Frequently-Asked Questions

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 greatest attribute of your school?

The St. Joseph School community nurtures spiritual growth, provides challenging intellectual opportunities and encourages each child to succeed. Learn more >>

What’s new at St. Joseph School?

We are very excited about recent events and enhancements:

Mrs. McGlone, our 2nd grade teacher, just received the 2012 Bishop Joseph I. Imesch Award for Excellence in Teaching, chosen from 900 teachers at 62 schools in the Joliet Diocese.
We have an award-winning science program, with seven “Gold” Awards and one “Silver” Award in the 2011 Illinois State Science Fair.
Our new “Mathletes” Math Club recently won first place at Nazareth Academy’s competition.
Mrs. Kluck, our new Reading Specialist, joined our staff in 2011 to assess reading progress in grades K-5. These students are monitored three times per year, which allows us to identify/address reading issues at earlier ages.
Our classrooms feature Smart Boards in five grades for more interactive learning opportunities.
We launched an Art Awareness program in 2011, which has been very popular with students.
We offer after-school Keyboarding classes, and have a new award-winning cross country team.

Do you have a Pre-Kindergarten program?

Yes, our preschool has morning sessions for three and four-year-old children. Both classes are at capacity and we are hoping to add afternoon sessions to accommodate the demand for this successful program.

Is there an all-day option for Kindergarten?

Yes, our all-day Kindergarten Plus option is from 7:50 am – 2:15 pm. It offers students curriculum-based instruction, lunch, recess, and a variety of activities that challenge children, encourage socialization and keep them active. Pairing Kindergarten Plus with our Extended Care program allows parents to cover the full day – 7 am - 6 pm. Please see “Financial Support” for tuition information. Extended Care is $4.40 per hour based on use.

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. See class curricula here >>

What is included in Religious Education?

Catholic values are emphasized in all spiritual, educational and extracurricular activities, including:

Daily classroom prayer and religion as a subject in every grade level.
Weekly mass, with students serving as greeters, lectors, sacristans, ushers and choir members.
Sacramental preparation is incorporated into the school day with a focus on Reconciliation and First Communion in 2nd grade, and Confirmation in 8th grade.
Prayer services, rosary, Stations of the Cross, May Crowning and Reconciliation.
Service projects for the parish and community.
A team prayer is said before all athletic events.

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.

What extracurricular activities does St. Joseph School offer?

St. Joseph is proud to offer a variety of activities. No-cut sports are offered to students in grades 5 - 8, including football, volleyball, cross country, basketball and track; every child has an opportunity to play. Other activities include: Altar Servers, Band, Book Club, Boy/Girl Scouts, Choir, Hand Bell Choir, Keyboarding, Math Club, Spirit Club, Student Council, Writing Club…and more!

When does registration begin for new school families?

Registration begins with the St. Joseph School Open House during Catholic Schools Week on the last Sunday of January. Registration continues until the classrooms are full.

Is there a waiting list?

Currently we are collecting names in the hopes of opening afternoon preschool sessions to accommodate demand for our successful Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 program. 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:

Siblings of current St. Joseph students
Children of St. Joseph parishioners
Children from other parishes whose parish does not have a Catholic school
Transfer students from other Catholic schools
Transfer students from public schools

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 gift card purchases, 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 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 a hot lunch program?

Yes, 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. Lunch is eaten in our School Hall daily, with recess outside (weather permitting).

Why I Like St. Joe's: