Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is your student to teacher ratio?
For Catholic elementary schools, the average is 12 students for every one teacher. For the Catholic high schools within the Diocese of Rockville Centre, the ratio is 13 students for each teacher.
Will my children have access to district-provided transportation?
74.1% of our students ride the bus to and from school. We encourage you to visit schools served by buses provided by your child’s local school district (typically within a 15 mile radius of your home) and to select the school that will serve your family’s needs best.
Do students of all ages wear school uniforms?
Yes, all students wear uniforms.
What ages of students are in Elementary School, and what ages are in Middle School?
In our Catholic schools, we call grades Kindergarten through Eighth grade “elementary school.” In public schools, elementary school is often considered Kindergarten through fourth or fifth grade.
For Early Childhood programs, what the ages of students? Also, is it full-day or half-day?
Nursery is generally for 3-year-old children. Pre-K is for 4-year old children. Check with your school for specific information on full and half-day schedules.
Do your schools offer early drop-off? Aftercare?
Yes. 88% of our school offer extended day programs. This includes early drop-off (before care) and Aftercare programming. Contact the school to find out what options they offer.
Questions about Catholic Culture
Do children get their sacraments through their school or through their parish?
Yes, sacrament preparation is an important part of Catholic elementary education. Our schools provide this teaching to each of our students.
What if our children are not Catholic?
All children are welcome at our schools! Approximately 12% of students are from non-Catholic backgrounds.
Do students attend Mass while at school?
Yes. Most schools gather all students for Mass every month.
Questions about Academics
Do the Catholic elementary schools of Long Island meet New York State standards? Do students take the State Regents exams?
Our academic curriculum is based on the New York State learning standards and on the Diocesan standards for Religious Education. Our students are top performers on State and National proficiency examinations, go on to take State Regents exams, and graduate ready to excel on the Catholic High School Entrance Examination. They learn the discipline and study skills necessary to stand out in their academic pursuits. In addition, our technology infused classroom environments engage today’s ‘digital native’ students. But ultimately it is the decorum, discipline and structure in Catholic school that makes it a better environment for learning.
How do students from Catholic elementary schools do in high school? What is the college attendance rate?
All of our students progress to high school, and 99.7% of those students go on to graduate. The national average for public school graduation is 84.1%.
Of those high school graduates, 99% go on to attend college. Nationally, 86.5% of Catholic high school students advance to college: for public schools, only 46% go on to attend college.
Tell me about technology at Catholic schools. Are students given devices to assist learning?
Yes. 100% of our schools utilize Chromebooks or iPads to assist learning within classrooms and at home. Also, 100% of our students have access to Google’s G-Suite Applications for education.
Questions about Enrollment and Tuition
At what time of year should I begin looking at schools? Is there an ideal timeline?
Catholic Schools Week kicks off every year on the last Sunday in January. For anyone interested in enrolling their children in a Catholic school, this is a fun opportunity. Most parishes will host a special school Mass where all students and their families attend. Then following Mass, you are able to tour the school and learn more about their community. Some schools offer special events throughout the week. For example, a special open house for parents interested in the Early Childhood program.
But know that schools would love to meet you, no matter what time of year! Contact the school and they’ll be happy to offer you a private tour or a quick Zoom meetup!
Are there discounts for multiple children enrolled? Or if I am a parishioner?
Check with your school! Many schools do offer reduced tuition for families who enroll multiple children. There is also usually an incentive for families who are registered and supporting their parish.
Do schools offer scholarships?
During your visit to the school of your choice you should also ask about the availability of scholarships/grants. Also, local Catholic organizations like the Knights of Columbus may offer financial support.
I’ve heard about scholarships from the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation? Can you tell me more?
The Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation charity was created to help offset the cost of tuition at Long Island’s Catholic schools for families in need. The Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation is funded by Catholics throughout Long Island who are investing in our Church’s future.
How much does it cost to enroll in a Catholic Elementary school?
Average tuition for Catholic elementary schools is $5400 / year. For Catholic high schools, the average tuition is $11,000 / year. Every school has a unique tuition, so be sure to visit their website or ask when visiting for a school tour.
