SchoolNova Parent & Student Handbook

1. School Operations. 

Academic Year. 

SchoolNova's academic year begins in mid-September and ends in mid-May. The school calendar is updated each summer and is available on the SchoolNova website. 

Class Schedule

• In-person classes are held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the campus of Stony Brook University.

• Online classes meet during the week according to each course’s schedule.

School Facilities

SchoolNova operates on the campus of Stony Brook University under a Revocable Permit issued by the University. The school complies with all applicable University, SUNY, state, and federal regulations governing the use of campus facilities.

All students, families, faculty, and staff share responsibility for maintaining a safe, clean, and respectful learning environment. Classrooms and other school facilities may be used only during the dates and times reserved by SchoolNova.

Student Supervision

Students under the age of 15 must be under adult supervision at all times while on campus.

Parents or guardians are responsible for escorting their children to and from the classroom. Students should be dropped off and picked up inside the school building. If a student needs to leave before the scheduled dismissal time, a parent or guardian must personally pick up the student from the classroom.

SchoolNova teachers supervise students only during scheduled class time and only while students are in their classrooms. Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children before classes begin, between classes, and after dismissal, including when students are moving between classrooms or other school facilities.

Emergency Contacts

In the event of an emergency on the Stony Brook University campus:

• Dial 333 from any campus phone, or
• Call (631) 632-3333 from a mobile phone or any off-campus phone to reach University Police.

Online Classes

Some SchoolNova courses are offered online. Students enrolled in online classes are expected to follow the same standards of conduct and academic integrity as students attending in-person classes.

Students participating in online classes are expected to:

• attend classes on time and be prepared to participate;
• use respectful and appropriate language and behavior;
• follow the instructor's directions and classroom expectations;
• use only their own SchoolNova account or the account designated by the instructor, if applicable; and
• protect the privacy of classmates and teachers.

Students may not record, photograph, livestream, copy, or distribute any part of an online class—including video, audio, chat messages, presentations, or instructional materials—without prior permission from SchoolNova and the instructor.

Equal Opportunity Policy

SchoolNova welcomes students of all races, nationalities, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. We provide equal access to admission, educational programs, financial assistance, employment opportunities, and school activities without discrimination.

2. Registration and Admission

All students, including returning students, must register before attending classes. Registration is available online only; walk-in attendance is not permitted.

Returning Families

Returning students and their siblings are eligible for Priority Registration.

During the Priority Registration period, only returning families, their siblings, and families on the School Waiting List may register. This gives returning families early access to course registration before registration opens to new students.

Class enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Families are encouraged to complete their registration as early as possible during the Priority Registration period.

To remain eligible for Priority Registration, families must complete their registration by the published deadline (August 3).

Priority Registration is available to:

• Returning students whose family accounts are in good financial standing.
• Siblings of returning students.
• Families on the School Waiting List.

Families who did not register during the Priority Registration period may still enroll during Regular Registration. The Registration Fee will apply, and enrollment will depend on class availability.

New Families

We encourage new families to explore the SchoolNova website before registering. Information about our academic programs, curriculum, faculty, and sample assignments is available to help families select the classes that best meet their children's interests and academic needs.

All new students must complete online registration before attending classes.

Admission Requirements

• Children must be at least three years old by the first day of classes to enroll in SchoolNova.
• Students starting grade 2 in September, enrolling in a SchoolNova mathematics class for the first time, are required to take a placement test before final class placement. Placement tests are typically administered during the two weeks preceding the start of the school year.

Required Forms

During registration, families are required to complete or sign the following forms:

• The Financial Agreement
• The Photo Consent
• The Arrival and Dismissal Acknowledgment
• The Internet Use Consent

School Waiting List

Families who are interested in joining SchoolNova but are not enrolling in the current school year may request to be placed on the School Waiting List. This list is used to notify families about future enrollment opportunities, newly opened classes or clubs, and other programs as they become available. To be placed on the waiting list, students must pay a non-refundable registration fee of $50 (new students only).

