Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Q: How soon before my child attends can we apply? Should we apply before the baby is born?
A: We start accepting applications at our first Open House in November for the next school year.

Q When is the last day to turn in the application?
A: We accept applications throughout the school year.

Q: Will my child need to take an entrance test?
A: Yes. All applicants for K-8th take a placement test.

Q: What is the testing schedule?
A: New student testing is offered on Tuesdays and must be confirmed with the testing coordinator. Contact testing coordinator Nancy Parrish or call (408) 296-2260 and leave a message.

Q: When will we be notified of acceptance after testing?
A: You will be notified within two weeks after the test.

Q: Can my student shadow at St. Lawrence Elementary and Middle School?
A: Yes, just call and schedule a date (408) 296-2260.

Registration & Tuition

Q: After being notified of acceptance when is the registration fee due?
A: Two weeks after acceptance notification.

Q: Will my student lose his/her place if the registration fee is paid after the two week period?
A: Yes, if we have a waiting list we will take the next student on the list. Our registration fee is non- refundable unless your family moves out of the county.

Q: Does St. Lawrence use an automatic deduction payment company?
A: We have an automatic debit system here at St. Lawrence.

Extended Care

Q: Does St. Lawrence have extended care? If so, do we have to pay the whole month in advance?
A: St. Lawrence Children’s Center and Teen Center are open from 7AM-8AM before school, and after school until 6PM. Charges are on an hourly basis due and payable on Friday of the week attended.

Curriculum

Q: Where can I find a copy of the curriculum for my child’s grade level.
A: Curriculum summaries are found on the website and teachers of each grade have copies of the curriculum content.

Q: Do you accept students with learning differences?
A: We accept students with learning differences if we believe we can meet their learning needs.

Q: If my child is advanced in a subject in middle school will he/she be able to attend a high school class at St. Lawrence Academy?
A: Middle School students are able to take advanced math classes at St. Lawrence Academy if they pass the qualifying examination.

Q: How do St. Lawrence students’ test scores compare to other schools?
A: Test results of grades and schools in the Diocese of San Jose are not published. The tests we administer are not an appropriate instrument for evaluating a school or a school program. The tests we administer are a diagnostic tool to identify strengths and growth of individual children and used for curriculum planning. The exams used by the California public schools are given in the spring to assess student achievement near the end of the school year, while our tests are given in the fall to diagnose individual student strengths and needs as a new school year begins.

Q: How does St. Lawrence School compare academically with other diocesan schools?
A: All schools in the Diocese of San Jose use the same curriculum standards, grading scales, promotion and graduation requirements. Schoolwide Learning Expectations are very similar and all diocesan schools are accredited by both Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC).

Events

Q: When are your Open House dates?
A: For 2010/2011 school year the Open House dates are Nov. 15, 2009 and Jan. 31, 2010 from 11AM-1:30PM.

Q: Do you give tours if we miss the Open House?
A: Yes, just call the office at 408-296-2260 to schedule a tour.

Q: Do you have classroom visitation days?
A: Yes, February 2, 2010.

General

Q: Do St. Lawrence students wear a uniform?
A: Yes.

Q: Is it easier for my child to get into the Academy if he/she attends St. Lawrence Elementary & Middle School?
A: Your child will be given preference as long as he/she meets the entrance criteria.

Q: How often do St. Lawrence students attend Mass?
A: The students attend Mass every Wednesday at 8:30AM.

Technology

Q: How is St. Lawrence keeping up with technology?
A: Every middle school student has a laptop to use. Almost every classroom has an electronic whiteboard-smart board and document camera.

Extra -Curricular Activities

Q: If my child wants to join a sports team does he/she have to try out or are all students accepted to the team?
A: All students are accepted and will play.

Q: Does St. Lawrence School have any after school clubs?
A: Yes, students are welcome to join Robotics, Academic Decathlon, Homework Club and Athletics. Other clubs may be added such as Chess Club and Table Tennis.