Frequently Asked Questions

Things you might ask before/after admission

Traveling arrangements / Keeping in communication

Residence / School

Sports

When does my child have to arrive at BFA?

The date varies from year to year. See the BFA Multiple-Year Calendar for the specific day.

Is housing available for my wife (husband) when she (he) brings my child to school? What is the cost?

There are several guest houses in the Kandern area and we will be glad to reserve a room. It may also be possible to stay with a staff member that you know. Cost will run from around 20-35 Euro per person, per night for a guest house, and around 10 Euro for staying with a staff member. Please check the Kandern.de website for room reservations to be made yourself or contact the BFA Front Office through our online reservation form.

Where can I get a letter stating that my child is a student at BFA?

If your child needs a letter of authentication, please contact Reception. In the subject line of your email, please write “school certificate” and in the body of your message, indicate whether you want the letter in French, German, or English. Be sure to have the email address available to which questions can be addressed.

Is there an easy way to keep track of my child’s academic progress?

Yes, we currently use Sycamore Education so parents can log on, and see grade reports updated at least every two weeks.

Is transportation provided by BFA when my child arrives at the Basel Airport or Train Station?

BFA provides free transportation between student residences and the Basel airport and train stations or the Mulhouse (France) train station. This is provided at the beginning and end of school as well as for the Christmas and Easter breaks. Please provide the high school Residence Life Office with the time and flight or train number at least one week in advance of arrival.

When will my child learn of his or her residence placement?

Students will be informed of placement at the beginning of August. The house parents will determine specific roommates before the students arrive. E-mail addresses of the residences are available so the student can ask the house parents about room assignments before coming. These can be found on our Boarding page.

Will my child be able to come home on the weekend?
Will he/she be able to visit the homes of other students?
What time can my child leave on Friday and when must he/she return on Sunday?

Students are encouraged to spend most weekends here at BFA. Students may go home on a weekend, but must make arrangements well in advance and arrange for other students to do their chores during the weekend. Visits should not normally exceed once per month. Students may leave at the end of school, 3:50 p.m. Friday, and must return by 10 p.m. Sunday.

What type of dresses do the girls wear for formal occasions?

Girls wear long or short dresses, skirts and blouses or formal pants ensembles. Strapless and spaghetti strap dresses are allowed, but no cleavage should be seen. There should be no plunging necklines front or back. The dress must cover the middle of the back. The bodice should be fitted enough so that it does not need to be continually adjusted to remain modest. Appropriate undergarments must be worn but should not be seen. Short dresses or slits should be no more than 3 inches above the knee when seated.

Can my child bring an electric guitar to the student residence?

Yes. However, it would be a good idea to bring headphones for times when others on the floor don’t want to be disturbed. Some informal bands practice at the residences, and there might be opportunities for these bands to play in chapel services or at social activities.

Can my child bring a computer to the student residence and to school?

Students are encouraged to bring their own computers, both desktop and laptop, to BFA since there are only a limited number for general use in the residences. BFA assumes no responsibility for theft or damages. Each dorm has a printer. Papers can also be printed at school. The high school has over 20 computers in the Library and Labs which are available for students to utilize for academic purposes. Student residences also have computers for student use. Students are unable to connect a computer to the internet in their dorm room. Students may, with dorm approval and under dorm supervision, bring their laptop computers to a designated area in the dorm and connect their laptop to the internet.

Will my child have access to e-mail and the Internet?

Yes, there are several computers in the Resource Center and library at the school that can be used to browse the Web. Students must sign a statement agreeing to abide by the school’s Internet Use Policy. Each student residence has networked computers which may be used by students and staff.

How much spending money will my child need?

It varies from child to child, but a fair estimate would be 5 to 10 Euros per week for snacks, toiletries and other purchases. Boarding students must keep a minimum of 25 Euro in their personal dorm account to cover phone bills, extra van runs, weekend activities and other expenses. The house parents oversee this account. Throughout the year, one-time events will come up requiring more money. Examples are the Herbstmesse (a carnival in Basel), 15 Euros or more; student residence retreats, 25 Euros; Christmas Banquet, 15 Euros plus flowers for girls; Yearbook, 30-40 Euros. It is hard to say exactly how much is needed, and most parents of boarding students send 100 Euros at the beginning of the school year and then provide more at the Christmas and Easter breaks as needed. It is best for your child to bring cash when coming from home. During the semester, funds for your child can be transferred to the BFA finance office, which will then be released to your child’s dorm parents.

Should we bring paper and binders from North America or buy them locally?

We would recommend purchasing them here. BFA uses the European A4 sizing of paper and binders.

What is the earliest date for my child to have a physical for enrollment?

A school physical is to be completed by a physician within two months before entering BFA. All physicals for enrollment should be sent to the BFA nurses department before school begins. School dates can be found on the school calendar. You can download the appropriate form to submit a school physical on our applications page.

This physical will stand as a sports physical for one calendar year from the date of completion. If playing sports, a new physical will be required each school year.

Why does my child need a Sports Physical?

A Sports Physical is only required for students grades 7 to 12, who wish to try out for the competitive sports teams that play in the DoDDs league, or to compete against other International Middle School Teams. (DoDDs stands for Department of Defense Dependent Schools). A Sports Physical is not required for ordinary school Physical Education (PE) classes or intramurals. A Sports Physical must be completed annually for DoDDS participation. A physical for enrollment will also stand for a Sports Physical for that school year. A completed Sports Physical form, needs to be handed into the Nurses Department before a student tries out for any team.

You can download the appropriate form to submit a school physical on our applications page.

Are there sports team fees?

Yes, there are fees charged for participating on BFA sports teams. The rate depends on the particular sport (travel, equipment, meals away, etc.), but generally is around 300 Euros per sport. Managers of sports teams will be charged a reduced fee.