Admission

Visiting McLean School

The best way to learn about McLean School is to visit our campus. From October through January, we hold Open Houses regularly. Please call to reserve a space.

If you would like to arrange a personal interview with our Admission Director, Catherine A. Biern, call 301-299-8277, ext. 606. We welcome applications from all interested families for Kindergarten through Tenth Grade. McLean seeks qualified students from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. We offer an innovative and flexible program to accommodate both traditional learners and those with minimal learning differences. Once students are admitted to McLean, the school makes every effort to support them in all areas of their growth.

Directions to McLean School

From Washington, DC

Follow Wisconsin Avenue towards Maryland. Turn left onto Brandywine Road (there is a Hudson Trail store on the Left at the intersection). Turn right onto River Road. Follow River Road towards Potomac, crossing 495 (the Beltway), and turn right onto Seven Locks Road. Follow Seven Locks Road until Tuckerman Lane. Turn left onto Tuckerman. Take the second left onto Deborah Drive. Take the second right onto Lochinver Lane. The school will be on your left.

 

From Virginia

Take 495 (the Beltway) North towards Maryland. Take the second exit, River Road, and take the exit ramp towards Potomac. Turn right onto Seven Locks Road. Follow Seven Locks Road until Tuckerman Lane. Turn left onto Tuckerman. Take the second left onto Deborah Drive. Take the second right onto Lochinver Lane. The school will be on your left.

 

From Rockville, MD

Follow 355 (Rockville Pike) South until Tuckerman Lane. Turn right onto Tuckerman Lane. After you pass Seven Locks Road make your second left onto Deborah Drive. Take the second right onto Lochinver Lane. The school will be on your left.

 

From Frederick, MD

Follow I-270 South until the road splits to connect with 495 (the Beltway). Take the right spur (towards Northern Virginia) and get off at the first exit (Democracy Blvd.). As you exit, stay to the right and merge onto Democracy Blvd. Follow Democracy Blvd. until Seven Locks Road. Turn right onto Seven Locks. Follow Seven Locks until Tuckerman Lane. Turn left onto Tuckerman. Take the second left onto Deborah Drive. Take the second right onto Lochinver Lane. The school will be on your left.

 

From Baltimore, MD

Follow I-95 South to 495 (the Beltway). Take 495 West towards Bethesda/Silver Spring/College Park. Get off at the Old Georgetown Road exit. Stay to the right on the exit ramp and merge onto Old Georgetown Road. Turn left onto Tuckerman Lane. After you pass Seven Locks Road make your second left onto Deborah Drive. Take the second right onto Lochinver Lane. The school will be on your left.

 

Upon arriving at McLean School please park in our parking lots or between our driveways on the school's side of Lochinver Lane.

Admission Statement

 

We seek to enroll students from a diverse background both culturally and economically.

 

We seek to enroll students of average to above average intelligence as revealed by the Wechsler I.Q. Test.

 

In McLean's unique programs, students in the program for traditional learners should be at least on grade level as revealed by educational standardized achievement tests.

 

In our program for students with minimal learning differences, we seek students who are on grade level or no more than one to two years below academically in any subject as revealed by educational standardized achievement tests.

 

The McLean School Admission Committee does not enroll students with emotional or behavioral difficulties. Having said this, we do recognize that children with learning differences that have not been identified can express frustration centered around learning difficulties. These frustrations must not impact on the learning of others in a McLean School classroom.

Admission Procedures and Requirements

1. Attendance at an Open House or a personal interview with the Director of Admission.
2. Completed application form with fee.
3. From current school:

(a) Report Card

(b) Teacher Recommendation Form

(c) Standardized Test Results

4. Cognitive Assessment (IQ test)
5. Achievement test results within one year.
6. Students visit at McLean (1-2 days). Kindergarten applicants attend a Round-Up on a specified date.
7. The following information should be submitted if applicable to your child:

(a) Educational testing battery

(b) Speech and Language evaluation

(c) Occupational therapy evaluation

(d) Current I.E.P.

(e) Psychological evaluation

(f) Relevant Medical Information

The Admission Committee reviews completed applications only. Acceptance letters are mailed beginning March 15th.

McLean School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid and other school administered programs.

All it Takes is the Right Formula

Our flexible programs utilize the multiple learning modalities that help all students progress to new levels of achievement.

Our small classes allow teachers to offer individual attention and support to every child.

Our broad curriculum develops self-confidence and learning through the arts, physical education, and computer technology as well as the essential academics.

Our students and faculty share a nurturing community that values and cultivates different types of intelligence.

Our graduates leave well-prepared for the challenges and excitement which await them in secondary school and beyond.

The McLean School could change your child's life.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are due and payable by July 1, 2003

 

An interest charge of 1.5% per month on any late balance due will be added to your account.

Tuition and fees may be paid using one of the three options below:

• Pay entire tuition and fees on or before July 1, 2003.
  
  
• Two-payment plan: pay 60% of tuition and 100% of all fees including an Administrative Processing Fee of $100 by July 1, 2003 and remaining 40% of tuition by November 1, 2003. Payments received after these dates are delinquent.
  