Class Waitlists

Each class has a maximum enrollment. Once a class reaches capacity, additional students may register and be placed on the Class Waitlist.

If a seat becomes available, it will be offered to the next student on the waitlist in the order registrations were received. Placement from a Class Waitlist is not guaranteed.

Enrollment in sequential courses, such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and some language classes, generally closes after the first two weeks of the school year, as students would have missed essential instruction.

Registration Confirmation

After completing online registration, families receive an automated email confirming that their registration has been received. This email acknowledges receipt of the registration but does not guarantee placement in any particular class.

Final enrollment confirmations are sent by SchoolNova before the beginning of the school year. For students enrolling in mathematics, class placement is confirmed after the placement test has been evaluated.

Families can view their registration status and class enrollment at any time by logging into their SchoolNova family account.

3. Tuition and Fees

Tuition

SchoolNova's tuition is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. Tuition rates were last adjusted for the 2025–2026 school year and remain unchanged for the 2026–2027 school year.

Tuition Rates (2026–2027)

• 45-minute class: $27 per class
• 60-minute class: $32 per class
• 90-minute class: $50 per class

The 2026–2027 academic year is expected to include 29 class sessions.

Payment Options

Families may choose one of the following payment options.

One-Time Payment

Tuition for the entire academic year is paid in a single payment. Payment is due by the end of the third week of the first quarter. Families choosing this option are not required to pay an Enrollment Deposit.

Pay-by-Quarter Plan

Tuition is paid in three installments, one for each academic quarter. Each payment is due by the end of the third week of the corresponding quarter.

Families choosing this option pay an Enrollment Deposit with the first tuition payment. The deposit is credited toward the final tuition payment, provided all eligibility requirements are met (see Enrollment Deposit below).

Tuition Collection Schedule

The tuition payment calendar for the current school year is available on the SchoolNova website.

Fees and Deposits

Registration Fee

A non-refundable Application Fee of $50 per student is required for all new students at the time of registration.

Returning students who register during Priority Registration do not pay this fee.

Program Fee

The Program Fee is a non-refundable annual fee charged once a year per family.

• $35 for families with one child
• $50 for families with two or more children

The Program Fee supports student services provided outside the classroom that are not covered by tuition. These services include placement testing and interviews, transcript preparation, recommendation letters, curriculum verification for schools, documentation for grade acceleration, and support for applications to private schools, summer programs, honor societies, and colleges.

The Program Fee is due with the first tuition payment.

Material Fee

Some classes charge a non-refundable annual Material Fee. It covers books, printed materials, homework and classwork packets, educational supplies, art materials, and other instructional resources used during the school year.

The amount varies by class and is due with the first tuition payment. Teachers will notify families if additional materials are needed.

Enrollment Deposit

The Enrollment Deposit is collected once per year from families choosing the Pay-by-Quarter Plan. It is credited toward the final tuition payment provided that:

• The student remains enrolled through the end of the school year.
• All tuition and fees are paid on time throughout the year.

Families who incur Late Payment Fees twice during the school year (payments received more than three weeks after the due date) forfeit the Enrollment Deposit.

Enrollment Deposit amounts are:

• $90 for families with one child
• $180 for families with two children
• $270 for families with three or more children

Late Payment Fees

Tuition and fees are due according to the published Tuition Payment Calendar.

Late Payment Fees are assessed when payment is not received within one week after the payment deadline. Reminder emails are sent before each collection period and before the payment deadline.

Late Payment Fees are applied as follows:

• Next day after a deadline: $30
• Two weeks after the 1st fee, an additional $60 (total Late Payment Fees: $90)
• Three weeks after the 1st fee, an additional $90 (total Late Payment Fees: $180)

Families with an outstanding balance more than three weeks after the payment deadline, or with a pattern of repeated late payments, may lose Priority Registration privileges for the following school year.

Students may be suspended from classes if payment is not received within four weeks after the payment deadline. Outstanding balances may also affect enrollment in future quarters or admission for the following school year.

Payment Methods

Families can view their tuition and fee balances at any time by logging into their SchoolNova family account.

