Admission Policy for Grades Pre-School 3 Year Old-8th Grade

St. Joseph School, operated under the auspices of the Diocese of Joliet, admits students of any race, sex, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to students at the schools.  Students preparing to enter St. Joseph School must meet all requirements of the State, Diocese, and St. Joseph Parish/School Policy.  The determination for admission made by the pastor and principal is final.

Admission Priority

1. Siblings of currently K-8 enrolled students at St. Joseph School whose parents/guardians are in accord with the expectations and guidelines of St. Joseph School.
2. Children of active registered parishioners and alumni of St. Joseph School as demonstrated by regular Sunday attendance and contributions.
3. Children of active registered parishioners of St. Joseph School as demonstrated by regular Sunday attendance and contributions
4. Children transferring from other Catholic Schools.
5. Non-Parishioners and transfers from public schools.

Admission Procedures and Priorities
A child entering St. Joseph School’s Three-year old Program must be three years old by September 1st of the entry year.  The child MUST be toilet trained by September 1st.  A child entering the Four-year old program must be four years old by September 1st of the entry year.  The child MUST be toilet trained by September 1st.

All incoming Kindergartners must be five years of age by September 1.  All incoming First Grade students must be six years of age by September 1.  In some unique cases, students that do not meet the September 1 requirement may be admitted after further evaluation by the staff and administration.  Under these circumstances, the principal and pastor have the final placement determination. At all times, St. Joseph School reserves the right to refuse students whose needs can not be met by its program. 

Transfer Students
Students entering St. Joseph School from another school must present an official transcript/certification of the grade level for which he/she is applying.  Parents are asked to sign a release of records form that allows the former school to send cumulative files and health records.  The Birth and Baptismal certificates are required.

New students are accepted on a probationary basis.  During this probationary period, the student’s academic performance and behavior and parental support of school policy will be reviewed before permanent acceptance is given. 

In the case of transfer students, preference will be given to those students transferring from other Catholic Schools.  Generally, students are not accepted into the 7th and 8th grade unless they have recently moved into the community and have previously attended Catholic school.

Financial Obligations

Tuition
Tuition and fees for the current school year are enclosed in your admission packet. The St. Joseph School Board has not set the tuition for 2010-11 school year.  We anticipate a tuition increase that will range from 5-8% and a minimal increase to the student fees. A copy of the final tuition contract will be mailed to you upon acceptance.  Each new family is assessed a $150.00 registration fee.  This fee is non-refundable once the principal acknowledges acceptance.  Upon acceptance, this fee is applied to the tuition balance.

The actual cost to educate a child at St. Joseph School for the school year is estimated at $4900 per child.  We are blessed by a generous parish and school family support of our educational efforts.  Funding for St. Joseph School is composed of four sources: tuition, parish subsidy, fundraising, and development proceeds.  As much as stewardship is a part of the Catholic parish life, St. Joseph School strongly encourages its families to participate in fundraising projects each year.  While we offer many opportunities for fundraising, there are several mandatory obligationsthat must be met by each family.  Refer to the tuition contract for details.

The tuition contract has different payment options.  These options are divided into two different categories.  We offer a Contributing Parishioner and Non-Contributing/ Non-Parishioner rate.  St. Joseph Parish provides significant financial support to our school.  (It is the second largest source of income for our school.)  The financial subsidy from our parish allows our tuition to stay at a reasonable rate. Parish Support
Parents who are members of St. Joseph Parish are invited to be active members of our faith community by sharing the gifts of time, treasure, and talents. Regular attendances at weekly masses and established contributions (minimal $20 per week) have been used to measure this level of contributing parishioner status. Our greatest concern is weekly attendance at mass and Holy Eucharist.  This example of your participation in the life of your parish will form your child’s religious and spiritual experience.  You are your child’s most important role model.  St. Joseph Parish is an important part of your child’s spiritual development and experience.  Your family’s participation in this Parish community is essential to your family’s spiritual development, your family’s integration into this community, and a significant part of your children’s education. 

Our families who participate in the Parish community are rewarded not only with the gifts and graces that the mass brings, but also a substantial discount in tuition.  However, to receive these rewards, you must participate.  Families that are not active members of the St. Joseph Parish may be changed to non-parishioner tuition rate when tuition obligations are determined.  Exception to weekly contribution requirements may be requested by the pastor.  All families are encouraged to support St. Joseph Parish with their time, treasure, and talents.

Tuition Assistance
The choice of Catholic education is one that requires many sacrifices on our parent’s part.  In an effort to help assist with the tuition costs, we offer options to reduce your financial obligations to the school.  The participation in our Manna program offers the opportunity for tuition reduction, and the continued efforts of our fundraisers seek to keep tuition rates reasonable.�
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The St. Joseph Development Committee will offer scholarship applications to all students.  The requirements may be based upon need, academic standing, and qualities becoming of a St. Joseph School student.  Applications for these scholarships are available in the school office.  Recognizing that unforeseen circumstances can occur, the Development Committee additionally has funding available to help ease the burden of a financial or emergency situation.  These funds are distributed progressively through the administration of the Pastor and Principal.  In addition, SJS offers the scholarship opportunity for those in financial need.  The Diocese of Joliet Scholarships, Give Something Back Foundation, and Alumni support has opportunities available.  Please contact the school office for more information and applications.

SJS has a Tuition Review Committee and Parishioner Status Committee that is made up of the Pastor, Principal, and School Board liaison.  This committee reviews requests from school families who request an exception to the established tuition plan due to special circumstances and reviews active parishioner status.

Please read our Tution Assistance page for additional information.
View/Download the Admission Policy

View/Download the Tuition Policy
REGISTRATION

Please fill out, sign and return the following forms as appropriate.

Registration Form for New Families 2011-12
Pre-School Application Form for 2010-11
Pre-School Tuition Contract 2010-11
K-8 Tuition Contract 2010-11

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

School Supplies List

Extended Day Services Rates