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FAQ
How Do I Apply?
- The process starts in January for the upcoming academic year.
- Fill out a New Student Application by following this LINK
- Formal registration and acceptance will begin after all applications have been reviewed by the Administration, screening has been completed, and it is determined that St. Joseph Catholic School can meet the needs of the student(s). Available openings will be based on the Priority of Admissions Policy as outlined below:
- For Returning Families: Siblings of currently registered St. Joseph Catholic School families have priority.
- For Families new to St. Joseph Catholic School: Members of St. Joseph Catholic Parish are given priority over other new families.
How old must my child be to attend St. Joseph Catholic School?
- To enroll in St. Joseph Preschool, your child must be 3 years old on or before their first day of school and be fully and completely toilet trained.
- To enroll in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), your child must be 4 years old by the first day of school for the academic year AND be fully, independently toilet trained.
- To enroll in Kindergarten (K), your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of the academic year.
- To enroll in First Grade, your child must be 6 years old on or before September 1st of the academic year
Is there an entrance exam?For students entering TK, Kindergarten and First Grade , a readiness screening is conducted to determine if a student is ready. For all other students, a formal assessment is administered in math and ELA. The results of all testing will be a factor in admitting and placing new students.
What is the class size?The average class size for TK-8 is 20 students per class. Preschool, TK, Kindergarten, First, and Second are assisted by an instructional aide. St. Joseph limits class sizes to the following: Preschool - no more than 15 per day, TK - 20 students, and Kindergarten through 8th grade - 25 students.
What time is school?The school bell rings at 8:00 am. School ends at 3:00 pm Monday - Thursday. Friday we release at 1:30 pm. TK and Kindergarten are full-day programs (8:00 am - 3:00 pm). Preschool is either half-day (8:00 am - noon) or full-day (8:00 am – 3:00 pm). If your child(ren) in TK-8 are not picked up by 3:10 pm, they will go to extended care.
Do you have before and after school child care programs?Our Extended Care program is available to all students in TK through eighth grade after school from 3:10 pm to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday. On Friday or any minimum day Extended Care closes at 5:00 pm. Program fees may be paid on an hourly, monthly, or annual basis. Students dropped off between 7:30 am and 8:00 am will go directly to their classrooms. St. Joseph does not offer before school care.
What grades do you offer?
We offer classes for students in grades: Preschool through 8th Grade, including a Transitional Kindergarten class.
How does St. Joseph Catholic School score on standardized testing?St. Joseph Catholic School uses the Renaissance STAR testing system to assess students in the areas of English Language Arts and Math three times a year. These tests are used to directly drive teachers instruction and meet the needs of all students at their individual levels.
Where do 8th Grade students attend High School, once they graduate?
Many of our graduates attend one of our Diocesan Catholic High Schools:- Servite High School (boys) in Anaheim
- Rosary High School (girls) in Fullerton
- Mater Dei High School (co-ed) in Santa Ana
- Cristo Rey (co-ed) in Santa Ana
- Santa Margarita High School (co-ed) in Rancho Santa Margarita
- J Serra Catholic High School (co-ed) in San Juan Capistrano
What is the annual tuition?
See the Tuition and Fees page for the current schedule of tuition and fees. Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change annually.Is there a yearly calendar?
Yes , the yearly calendar is posted on the school website under the Parent tab. It is also posted on FACTS, our school operating system.
Does the school require a class supply list for the beginning of the year?
Yes. The class list is posted on the website under the Parent tab.
Do you have a uniform Policy?
Yes, the uniform policy is available on the website under the Parent tab. Uniforms are available at Dennis Uniform, in Yorba Linda, CA.
What is the procedure for drop off and pick-up, using the car line?
Please use the directed lane on the north side of the school blocked off by cones and proceed down the side of the building. Please drive slowly till you arrive at the back of the school. Follow the signs and/or directions of faculty to ensure your child(ren)'s safety.
What is the procedure for walking my child onto the campus?
Do not drop off students in the school parking lot as there is a great deal of traffic in the morning. If you elect to walk your student, please walk them to the back gate for entrance to campus.
What should I do if my child will be late, is home sick or has to leave early?
Call the front office before 9:00 am and leave a message on the attendance line if your child is sick. If your child is late and arrives after courtyard is over please ring the bell at the front gate for admittance. If your student must be picked up early, please call the school office in advance at 714.528.1794.
How will I receive school communication?
Communication folders go home on the first and third Monday of the month. Please empty folder and return the following day to your child(ren)'s teacher. School-wide newsletters go out each Sunday with information about the coming week and future events. Smore newsletters are emailed each week from your homeroom teacher with specific curriculum and classroom information. Reminders and any urgent messages will be sent by email and/or text. St. Joseph Catholic School also uses social media (Instagram and Facebook) to communicate announcements or public events.
May my child have a cell phone at school?
Yes, however parents must submit a Student Cell Phone Consent Form to the school prior to bringing the phone on campus. He/she must check the phone in to the homeroom teacher by 8:00 am. Cell phones will be returned at the end of the day.
What if my child(ren) forgot his/her backpack, homework, lunch, Chromebook, project or PE uniform? Can I bring it after school begins?
In order to encourage and teach student responsibility, we do not allow parents to drop off items once school has started . We have resources on campus to help the students with anything they may need for the school day. We do not accept any fast food or deliveries of food or beverages.
What do I do if my student needs to be picked up during the day for a doctors appointment?
We ask that if at all possible all doctors appointments should be made towards the end of the day or first thing in the morning. If you must pick up your student(s) early please call the office in advance so that your child will be ready at (714) 528-1794. -