SchoolNova accepts the following payment methods:

• Zelle
• Online bill payment through your bank
• Personal checks (by mail or on-site)
• PayPal through the SchoolNova website

Additional payment instructions are available on the Tuition and Fees page of the SchoolNova website.

Discounts and Financial Aid

Information about tuition discounts and financial aid is available on the Discounts and Financial Aid page on the SchoolNova website.

4. Enrollment, Placement, and Withdrawal

Class Enrollment

SchoolNova aims to maintain small, productive classes. Most classes enroll between 5 and 15 students, depending on student age and course type.

When a class reaches capacity, students may join the Class Waitlist.

A class may be canceled if enrollment is too low. In some cases, SchoolNova may offer to continue the class at an adjusted tuition rate if all participating families agree. The Principal and SchoolNova Board of Directors make the final decision.

Placement

Returning students are placed in the next course level based on their academic performance and teacher recommendations from the previous school year.

Students in grades 2 and up enrolling in a SchoolNova mathematics class for the first time are required to take a placement test before final class placement.

Placement in language classes is initially based on the information provided during registration. During the first few weeks of the school year, teachers may recommend a different level if it better matches the student's proficiency.

Placement in other subjects is based on the student's age, previous coursework, prerequisites, and teacher recommendations, as applicable.

Detailed information about placement tests, placement guidelines, and course prerequisites is available on the SchoolNova website.

Add/Drop Period

The Add/Drop Period begins on the first day of the school year and ends 10 calendar days later, after the first two class sessions.

During this period, students may add or drop classes with SchoolNova administration approval.

Students who withdraw during the Add/Drop Period receive a full refund of tuition and refundable deposits. Registration and Program Fees are not refundable. Material Fees are prorated and partially refunded.

All students must complete registration before attending classes.

Withdrawal

Students who remain enrolled after the Add/Drop Period are responsible for tuition for the full current quarter.

After the Add/Drop Period, tuition and fees are not refunded. Students who withdraw before the next quarter begins will not be charged tuition for future quarters. The Enrollment Deposit is not refunded unless the eligibility requirements in Section 3 are met. SchoolNova does not charge a withdrawal fee.

Mid-Year Enrollment

Students who enroll after the start of the school year pay prorated tuition based on the number of remaining class sessions. Registration, Program, Material, and other applicable fees are charged in full and are not prorated.

First Day Attendance

If a student cannot attend the first class or the first weeks of the school year, a parent or guardian must notify SchoolNova administration in advance. Students who miss the beginning of the year without notice may lose their class placement, and the seat may be offered to a student on the Class Waitlist.

5. Academic Expectations

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for student success. Because SchoolNova classes meet only once a week, students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions.

Missed classes policy

SchoolNova does not designate missed classes as excused, and tuition is not refunded for missed classes. If a student will miss class, parents are asked to notify the teacher in advance whenever possible. Advance notice helps the teacher plan the lesson effectively and avoid printing materials that will not be used.

Families experiencing extraordinary circumstances, such as relocation or long-term illness, may contact the SchoolNova Principal at director@schoolnova.org to discuss their situation. Requests are handled confidentially.

Participation in other academic or athletic activities, family leisure travel, visits with relatives, celebrations, and similar events are not considered extraordinary circumstances.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the SchoolNova curriculum. It reinforces concepts introduced in class and prepares students for future lessons. Students are expected to complete homework assignments on time and submit them at the beginning of each class.

Student Progress

Student progress is evaluated throughout the school year based on multiple factors, including:

• Attendance
• Class participation
• Homework completion
• Mastery of course material
• Teacher observations and recommendations

Promotion to the Next Level

Returning students are generally promoted to the next course level when they:

• Attend at least 80% of scheduled class sessions.
• Complete at least 80% of homework assignments.
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.
• Receive a positive teacher recommendation.

Students who do not meet these requirements may be asked to repeat the current level or take a placement test before the start of the next school year

Transcripts

Current and former SchoolNova students may request an official transcript documenting their participation in the program.

