Frequently Asked Questions
FBSL Home > Frequently Asked QuestionsFirst Baptist School of Laurel exists to support and partner with Christian families in the education of their children. All aspects of a child’s development are addressed as part of our school’s curriculum– physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and especially spiritual. Our mission is to immerse our students in a rigorous, Christ-centered education devoted to spiritual growth and academic excellence, and equip them to impact their world for Him. It can be summed up with three key words: Immerse! Equip! Impact! This is our hope for all students that pass through our program, that they will be fully equipped to face the world when they leave here.
Students of all races and faith backgrounds are encouraged to apply for admission. Factors considered in the admission decision are past academic performance, family and student church involvement, student conduct, and pastoral recommendations.
Who governs First Baptist School?
Since its inception in the late 1960’s, First Baptist School has been a ministry of First Baptist Church of Laurel and has been governed by a Day School Committee composed of a pastor, a deacon, the school administrator, and six at-large members of the church. The Day School Committee is the ultimate authority for all policy and decision making, but delegates the day to day operation of the school to the school administrator.
What affiliations does the school hold?
First Baptist School is an approved non-public school in the state of Maryland. We are members of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and have begun the rigorous accreditation process with the hope of achieving this goal within the next few years.
What programs does the school offer?
First Baptist School currently offers full and part time preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, elementary school (grades K-5) and middle school (grades 6-8). Before and after school care is available for all age levels, as well as a summer camp program between school years.
What are the school hours?
Because many families have more than one student attending First Baptist, our school operates on the same hours for preschool, elementary school, and middle school. Normal school hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Students may be dropped off beginning at 8:15 AM and should be picked up no later than 3:15 PM daily. Both before and after school care are available for all age groups at an additional cost that extends the school day from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM as needed.
What is the class size?
In preschool, there are 2 teachers for each 18 students. In Kindergarten, there is a teacher and an assistant for each 15 students. Both elementary and middle school limits class size to 16 students. Instructional assistants are used throughout the day to offer additional assistance to students and teachers.
How is tuition paid?
Tuition is an annual fee for participation in First Baptist School. Families who pay their tuition in one lump sum before August 1st each year receive a slight discount. Most families choose to pay their tuition over 10 months, from August to May using our tuition collection service, Tuition Management Services.
What additional charges are there for attendance at First Baptist School?
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is required to reserve a space for your child in the school each year. A textbook fee of $150 is also charged for the consumable textbooks that your child will use as part of the curriculum. These books become your property, and students may highlight and write on the pages as needed. Please note that hardback textbooks stamped with the school’s name and address belong to the school and are not charged as part of your textbook fee.
Does the school offer child care before and after school?
Yes! For an additional weekly charge, families can extend the school day by participating in either before school care, after school care, or both. Before school care is open from 6:30 AM to 8:15 AM and after school care is open from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It covers all age levels from preschool through middle school, with separate groups for each age. Before and after school care is available only to students who attend First Baptist School and is filled on a first come, first served basis. Students must be enrolled in before and after school care to attend. Drop-in care is not available due to our license status with the state.
Are any extracurricular activities offered at First Baptist School?
Yes! Each year, teachers and parents sponsor before and after school clubs for students in elementary and middle school. In past years, clubs for Bible study, Odyssey of the Mind, chess, poetry, reading, crafts, mission projects, drama, yearbook, and choir were offered. Clubs vary by age level. In general, there is no additional cost to participate in clubs, although some clubs do require equipment and materials which may carry a small cost. If there is a nominal fee, the club leader fully informs families before enrolling students in the club.
Can my child visit First Baptist School before we apply for admission?
During the school year, prospective students in 5th through 8th grade are invited to “shadow” a same-age peer to see first hand what a day in the life of First Baptist is like. Please call the school administrator to set up a mutually convenient time. Because of the likelihood of younger students feeling out of place and insecure in a new place without their parents’ presence, we do not offer shadowing visits to students younger than 5th grade.
For additional information, please call the school office at 301-490-1076 or fill out our information request form.