: two weeks vacation, returning after New Year’s Day
• Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
• February 6: Sant Kirpal Singh’s birthday
• Late February/early March: two weeks off for Projects Period
• Last week of April: Spring Break
• Last Monday in May: Memorial Day