FAQ

1. How much does it cost to send a child to Catholic School?

The Catholic Diocese of Wichita believes a Catholic education is the best gift a parent can give a child.  For that reaosn, our Catholic Diocese of Wichita does not charge or accept tuition from Catholic families.  St. James Catholic School is a mission of the whole parish, and it is only through Stewardship of all the parishioners that we are able to continue giving this incredible opportunity to everyone, and to maintain a standard of excellence.  

2. What is the relationship between stewardship and Catholic education?

Stewardship is a choice to become a disciple of Jesus Christ by truly acknowledging and acting upon the reality that all we have, literally everything, down to our ability to take a breath, is a gift from God.  St. Paul writes to us, "what do you have that you have not received?"  Stewardship then is the response to the fact that all is gifted to us, and that we have a true obligation to give back to God, through honest and consistent sacrifical offering of time, talent and treasure.  Stewardship is characterized by living four distinct pillars: hospitality (be a welcoming person), prayer (a person who places God first), formation (continuing to learn more about the inexhaustible treasure of our faith) and service (seeking to place ourselves last to imitate Christ who came to serve, not to be served).

3.  What should I expect in the process of enrolling or re-enrolling my child(ren) at St. James?  

A student of a Catholic school will not only receive extraordinary academic formation, but even more importantly, will receive a rich formation in the Catholic tradition to better prepare them for a life of servant leadership.  Enrolling a child in a Catholic school is a partnership among the family, the parish, and the school.  It is a privelege, not a right, and therefore it is important to reflect on three questions: 
A. Why is Catholic education important to you?
B. What do you expect from the parish in receving a Catholic education.
C. What can the parish expect from you?

4. Do my children wear uniforms at St. James Catholic School?

St. James requires that all students enrolled in grades K-8 wear uniforms. 
The uniform for girls: plaid jumpers or navy pants with white polo shirts.
The uniform for boys: navy pants with plaid or white shirts.

5. What special education services are available?

St. James offers many special educational opportunities onsite through our gifted teachers and faculty.  Additionally, we are very blessed to have a great working relationship with USD 402 (Augusta).  Please let us know the special needs required and St. James will do everything we can to make the educational adventure and amazing experience for the whole family.

6. How often do the students attend Mass?

Each student will attend Holy Mass two times a week. The grades will split up to where half the school will go Monday and the other half will go Tuesday.  On Friday there will be an all-school Mass, and further details will be provided as we approach the beginning of the academic year!

7. How often will my child be receiving Faith formation at St. James?

St. James offers a daily Faith formation curriculum to every student. Additionally, teachers strive to demonstrate through their own life, and through the art of teaching how each subject relates to the living out of Christian discipleship.  

8. How big are the classes?

We will allow up to 25 students in the Kindergarten class and we can go up to 30 in the other classes through 8th Grade.  The student to faculty/teacher ratio is really amazing at St. James, and so your child(ren) will be able to receive unique attention, which is not always possible in other places.

9. How do the students get to school and back home?

Bus students are provided transportation by the public school system. Other children may be dropped off starting at 7:40 a.m. Wehave a fantastic after school program called “Guardian Angels” provided for parents who need extra time to pick up their children after school. The program is provided until 5:30 p.m. with minimal charge. Students are engaged in activities and have a designated homework time.

10. What kind of technology is available?

We have at least three computers in each classroom and a computer lab with 26 computers in it. Our computers are all networked and they all have access to the Internet. We do have a filter on our Internet called Alegro Surf Filtering System to help us guard against our students getting on sites that are not appropriate. We have a part-time computer teacher that meets with each class every week.