Frequently Asked Questions
HOW IS SAINT CATHERINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL ACCREDITED?
St. Catherine Catholic School is accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) and part of the Catholic School System of the Diocese of Venice under the direction of Bishop Frank Dewane.
DOES THE SCHOOL PARTICIPATE IN STATE TESTING?
Catholic elementary schools do not participate in the Florida State Assessments (FSA). However, all students in grades 2-8 take the TerraNova Standardized Test each Spring. This test serves several purposes and is used to assist principals, teachers, families and students.
• To evaluate and improve school performance in the Diocese
• To evaluate and improve individual schools
• To track a student’s progress by skill and subject area over time
• To identify strengths and areas for improvement
• To facilitate participation in Federal and State scholarship programs
Standardized tests are only one of several tools we use to evaluate student abilities and performance levels. Our students are never measured on the basis of one assessment alone.
WHAT CREDENTIALS DO TEACHERS POSSESS?
Our school is staffed by well qualified administrators and faculty. All our teachers are required to meet the standards of the Florida Catholic Conference and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Teachers are certified and licensed through the state and participate in ongoing professional development programs and are recertified every five years.
HOW DOES THE SCHOOL PROVIDE SAFETY AND SECURITY?
Providing a safe learning environment is inherent in our Catholic school mission and our number one priority. All school employees and volunteers are fingerprinted and attend Virtus Training. Teachers and Staff are trained in CPR and First Aid. The school has a Crisis Response Team in place in the event of an emergency. In addition, employees are trained on our Emergency Operations Plan and Emergency Procedures Guide.
Our school hours are 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Preschool offers a half-day program, which runs 7:45 AM to 11:00 AM.
**School Office Hours are 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Monday-Friday.
What does it cost to attend St. Catherine Catholic School?
Tuition rates vary depending on the grade level (i.e. Preschool vs. K - 8th grade).
Click to view tuition information
Is there Financial Aid and/or scholarships available?
Yes. All families requesting financial aid through the school must apply through FACTS Tuition Management. There are also state-sponsored scholarships available. Apply at www.SUFS.org
(click on the link for more information)
What are your expectations for Parents and Students?
(click for Parent/Student Handbook)
Are there required fundraisers?
Yes.
- The Parent Teacher Organization is responsible for many school fundraising activities and projects all of which benefit our school. Parents will be notified of all events and activities by the PTO in advance. Because tuition alone does not cover the cost of educating a child, SCCS Families are required to participate in at least two school fundraisers each year, according to their financial contract.
What are the class sizes and what is the teacher to student ratio?
Our student count varies depending on grade level. These numbers are a close estimate of the students we have in the following grades.
PreK 3: 15 students
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:8
PreK 4: 20 students
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11
Kindergarten to 8th Grade: average class size is 20 students. We cap classes at 24 students.
- Pre-K and Kindergarten have full-time Teacher Assistants.
- For 1st to 3rdgrade there are two shared teachers, and academic coaches that assist students at every grade level.
What is the best method of communication with the school and teachers?
You can always call the front office for any emergency: 863-385-7300 or by the teacher’s email.
School-wide newsletters: sent out every quarter with events and new information about our school.
Teacher Communication: all teachers communicate via email and/or remind, as well as by phone and Parent/Teacher Conferences as needed.
Texts and Emails: may be sent via FACTS for important information and updates as needed.
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily posts.
Church Bulletin: look for our school page in the St. Catherine Parish Bulletin
Is there morning care and after care? What are the costs and times available?
We do not offer a Morning Care program.
Our After Care program runs from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Registration Fee: $25/year per family.
Contract is available on the enrollment packet.
Fee for one child: $16/day, $35/week, $125/month
Fee for two children: $32/day, $65/week, $200/month
Fee for three children: $48/day, $90/week, $275/month
Do you have a hot lunch program?
Yes! We partner with Sofie’s Cafe for our hot lunch program. Lunches can be ordered up to a month in advance and all orders must be completed through the FACTS Family Portal Lunch Account. Students can also bring their own lunch.
What special classes are available for students?
We offer the following specials for Preschool through 8th grade:
- Physical Education
- Music
- Art
- Spanish (8th graders can take Spanish I for high school credit and will meet every day)
- Technology
We also offer after school clubs such as, National Junior Honor Society, Robotics Team, Cantor, Chess, Yearbook, Rosary, Art, Book, Student Council, Jr. Math, Drama Club.
How can I become a volunteer at St. Catherine Catholic School?
All volunteers (parents, grandparents, parishioners, etc.) must be fingerprinted and background checked in order to volunteer at any school event.
Click here for more information on volunteering!
What sports are available for students?
Fall / Winter / Spring TBA
- Flag Football (6th-8thgrade boys/girls)
- Cheerleading (6th-8th grade girls)
- Basketball (5th-8th grade boys)
RESOURCES