How is St. A’s able to meet their academic standards with large class sizes?
How are the academic standards set?
How is curriculum structured?
How is curriculum structured?
How experienced is the faculty?
Is financial aid available?
What are some of the accelerated academic programs?
Tell me about the school community
Why a Catholic school?
How is Kindergarten structured?
How prepared are your students for high school?
How hard is it to get into St. A’s Middle School if we aren’t already enrolled in the Elementary School?
How is St. A’s able to meet their academic standards with large class sizes?
For social development, we embrace the energy and dynamics which comes from having larger classes, but recognize the importance of small group instruction. St. A’s class sizes range from 24 to 36 students, with one class per grade level. However, the student teacher ratio is much closer to 18:1. In K-6, each class has a qualified teacher’s aide which allows for small group instruction. At other times, the classes are divided when a specialized teacher (computer, Spanish, or library) takes half of the class, while the class teacher and aide work with the rest in core subjects. In this way, most of the teaching time is done in classes whose size is actually smaller than most public school classes.
How are the academic standards set?
One of the goals of St. Apollinaris School is to provide a challenging, coherent and relevant curriculum for each student. The curriculum is student centered, and results in the achievement of the grade level subject area expectations. Student “outcomes” or standards are statements which define what students are to know, understand and be able to do at the completion of each grade level.
How is curriculum structured?
St. Apollinaris student outcomes (standards) incorporate the following:
- Catholic Teachings and Social Justice Practices
- National Academic Standards from the National Council of Teachers
- California Content Standards
An in-depth study of a subject area by the faculty is a multi-step process which includes reviewing the present curriculum guidelines and resources, re-writing student outcomes, implementing strategy changes, adopting new textbooks/materials and assessing student learning. This study lasts for approximately three years and is revisited two or three years later. The timing is very closely aligned with the California Standards review process, to be sure to incorporate any key changes. Additionally, we use a “California Standards” test to assure that our curriculum is delivering on the outcomes set. (This is not a standardized test of the students, but rather a test of our teaching and curriculum.)
Religion, Mathematics, Reading and Language Arts subject areas have all been recently updated. Science and Physical Education are currently in the initial stages of the in-depth study.
How experienced is the faculty?
All teachers at St. Apollinaris are credentialed professionals with over 150 years of teaching experience between them. The faculty members fulfill the Diocesan requirement of continuous education, and attend in-service workshops, seminars, conferences and/or graduate level classes. Some recent workshops have included Differentiated Instruction, The Brain and Reading, Six Traits of Writing and Math Strategies, Best Practices in Teaching Foundation Skills and Student Study Skills.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Tuition shouldn’t be a barrier to enrollment at St. Apollinaris Catholic School. While we strive to keep Catholic education accessible to all, we understand that in some cases or at certain times, families may need financial assistance. To that end, St. Apollinaris is dedicated to our Tuition Assistance program, funded from the generous support of the school and parish community through purchases of St. Apollinaris School Night Red Wine, as well as from the parish “Blessed are the Children” campaign. The Parish Finance Committee will review all applications on a confidential basis, and awards will be granted to offset some of the cost of tuition. Each family can be assured that the decision made on their financial aid application will be based on a fair and objective evaluation.
Families have the opportunity to apply for tuition assistance during registration and will be notified in a timely fashion in order to meet registration deadlines. We encourage those interested to obtain an application from the school office.
What are some of the accelerated academic programs?
Tell me about the school community
Learning to share one’s talents to serve others is a key element in the St. Apollinaris community. Service to others, as a component of daily life, is modeled by the teachers, staff, parents and grandparents at St. A’s. Parents assist teachers with small groups in the classrooms for academics or special projects. Grandparents help with hot lunch preparation and service for student lunches. The top rate sports programs at St. Apollinaris are run by volunteer coordinators and coaches, sharing their love of the game with our youth. Students stand next to their parents at the altar during masses when one is Eucharistic Minister and the other an altar server or lecturer. The community of caring at St. A’s helps to shape the “ethical and caring citizen in society” referenced in our Mission Statement, and creates an atmosphere where all see a need and try to fill it.
Why a Catholic school?
The primary purpose and benefit of Catholic education is the instruction in a system of core beliefs, values and ethics from childhood. Solid teaching in faith and morals, unified with literary and academic instruction is the primary goal of a Catholic School. For the individual, Catholic Education is a foundation and a reference point, but also a vital connection to a larger Christian community and long Catholic tradition. St. Apollinaris School strives daily to carry on this tradition of teaching our faith coupled with strong academics to the next generation of Catholics.
How is Kindergarten structured?
We have a strong academic program, but our emphasis is on creating readers, writers and problem solvers rather than rote learners. We have designed our curriculum to reflect the latest research on how children learn. Basic elements of our program include: active learning, problem solving, interaction, conversation, reading, play acting, exploring, and manipulating objects. We are confident about the foundation we give children for first grade curriculum. Learn more details on our outstanding Kindergarten program.
How prepared are your students for high school?
“As an eighth grade teacher, I am filled with pride each year to know that the St. Apollinaris School graduates are the most well-prepared ninth-graders in town. Each year, I’m told that the St. A’s kids have the best work habits, study skills and knowledge base to meet the expectations, challenges and responsibilities of high school. I hear this from parents, high school teachers, administrators and most importantly, from students themselves. I see this in test scores, honor roll lists, and news articles featuring our alumni in extra-curricular events, such as sports, drama, music, leadership, community service and the arts. People continue to ask, “So what is it about those St. A’s kids?” My answer is that our students get a strong foundation here; not only in academic standards and expectations, but in ethics, citizenship, tolerance, respect and faith in God. They aren’t only taught what to think, rather they have learned how to think, adapt, and grow up in the image of Christ.” Carolyn Smith
How hard is it to get into St. A’s Middle School if we aren’t already enrolled in the Elementary School?
Our middle school has had a wait list for the last several years, with priority is given to St. Apollinaris Church parishioners. Enrollment in the primary grades assures smooth transition and access to a high quality middle school experience. We invite you to contact us for more information and a campus visit.
