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ADMISSIONS POLICIES & PROCEDURES
St. Thomas the Apostle is open to all students regardless of race, ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. We offer a rigorous learning program for students with average to above average abilities. Because the school does not receive federal or state funding to assist with special education expenses, we are able to provide only limited direct services for students with diagnosed disabilities.
Families interested in information regarding St. Thomas the Apostle School should sign up for a tour and shadow time for their child.
PLEASE NOTE:
In-Person tours will be offered starting on July 7th. Student shadow visits are not being offered at this time. We will update the website with information on when shadow visits will resume. The school building will be closed during the last week of July, so virtual tours will be offered during that week.
For All Students
Age Requirements (in accordance with Illinois State Board of Education requirements):
Pre-K 3 students must be 3 years old by September 1st and fully toilet trained
Pre-K 4 students must be 4 years old by September 1st and fully toilet trained
Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1st
First Grade students must be 6 years old by September 1st
*Ages are by September 1st of the school year in which the student is being enrolled.
For New Students
The following records are required for a child to enter St. Thomas the Apostle School:
Birth certificate
Baptismal certificate for those who are Catholic
Health records (Students must meet state requirements regarding immunization policies before and during their time of attendance at STA.)
Academic records for children entering grades 1 – 8 (Most recent report cards and standardized test scores if applicable)
Pre-Kindergarten students must be able to feed and dress themselves, be toilet-trained and able to follow simple directions.
Kindergarten students are required to have knowledge of basic colors, numbers, the alphabet, fine and gross motor skills, listening skills, social skills, and the ability to follow directions.
Students entering Kindergarten through grade 8 are required to have their records and recommendations reviewed by the principal. Students in grades 5-8 may be interviewed by the principal prior to acceptance.
For Returning Students
All returning families must complete the online registration form that is sent out at the start of Catholic Schools Week, make registration payments, and have current health records on file in order to re-enroll at St. Thomas the Apostle School. A spot is NOT guaranteed for any student until these steps have been taken.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
St. Thomas the Apostle’s admissions process consists of the following steps: Application (includes tour and shadow), Acceptance and Registration.
Application
Visit and Shadow We ask that families come to St. Thomas and tour the school and that students shadow a classroom prior to applying. Shadow days are a great opportunity for students to experience life as an STA student.
Complete the St. Thomas the Apostle School Application and submit to the main office.
Records and Documents Provide original or certified copy of your child’s birth certificate, latest report card, latest standardized test scores (if applicable… for example, ISAT, ASPIRE, or NWEA MAP), and baptismal certificate if the child is Catholic.
Recommendation Forms St. Thomas the Apostle will reach out to your child’s current school for a letter of recommendation from their current teacher or principal. You must provide address information.
Parent Interview The principal may request an interview after the application has been reviewed.
All required application documents must be submitted before a decision on acceptance can be made.
Acceptance
Review: Once the application process is complete, school administration will review your child’s application file. Siblings of currently enrolled students are given priority in the registration process.
Notification of Acceptance: Families receive an email from St. Thomas the Apostle School. This email will include important registration information.
Registration
1. Complete On-Line Registration Forms – Submit the completed on-line registration form as soon as possible to guarantee your child’s spot. We will accept registrations after the indicated date based on availability. The link to the form will be sent to you upon acceptance. Please also complete the Student Health and Safety Form for each child you register.
2. Submit Required Medical Forms — All forms will be emailed to you as attachments in your acceptance email. All forms should be scanned and returned via email to admissions@stapostleschool.com or turned in to the school office.
Certificate of Child Health Examination Form – Complete both pages of the form. It must be signed on both sides by a physician. Parents complete the “Health History” section and sign.
Medication Authorization Form – Required for all NEW PK – 8 students who take medication during the school day.
Dental Exam Form – Required for NEW PK – 8 students. Please be sure the dentist signs and dates this form.
Vision Screening/Exam Form – Vision screening or exam is required for NEW PK students and vision exam is required for NEW K – 8 students.
3. Payment - New families can make registration and materials fees payments through FACTS.
4. Register on FACTS – Register on FACTS Tuition Management System at: https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/41YRC. Then, set-up a tuition and payment schedule. The first tuition payment should be made within the first two weeks of the school year.
5. All new families are required to attend a New Parent Orientation prior to the start of the school year.
Registration is final ONLY when all completed documents and initial payments are received.
Enrollment is not finalized until all documents and fees are submitted. We urge families to complete the process as soon as possible to guarantee enrollment.
Students who do not have registration completed by the first day of school may start on a later day. Our school office staff will be in communication with you once your child’s registration is complete to coordinate the day your child will start school. Thank you for your cooperation!