Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Doane Stuart? What is the male-to-female ratio?

Doane Stuart’s enrollment in 2007-2008 is 277 students, in Nursery through Grade 12, with 107 students in the Upper School (grades 9 to 12). The graduating Class of 2008 has 24 members. Doane Stuart is a coeducational school in all grades and divisions, and has a boy-to-girl enrollment ratio of nearly 50/50.

Do the students take Regents Exams?

No. Since Doane Stuart is an independent school, the students are not required to take NYS Regents Exams or other NYS comprehensive tests. Although standardized testing is not an integral part of the curriculum at Doane Stuart, as a measure of comparison, Doane Stuart’s average SAT scores are among the highest of any school in the Capital Region.

Is Doane Stuart a Catholic School?

No. It was formed from a merger of Kenwood Academy and St. Agnes School. Doane Stuart is an “interfaith school,” and is the nation’s only successfully-merged Catholic and Protestant independent school. In 1975, the Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school which was founded in 1852, merged with St. Agnes School, an Episcopal school which was founded in 1870, to form The Doane Stuart School. In keeping with an interfaith identity, the School is home to a Buddhist temple that supports a local Buddhist congregation and welcomes students and families of all religious faiths. Doane Stuart’s religion courses are non-doctrinal and aim to educate all students about faith and identity in western and non-western cultures and religions of world. Students are required to take religion courses and attend chapel once a week.

What is an "interfaith" school?

Doane Stuart is an interfaith school. We accept for admission, and respect, students of all faiths and backgrounds. Our chapel services celebrate all the major world religions. The religion curriculum at Doane Stuart is non-doctrinal and asks the students to explore, intellectually, their own faiths, and the faiths of others. The interfaith nature of the school community is well illustrated by our historic Gothic-Revival Chapel and by our resident Buddhist Temple, both housed here on our campus.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio? Average Class Size?

The student-to-teacher ratio is 7 to 1 and the average class size is 12 to 14 students.

What are the school hours?

Students typically arrive between 8:00 and 8:10 each morning to begin the school day at 8:15 a.m. On Monday through Thursday, classes end at 3:25 p.m., and on Friday, classes end at 2:35 p.m. Most Middle and Upper School students are involved in sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities after classes have ended.

Do you have before and after school programs?

Yes. Before School care for students begins at 7:30 a.m. and After School care for students ends at 6:00 p.m. each day. Before and After care rates are billed per diem. The programs are flexible and may be used as needed.

How is an admission decision based?

A student's application to Doane Stuart is evaluated through a number of criteria, including grades/transcripts, teacher and counselor recommendations, essay (for Middle and Upper School applicants), test scores (age-appropriate), and a class visit (required of all applicants). The Admission Committee will review a file when all items required for admission are received. Doane Stuart seeks students who are meeting or exceeding academic requirements in their current school, and who are inspired by the love of learning.

How can I afford private school tuition?

Investing in an independent school education for your child is a major commitment. Since Doane Stuart has a need-based financial aid program, in which about 40 percent of the students and families participate, the tuition alone should not be a deterrent from considering an application.

Is there a sibling discount?

No. However, the number of children in a family is one of the determining factors in financial aid computations and awards.

How is a Financial Aid Grant determined?

Parents apply for need-based financial aid by submitting the PFS (Parent Financial Statement) to an organization based in Princeton, New Jersey, called the SSS (School and Student Service for Financial Aid) and by submitting a copy of the previous year's taxes, schedules, and W-2’s to Doane Stuart. Approximately two weeks after receiving the PFS, the SSS sends Doane Stuart a Report for Family Contribution, which estimates a percentage of the family’s discretionary income that can be used towards their child’s tuition at Doane Stuart. The Financial Aid Committee at Doane Stuart reviews the Report, as well as any other information from the tax returns, to be able determine the family’s need and, consequently, the School’s ability to award a Doane Stuart grant.

How many students receive financial aid?

Approximately 40 percent of Doane Stuart students receive need-based financial aid awards from a Financial Aid budget of approximately $800,000.

Do students have to wear a uniform? Is there a Dress Code?

All students in grades 1 through 12 are required to wear clothing that meets Dress Code requirements. The Dress Code includes a solid-colored white, forest green, or navy blue polo shirt and plain, khaki pants and plaid kilt or khaki skirt (for girls). Dress Uniform is required of students for special events that typically happen once or twice per month. Dress Uniform includes (for boys) white button-down shirt with tie, blue blazer, khaki slacks, and dress shoes, and (for girls) white button-down shirt/blouse, plaid kilt, navy blue blazer, and dress shoes. A list of specific uniform requirements is included in the Handbook for each division.

Does Doane Stuart offer merit-based scholarships?

No.

What is the admission deadline?

Completed applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee on a rolling basis until a class becomes full. Typically, some classes will form a Waitlist in the summer prior to the beginning of the school year. We recommend that students complete the application process, along with the required Class Visit, in the winter or spring prior to the year of anticipated enrollment.

Where do Doane Stuart students live?

Enrolled students come from all over the Capital Region, including Albany, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Columbia, and Greene counties. Most students live within a 30-minute drive of the campus.

Is busing available?

Yes. Students who live within 15 miles of the School can apply to receive bus transportation through their own school district. Doane Stuart provides, also, busing for students who live in Saratoga County (with pick-ups in Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs), as well as Columbia and Greene Counties (with pick-ups in Catskill and Valatie/Kinderhook). For more specific information about busing, please contact the Admission Office.