Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Makes St. Barnabas Episcopal School a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence?

  • In the top 4% in the nation with standardized test scores (3rd-8th Grades)
  • Small Class Sizes – 2 Classes for Each Grade
  • Brain-based instruction: employs Multiple Intelligence educational theory in classes
  • Integrated Thematic Instruction in all PreK through 5th Grade Classrooms
  • Open Court Reading Program (phonics and whole language): Pre-K4 through 5th with use of literature which integrates with the theme being taught. Middle School: Prentice Hall Literature and supplemental reading which integrates with History and Literary Period.
  • Saxon Math Program: K-8th grade (through Algebra II)
  • 8th Grade Students can earn high school credits for Biology I, Spanish I, Algebra I & II.
  • All teachers who have their degrees and teach in their area of instruction

2. Special Area Classes for all K-8th grade students:

  • Art
  • Music
  • P.E.
  • Computer
  • Library
  • Spanish (Middle School has homogenous grouping)

3. State of the Art Facilities & Technology:

  • NewestBuilding- Harwood Center
  • Mac Lab
  • Smart Board Technology in All 3rd-8th Grade Classrooms
  • High School Regulation Basketball – Volleyball Courts
  • Stage for Performing Arts
  • Full Commercial Kitchen and Lunch Facilities

4. How do you address the needs of students with advanced skills?

  • Enrichment Program (Grades 3-5)
  • Homogenous Grouping in Math and Spanish (Grades 6-8)

5. What types of instruction do you have in the classroom?

  • Teacher Directed
  • Student Centered
  • Project Based
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Gender Specific Opportunities
  • Smart-Board Technology and Elmo Document Cameras

6. Do your teachers have degrees and are they certified?

  • Our accreditation agency, Florida Council of Independent Schools, requires that all teachers have a degree in their field.
  • Our teachers are certified or are in the process of being certified.

7. What if my child has never had Spanish?

  • Students in Grades K-5 are given instruction at their level so that they are comfortable learning a new language.
  • Students in Grades 6-8 are homogenously grouped according to their experience and ability levels.
  • Native speakers – individual instruction is provided.

8. What extra-curricular activities do you offer?

  • Basketball, Golf, Track, Tennis, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Flag Football, Boxing, and Wrestling
  • Student Government, National Junior Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society
  • Leadership/Community Service Club- Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)
  • Chess Clubs

9. Do I have to be an Episcopalian to attend your school?

  • No, approximately 85% of our student body are not members of St. Barnabas Church.
  • St. Barnabas Episcopal School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students of the school.

10. What religious instruction is provided to the students?

  • Morning Prayer (Mondays)
  • Holy Communion Service (Wednesdays)
  • Religious Studies Instruction (Biblically based) in each classroom 1 time per week
  • Prayer to begin each day, before snack, before lunch and at the close of the day.

11. Does my child have to take the communion?

  • The decision to take communion is left up to the parents’ discretion. All baptized children can take communion in the Episcopal Church.
  • If the child does not take communion, then the child receives a blessing from the Clergy.

12. Do you say the Pledge of Allegiance?

  • Yes, the Pledge of Allegiance is said and the national anthem is sung every morning.

13. How do you communicate with parents?

  • Website www.sbesyes.org
  • Weekly Friday Folders
  • Email communications with teachers and administration
  • E-Newsletters twice a month

14. Is there a requirement for parents to volunteer?

  • Yes, 10 hours and assist with 2 lunches for each student enrolled per academic year.

15. Do you have a lunch program?

  • Yes, for a charge per lunch or a reduced rate for multiple lunches.

16. Do you have a cafeteria?

  • Yes, students in Grades 1-3, 4-5, and 6-8 eat at different times.

17. What are the school hours?

  • 8:20-2:30 PM (Pre-K 3 & 4)
  • 8:20-3:00 PM (Kindergarten – 5th Grades)
  • 8:20-3:15 PM (6th-8th Grades)

18. Do you provide before and after school care?

  • Morning Care: 7 a.m.-8 a.m.
  • Afternoon Care: 2:30 (Pre-K) – 6:00 p.m.
  • Cost: 7-8am @ $3.50 /DAY. After Care: 2:30-4PM @ $7/DAY and 2:30-6PM or after 4pm pickup @ $9/day

19. Do you follow the public school calendar and weather closings?

  • Generally yes, however, when we do not follow public school’s calendar, parents are notified in a variety of ways.

20. Do you provide any transportation?

  • No, parents provide individual transportation and are encouraged to car pool.

21. What age do students start wearing uniforms?

  • Kindergarten through 8th Grade students wear uniforms.

22. Do the students change into their PE uniforms during the day?

  • Only 6th-8th Grade students change out during the day.
  • Kindergarten – 5th Grade students wear their PE uniforms all day.