Why I Like St. Joe's:
[by the First Grade class]
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Copyright © 2010
Saint Joseph School of Downers Grove
[by the First Grade class]
Email Webmaster | Site Map
Copyright © 2010
Saint Joseph School of Downers Grove
Why should my child attend St. Joseph School?
St. Joseph School is a Catholic community that offers students a challenging academic education while building their love of God and commitment to improving the world. We educate the whole student – mind, body and spirit – and encourage each child to become the person God calls him or her to be. Ultimately, our goal is to prepare children for academic and personal success in a faith-filled, nurturing environment. Our community spirit is unequaled.
What is the maximum class size at St. Joseph?
Currently, our class size is approximately 22 students per classroom; there are two classrooms per grade. If needed, we enforce a maximum class size of 30 students per classroom. There are teacher’s aides that support each class as needed.
What is the school’s curriculum?
Religion, Reading, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Spanish, Art, Music, Computers, Library Skills and Physical Education are taught.
Tell me more about Religious Education.
Catholic values are emphasized in all spiritual, educational and extracurricular activities, including:
Do children attend Mass?
Yes, Mass is just one aspect of how we celebrate our life experiences as a Catholic community through liturgy and prayer. St. Joseph students participate in all-school Mass at 8:15 am on Tuesdays, or 8:15 am on Holy Days.
What is the greatest attribute of your school?
The St. Joseph School community nurtures spiritual growth, provides challenging intellectual opportunities and encourages each child to become the person God calls him/her to be.
When does registration begin for new school families?
Registration begins with the St. Joseph School Open House during Catholic Schools Week at the end of January. Registration continues until the classrooms are full.
Is there a waiting list?
Currently there is not a waiting list at St. Joseph School.
What admission policies are followed at St. Joseph School?
The order of priority is as follows:
Additionally, a child must be five years old by September 1st to enter Kindergarten. A child who is six years old by September 1 is eligible to enter 1st grade. A county birth certificate and a baptismal date (or certificate) are required.
Is there a registration fee?
There is a $100 non-refundable registration fee charged to families at the time of registration for the next school year. This fee is deducted from the following year’s tuition.
Are other required fees in addition to tuition and registration fees?
You are expected to be an active contributor in Sunday stewardship through the parish. Families are also asked to participate in development initiatives that support our Second Century Fund – including events, raffles, Manna sales, sponsorships, etc. A nominal Party Fee is collected at the beginning of the year to cover classroom parties. There is also a small fee for students participating in First Communion and 8th Grade Graduation. At your discretion, you may contribute to bi-annual collections for teachers’ monetary gifts (at Christmas and year-end).
What is the school’s daily schedule?
Is there an all-day option for Kindergarten?
Kindergarten students may enroll in K-Club during the morning or afternoon based on which Kindergarten session the child is enrolled. Pairing K-Club with our Extended Care program allows parents to cover the full day – 7 am - 6 pm. K-Club is held in its own room and sign up is limited; first preference is given to working parents. Extended Care is from 7 - 7:50 am, and from 2:20 - 6 pm on full school days. The cost for using these programs is $4.25 per hour.
What extracurricular activities does St. Joseph School offer?
St. Joseph is proud to offer a variety of activities, as well as an athletic program for students. Activities include: Altar Servers, Band, Boy/Girl Scouts, Chess Club, Creative Writing Club [CCC], Choir, Hand Bell Choir and Student Council. Sports are offered to students in grades 5 - 8, including football, volleyball, basketball and track. Our sports program is no-cut; every child has an opportunity to play.
What are your parish boundaries?
There are no boundaries for the parish.
Where do your graduates typically attend high school?
The majority of our graduates attend Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Montini and Benet Academy. Enrollment at these schools will vary from year to year, but is typically fairly evenly split.
Do you offer virtue/character formation programs?
We have a Buddy Program that matches each student with a “buddy” from another class; the class buddies participate in various activities and events throughout the year. St. Joseph also has a Fruits of the Holy Spirit program that focuses students on a different virtue each month.
Do you offer a hot lunch program?
On Mondays and Wednesdays, students can participate in the Special Lunch program with pre-ordered lunches from various locations (bagel and sub sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas, etc.). Students can buy Pizza Lunch on Fridays.
What is your principal’s name?
Mrs. Rita Stasi is our principal, Sr. Dorothy Randall is our President, and the school secretary is Mrs. Mary Kay Rauen.
Other questions? Please contact us.