  
• McLean's Monthly Direct Withdrawal Payment
  Plan to pay the full year's cost over 10 months beginning in May or 5 months beginning in July, 2003. Please fill out the enclosed direct withdrawal form and return it with your voided check. McLean's Administrative Processing Fee of $250 will be charged to your account.

New students must pay the Non-Refundable Registration Fee accompanied by a signed contract within three weeks of receiving the contract.

Returning students must pay the Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit accompanied by a signed contract by March 3, 2003. The Enrollment Deposit will be credited toward tuition.

The school's Enrollment Contract allows for payment of the tuition in installments as an option. The contractual obligation to pay the tuition and fees for the academic year is not altered or modified by a subsequent absence, withdrawal, or dismissal of the student from the school except as outlined in the Tuition Refund Plan.

The charge for McLean's mandatory Tuition Refund Plan is 1.5% of the full year's tuition and the benefits in summary, are:

1. Medical withdrawal or extended medical absence (more than 10 consecutive days): 95% refund of the unused portion of tuition.

2. Non-medical voluntary withdrawal: 60% refund of the unused portion of the tuition.

3. Dismissal for academic or disciplinary reasons: 50% refund of the unused portion of the tuition.

All benefits are based on a 170-day school year. Any refund due under the Plan to the extent of any balance due to the school for tuition, fees, or charges, shall be retained by the school and offset against the balance due parent.

For information or questions, please contact the Business Office at (301) 299-8277, ext. 608. 

Financial Aid at McLean School

Expectations and our Commitment

 

The McLean School expects parents to give their children's education a very high priority in their financial planning. Every family will need to scrutinize its own resources and explore all possible sources of support. However some families will need financial assistance no matter how carefully they manage their finances, we have therefore established a modest program of financial aid for families who would otherwise be unable to consider a McLean education for their children.

 

Methodology

 

Financial need is determined through the careful analysis of a family’s financial resources and the ability to contribute to their child’s education. Grants are determined by the Financial Aid committee with the guidance of the financial analysis provided by the School and Student Service for Financial Aid. Final decisions are at the sole discretion of the Financial Aid Committee, recognizing that limited resources may prevent full funding of demonstrated need.

 

How do we apply for Financial Aid?

 

• All applicants must complete and submit the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) and provide a copy to McLean by February 14, 2003.
• All applicants must provide McLean with a signed copy of this year’s tax return (2002) including W2’s by February 28, 2003. Any grant will become final only upon our receipt, review, and verification of this year’s tax return.
• All applicants must complete and submit form 4506 to the Financial Aid Office.
• In cases of divorce or separation, both parents are required to provide financial information. Each parent will submit their individual tax return to McLean and the PFS to Princeton.
• If you own a business or farm you will need to complete a Business/Farm Statement and send it directly to the school.
• It is very important that all forms, including required tax returns, be submitted by their deadline.
  

Application Timetable

November, 2002	Financial Aid packets mailed
February 14, 2003	Deadline for filing PFS
February 28, 2003	Tax documentation deadline
Beginning March 21, 2003	Notification of Award

 

Please be aware that failure to abide by the application timetable may preclude you from receiving financial assistance. If funds remain in the financial aid budget, late applications will be handled as they are received.

  

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

How does McLean acquire funds for financial aid?

The major portion of the financial aid budget comes directly from the school's operating funds: specifically, tuition revenues, the Annual Giving Campaign, Parent Association gifts, and other fund-raising activities.

 

Will applying for Financial Aid influence the Admission decision?

McLean's Admission Committee makes its decisions from among all applicants for admission without regard to financial matters. Financial aid decisions are made independently of the admission process.

 

What about confidentiality?

All applications for financial aid are held in the strictest confidence. Only the Financial Aid Committee members have access to the records.

 

What does the award cover?

In most cases, financial aid is designed to defray expenses for tuition and published fees. However, families may also need help with transportation, support services, team uniforms, special event costs, etc. Please contact John R. Wilson for details.

 

What if my financial situation changes?

Each year a family must reapply for financial aid. If the family's financial circumstances remain the same, the school will make every effort to assist a family at the same level of aid as in the previous year.

 

What effect does Financial Aid have on the Enrollment process?

Applicants who receive an offer of placement at McLean may be asked to complete an enrollment contract before they have heard the outcome of their financial aid application. Under these circumstances, the student registration fee is $100, rather than $1,200. This fee is refundable in the event that a family is not able to accept a financial aid award. Similarly, the re-enrollment fee for returning students is reduced from $1,000 to $100 until financial aid is awarded. This fee is refundable and a family’s contractual obligation for the following year will be cancelled in the event that a family is not able to accept a financial aid award. Once a financial grant has been accepted the remaining portion of the registration/re-enrollment fee will be required.

 

How do I pay my share of tuition and fees?

Each family receiving financial assistance is required to authorize McLean to debit payments from their bank account on a monthly basis.