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Frequently-Asked Questions

Download SJS Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]

Why should my child attend St. Joseph School?

St. Joseph provides an education in which you can have faith. We make a commitment to your child and his/her academic, emotional, spiritual and physical development. Graduates have traditionally excelled at the high school level, whether attending a public or private high school. These first educational years are critical to a child’s development. St. Joseph School works with you in educating your child, with care for his/her whole being – mind, heart, soul, body and will – reflecting the timeless tradition of a values-based education.

What is the maximum class size at St. Joseph?

Currently, our class size is approximately 25 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, Art, Music, Computers, Library Skills and Physical Education are taught. In addition, your child can participate in band, choir, Scouts, athletics and more depending upon his/her grade level. Individual curricula for many classes can be found on the class pages... click here.

Tell me more about Religious Education.

Religious instruction happens in a variety of ways. First, as a Catholic school, traditional Catholic-Christian values are integrated into all school curriculum and activities. We incorporate daily classroom prayer, and religion is taught as a subject at every grade level. At the appropriate grade levels, students prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. For more information on our Religious Education program, click here.

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 8:30 am on Tuesdays, or 8:30 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 that year. A child who is six years old by September 1 is eligible to enter 1st grade. A county birth certificate and a baptismal date 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. 

What is tuition?

Click here for tuition information.

What are other required fees?

You are expected to be an active contributor to the Sunday collection at Church. Families are encouraged (but are not required) to participate in fundraising events, raffles, product sales and/or service hours. 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 teacher’s 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 in. Pairing K-Club with the Extended Care program allows parents to extend their child’s day to cover the full school day. K-Club is held in its own room and sign up is limited; first preference is given to working parents. The Extended Care program is from 7 - 7:50 am, and from 2:10 - 6 pm on full school days. The cost for using these programs is $3.85 per hour.

What extra-curricular activities does St. Joseph School offer?

St. Joseph is proud to offer a variety of clubs, as well as an athletic program for students. Activities include: Altar Servers, Band, Choir, Hand Bell Choir, Scouting (for Boys and Girls), Student Council and Extracurricular Sports. Sports offered to students in grades 5 - 8 include Football, Volleyball, Basketball and Track. Our sports program is no-cut; every child has an opportunity to play. For more information about our extra-curricular programs, click here.

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. Our students have historically done quite well at all of these schools. Enrollment at a specific school 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, students are able participate in the Special Lunch program in which they pre-order lunch from various locations (bagel sandwiches, sub sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas, etc.). Students can buy Pizza Lunch on Fridays. For more about our lunch program, click here.

Where can I learn more about the school faculty and programs?

A list of teachers, staff and class pages can be found by clicking here.

For more information, please contact us:

St. Joseph School
Highland & Franklin
Downers Grove, IL 60515

630-969-4306  

schooloffice@stjosephdg.org

Or visit our web site at: www.stjosephdg.org