Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Cost
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There is no tuition cost associated with sending your child to OSS. Each year, OSS fundraises our entire operating budget from individual donors and grants to ensure that every student has access to a transformative education.
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There is an annual cost per student, including:
Annual Activities Fee: $250
Uniforms (approximate): $130
School supplies (approximate): $30
Assistance is provided as needed.
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No, You do not need to receive public assistance to qualify for OSS, but if you are eligible for most kinds of public assistance, then you meet the eligibility requirements. Use the financial eligibility chart to see if your household qualifies. Still not sure? We’re here to help! You can reach out to our Admissions Team here.
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They count in your total household number if they live with you full-time.
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We understand every family's financial situation is unique. If your financial situation is complex — whether due to self-employment, a recent change in income, shared custody arrangements, divorce, or separation, or any other factor — we encourage you to submit what information you can and reach out to our Admissions office. We're happy to work with you to make sure your application reflects your family's full picture.
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Your most recent 1040 tax form is ideal. Pay stubs and W2s are also accepted.
The Academic Snapshot
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A 50-minute assessment in three parts:
Writing — respond to prompts to help us get to know your student better
Math — complete computation and problem-solving questions
Reading — read a short article and answer questions
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We provide a few samples of the types of exercises we will have your daughter complete in our Academic Snapshot Toolkit. In addition, you can speak with a Student Ambassador during your campus visit who can discuss the Academic Snapshot with your student and answer any questions she may have. We want to be a resource to your family as you explore whether OSS is right for you.
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No, the Academic Snapshot is only available on-site at OSS.
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No, families attend the campus visit first and may take the Snapshot during that visit. If completing the Snapshot during the campus visit is not convenient, you may schedule another time following your visit to complete it.
Application Process
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Yes. We can help you fill out the application during the Campus Visit while your child is taking the Academic Snapshot. If you will be filling out the application on your own and have questions, you can contact our Admissions Office at admissions@oursistersschool.org or 508.994.1255.
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To complete the application, you will be asked questions such as basic household information, current and former teacher contact information, and a parent statement.
You will also need to provide the following documents:Financial verification - 1040 form, pay stubs, or SSI documentation
Transcript release - we will reach out to your student's current school
Teacher recommendations - we will contact teachers directly
Your application won't be reviewed until all materials are received.
Admissions Conversation
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This is a 45-minute conversation with our Head of School. We'll ask about interests, hobbies, school habits, friendship dynamics, and what excites your student about learning.
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Yes. An OSS-provided translator may be available. Please request this in advance.
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If your application advances to the final stages, your student will be invited to attend an in-person Admissions Conversation with the Head of School and an Admissions team member. A parent or guardian will need to attend, and the conversation will take place at a mutually convenient time.
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We provide you and your student with sample questions to help her prepare for the interview.
I’ve Applied. Now What?
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Once the application and all supporting materials have been submitted, it could take up to 8 weeks for a decision.
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5th and 6th grades have the most open spots, and we accept about half of the applicants who apply for those grades.
Common Questions Families Have
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No, we have no religious affiliation. This is a common question due to our proximity to the Synagogue and our name, which honors the "Sister Sailors" of New Bedford's whaling history.
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No, research shows girls in single-gender middle schools take more academic risks, build deeper friendships, and develop stronger confidence. Our graduates are proof.
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No pressure, you can opt out at any time. Most families tell us they're grateful for the time, even if it's not a match.
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Every student is unique, and we want every family to make an informed decision about whether our school is the right fit. While we offer some learning support, we encourage families to reach out and discuss their student's specific needs with us directly, so we can talk openly about whether our program can meet them.
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We offer an overview and a student-led tour. Then, while your student is completing their Academic Snapshot (writing, math, reading), adults can receive application support (if needed) or have independent time.
What to bring to your visit:
You don’t need to bring anything. However, if you’d like to confirm financial eligibility during the Campus Visit, please bring a copy of your most recent (1040 form, pay stubs, or SSI documentation). If you aren’t able to bring any of those to the Campus Visit, that’s ok, we can collect it later.What we offer during the visit:
Childcare for younger siblings
Snacks for everyone
Spanish translation available on select dates
Help completing your application on the spot
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Nothing. However, to fully complete the application, you’ll need to submit recent tax information (above?).
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Yes, we currently use New Bedford Public Schools busing. If you live in New Bedford, you would qualify for free transportation. If you live outside of New Bedford, you need to provide your own transportation.
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Yes, we accept students from anywhere.
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Yes, OSS has a uniform and dress code for all students to help students learn without distractions from clothing and accessories. Finances should never prevent a student from being in uniform, and OSS will help families in need.