Longest-running Santa school

The longest-running school for prospective Father Christmases is the Charles W Howard Santa Claus School, which was established in Albion, Orleans County, New York, USA, in October 1937 (when it received its first application from a Mrs Hill), and continues to operate as of December 2018. Its founder, a former farmer and in-store Santa at various department stores, started the school in his home before expanding operations to a larger site in Midland, Michigan, USA. Graduates were originally conferred with a BSC – Bachelor of Santa Claus.

The course is held each October and is a three-day intensive immersion into the world of Santa Claus.

The 2019 prospectus lists the following classes: "The History of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus; Proper dress and use of make-up; Professional wig and beard applications; Experience for radio and television interviews; Santa Sign Language; Singing, voice, and presentation skills; Question & Answer forums; Santa visit with children; Accounting and business tips; Marketing; Live reindeer habits; Meet real reindeer; Mrs Claus break out session; Practice Santa flight lessons; Make toys in Santa's workshop; Newest toys and gadgets on wishlists; Health and Exercise."

The current dean is Thomas Valent – a former alumnus of the Santa School. He and his wife, Holly, took over management of the school in 1987 at which point it became a non-profit organization.