1. When do you apply for admission and what
is the process?
In-person
registrations are scheduled during the first week of February for September
admission. If you are registering your child for grades 1st
through 8th, you will need to submit academic and medical
records. Application forms are available at our offices or can me mailed
to you. Registration Forms are also available
on-line.
Forms
are also available for Pre-K and Kindergarten and registration dates
are announced during the year. Please call our offices if you need application
forms or information. Registration Forms
are also available on-line.
2. Does the School accept students
outside of the Parish as well as non-Catholics?
Yes,
our school accepts students from outside our parish if there are openings.
We also accept non-Catholics, however St. Francis is a Catholic School
and all students are required to participate in religious education,
prayer and services.
3.
What does "in-parish" tuition
mean and what are the requirements?
St.
Francis Cathedral Church and its parishioners help subsidize the cost
of every child's education through donations that are made through our
church using our weekly envelopes. Parishioners who are active members
of our church and who use weekly envelopes receive "in-parish"
tuition because they are supporting the school. To qualify for "in-parish"
tuition, parents must be active parishioners using weekly donation envelopes
for at least one year prior to registration. If you belong to a Catholic
Church that does not have a school, you may receive a subsidy from your
pastor if you are an active and contributing member of that church.
All parents who are not active members and/ or contributors of St. Francis
Cathedral using the Envelope system pay "out of parish" tuition.
The Church Envelope system is the only record of active donors and decisions
on " in-parish" tuition are made on this basis.
4.
What are typical class sizes?
There
are two classes for each grade and class sizes average, 20-24 students
per class.
5.
Do you offer Before and After Care Programs?
Yes,
we offer excellent programs. Before-care begins at 7a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
for a daily fee of $5 per child. After Care Programs run from 2:30 p.m.
- 6 p.m. and the daily fee is $14 per day for After Care - $25 for 2
or more students from the same family for After Care. Fees are based
on daily use and payment is required once each week. Parents who pick
up children from After Care anytime after 6 p.m. will incur extra fees.
Details are available when registering for this program.
6.
What are the School uniform requirements?
Uniforms
are worn by all students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. In addition
there are also uniforms for gym. A complete description of uniforms
and dress codes are available in the Handbook, Uniforms
Dress Code and Attire. Our
school uniform helps simplify dressing for all students and represents
a savings in money and frustration for parents with school clothes.
7.
Does the school offer Hot lunches?
Yes,
there are daily hot lunches except when there are 12 noon dismissals.
Menu information is
available on this site. Please be sure to provide money if your child
is getting hot lunch, since these programs are run by outside services.
8.
Does the school offer grants or reduced
tuition to families in need?
Parents
can apply for Student Aid using PSAS applications available from the
school office. This aid is available from the Diocese of Metuchen Educational
Grants. These grants are available to Roman Catholic families who are
active in their church. Applications must be submitted by April 1 and
parents are advised in June on the aid that will be awarded. To be fair
to all parents and students, this is the only grant and the application
and review process is administered outside our offices.
9.
How do you learn about school closing
in bad weather?
On
TV, listen to Channel 12 News (or log onto http://www.news12.com).
Additional
information is listed in the school Newsletter, "Weather Related
School Closings" that provides the media that carry these announcements.
Please do not call the school for this information.
10.
How will I know the class or teacher my child is
assigned to?
If
your child is registered in our Kindergarten, the teacher will send
a letter during August as an introduction to your child. If your child
is in an upper grade and new to the school, a parent can call the school
and ask which class a child has been assigned to, or a child can come
to the office on the first day and we will help.
11.
How many Parent/ Teacher meetings are
there each year and how will I be advised about them?
There
are two conferences and information will be placed on school calendars.
But parents can request a teacher conference any time if needed by sending
a note to your child's teacher asking for a meeting. In addition, the
Home School Association (H.S.A.) holds meetings each month that provide
additional information. We recommend that you become an active member
of the HAS.
12.
Do you offer Pre-K Programs?
We
have excellent Pre-K programs that are designed for you and your needs.
Our Full time program operates each day, and we also offer a three-day,
full day program, as well as three day, half-day program. Our Pre-K
programs are run in a new facility in a separate building near our school.
For
more information about the Pre-K program.
13.
Does the School offer a Summer camp?
Your
child will enjoy our 8- week Summer Camp that is open to everyone. Camp
runs each day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each year there are new themes,
trips, crafts and games so that children enjoy their camp experience
and their time with us. To learn more, please call the school office.
14.
How do I visit the school and meet the staff?
There
are several Open Houses each year that are designed to help you learn
more and meet our staff. Call us to get dates and information. If you
miss these Open Houses, we will be happy to meet with you. Please call
us to set up an appointment.
15. Does the school accept transfer students?
We
do accept transfer students pending a review of records. Call us if
you are interested in transferring your child and we will provide information
on the records and information you will need.