Transcripts may include:

• Courses completed
• Course descriptions
• Academic achievements
• Participation in competitions and other significant SchoolNova activities

To ensure timely processing, transcript requests should be submitted at least one month before they are needed. Families are encouraged to request transcripts as early as possible, particularly during the weeks leading up to graduation, when processing times may be longer due to the high volume of requests.

6. Parent & Student Responsibilities

Communication Between Parents and Teachers

SchoolNova believes that a strong partnership between families and teachers is essential for student success. Because our program is academically rigorous and classes meet only once a week, parental support plays an important role in helping students complete homework assignments and stay engaged in their learning.

Teachers will provide parents with their preferred method of communication. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers with questions or concerns regarding their child's progress.

Parent-teacher conferences are held at least once each school year. Additional meetings may be arranged as needed.

Classroom Observation

Parents are welcome to observe their child's class with the teacher's prior approval.

To minimize disruption, parents observing a class are expected to:

• Sit in the area designated by the teacher.
• Refrain from entering or leaving the classroom during instruction except in an emergency.
• Keep mobile phones and other electronic devices silenced.
• Avoid interrupting instruction or participating in classroom discussions unless invited by the teacher.

Teachers may limit or discontinue classroom observations if they interfere with the learning environment.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to:

• Arrive on time and be prepared for class.
• Bring all required materials, including completed homework assignments.
• Treat teachers, classmates, volunteers, and school staff with courtesy and respect.
• Respect SchoolNova property, Stony Brook University facilities, and the property of others.
• Follow classroom rules and behave in a manner that supports a safe and productive learning environment.

Students are responsible for their behavior throughout their time at SchoolNova.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents and guardians are expected to:

• Ensure that students arrive on time and are prepared for class.
• Supervise children whenever they are not under the direct supervision of a SchoolNova teacher.
• Support their child's learning by encouraging regular attendance and timely completion of homework assignments.
• Review and follow the policies outlined in this handbook.
• Maintain respectful communication with SchoolNova teachers, staff, volunteers, and other families.

7. Emergency Procedures

The safety and well-being of our students are SchoolNova's highest priorities. SchoolNova follows the emergency procedures established by Stony Brook University and has additional procedures in place to ensure the safety and accountability of all students during an emergency.

Emergency Contacts

Stony Brook University Police

• From a campus phone: Dial 333
• From a mobile phone or off-campus phone: (631) 632-3333

SchoolNova Emergency Line

In the event of an emergency, families may call the SchoolNova Emergency Line at (phone number is TBP) for information or assistance. This number should be used only for urgent situations related to student safety.

Emergency Evacuation

If a fire alarm or another emergency requires evacuation, students will be escorted from the building by their teachers following SchoolNova's emergency procedures.

Each class has a designated evacuation route and will proceed to the SchoolNova Emergency Assembly Point. Students will remain under teacher supervision throughout the evacuation.

Once all students have reached the assembly point, teachers will take attendance to ensure that every student has safely evacuated the building. Students must remain with their class and follow their teacher's instructions until they are released.

Parent Notification

If an emergency affects school operations or requires early dismissal, SchoolNova will notify families as soon as practical using the school's regular communication channels.

Parents and guardians are responsible for keeping their emergency contact information current throughout the school year.

Student Release During an Emergency

Students will remain under SchoolNova's supervision until they are released to a parent, guardian, or another individual authorized by the family.

For the safety of all students, parents should not enter the building during an evacuation or other emergency unless directed by emergency personnel.

If an emergency requires students to be picked up from the SchoolNova Emergency Assembly Point or another designated location, SchoolNova staff will provide instructions regarding student release and pickup procedures.

Changes to This Handbook

SchoolNova reviews and updates this handbook annually. Policies, procedures, tuition, fees, and program requirements may be revised by the SchoolNova Board of Directors as needed.

Families will be notified of any significant changes that take effect during the school year. The most current version of the SchoolNova Parent & Student Handbook is always available on the SchoolNova website.