Admissions

Q: What is the mission of St. Francis Solanus School?

The mission of St. Francis Solanus School is to provide a Christ-centered academic environment that empowers students to serve God and others.

Q: What age groups does St. Francis Solanus Grade School cater to?

St. Francis Solanus School caters to students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.

Q: What is the curriculum like at St. Francis Solanus School?

St. Francis Solanus School offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, religion, art, music, and physical education. The curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while also fostering spiritual growth and character development.

Q: How does St. Francis Solanus School incorporate Catholic teachings and values into the educational experience?

Catholic teachings and values are integrated into every aspect of the educational experience at St. Francis Solanus School. The school offers daily prayer, weekly Mass, religious education classes, and service opportunities for students to actively engage in their faith.

Q: What extracurricular activities are available for students at St. Francis Solanus School?

St. Francis Solanus School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, academic clubs, performing arts, and service organizations. Some examples include volleyball, basketball, PMO band, PMO choir, and scouting.

Q: Is there a tuition fee for attending St. Francis Solanus School? Are there any financial aid options available?

Yes, there is a tuition fee for attending St. Francis Solanus School. The school offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships and tuition assistance programs, to help families afford the cost of tuition. More information about tuition and financial aid can be found on the school's website or by contacting the school office.

Q: How can parents and guardians get involved in the St. Francis Solanus School community?

Parents and guardians are encouraged to get involved in the St. Francis Solanus School community by volunteering in the classroom, participating in the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), and attending school events and fundraisers.

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Would you like to enroll or just request more information about enrolling your child at St. Francis Solanus School? Please submit our Online Inquiry Form and we'll get in touch.

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St. Francis Solanus School is a special place where students, faculty, and staff are given the opportunity to live our Catholic faith each day. We strive to deliver the quality of education that inspires all families to send their children to our school. This is accomplished by collaboration between our parents and teachers, high academic and behavioral standards for our students, and maintaining a strong focus on our Catholic identity.

Discover a Bright Future at St. Francis Solanus School: Schedule Your Tour Today!

Welcome to St. Francis Solanus School, where we nurture academic excellence, character development, and a strong sense of community in a faith-filled environment.

Our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring your child thrives and embraces their full potential. Take the first step towards a brighter future – schedule a personalized tour or request more information by contacting Mrs. Julie Radel, our Principal, at [email protected], calling 217-222-4077, or submitting an online request for more information.

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Admissions & Enrollment at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School - Top Rated Private School in Quincy, IL

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Enroll my child in St. Francis Solanus School?

To enroll your child in St. Francis Solanus School, you should contact the school office to schedule a tour and obtain registration materials. You will need to submit a completed registration form along with required documents, such as proof of residency, immunization records, and baptismal certificate (if applicable).

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What is the difference between a private school, parochial school, and Catholic School like St. Francis?

When considering educational options for your child, it is important to understand the differences between private, parochial, and Catholic schools. St. Francis Solanus School offers a unique blend of these educational environments, ensuring your child receives a well-rounded education.

Private schools, like St. Francis Solanus, are independently-funded institutions that often charge tuition and provide education outside of the public system. They can encompass a variety of educational philosophies and cater to a diverse range of students.

Parochial schools, on the other hand, are a specific type of private school that are affiliated with a particular religious denomination, usually Christian. St. Francis Solanus School, as a parochial institution, emphasizes religious education alongside secular subjects.

Catholic schools, such as St. Francis Solanus, are a subset of parochial schools that are closely connected to the Catholic Church and follow its teachings. They offer a faith-based education, integrating religious values and traditions into the curriculum and daily life of the school.

While all three types of schools offer unique benefits, St. Francis Solanus School stands out by blending these attributes and prioritizing your family's values and priorities when selecting the right educational environment for your child.

What is the mission of St. Francis Solanus School?

What age groups does St. Francis Solanus Grade School cater to?

What is the curriculum like at St. Francis Solanus School?

How does St. Francis Solanus School incorporate Catholic teachings and values into the educational experience?

What extracurricular activities are available for students at St. Francis Solanus School?

Is there a tuition fee for attending St. Francis Solanus School? Are there any financial aid options available?

How can parents and guardians get involved in the St. Francis Solanus School community?

St. Francis Solanus Admissions Policy

St. Francis Solanus Catholic School accepts only students who desire both religious and academic formation. St. Francis Solanus Catholic School admits students in accordance with all policies established by the Diocese of Springfield as outlined in the "Handbook of Catholic Education Policies." In choosing to attend St. Francis Solanus, parents pledge their full cooperation to the school in preparing our students to be disciples of Jesus Christ. It is our collective responsibility to nurture students in their faith journey.

St. Francis Solanus Catholic School admits eligible students of any race, color, gender, national origin, ethnic origin and disability, which can be reasonably accommodated, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs and athletic and school administered programs. Students with disabilities will be accepted on a case-by-case basis in order to evaluate the capacity of the school to meet the needs of the student.

For all applicants, the following information will be taken into consideration for possible admittance to St. Francis Solanus:

Academic Readiness (Kindergarten):

Previous academic records
Previous attendance records
Previous behavior records
In good standing, including financials, upon exit from previously attended school

If the information gathered indicates that St. Francis Solanus does not have the educational program which best serves the needs of the student, the student will not be accepted.

Upon acceptance, a comprehensive set of school records from the previous school is required as part of the enrollment process. The following documents are also required: an official, certified birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if Catholic), current immunization record and proof of required medical exams including dental and vision.

Registration Policy

St. Francis Solanus School tries to limit class size to 25 students. Therefore, we will register students in the following priority:

Those who are participating St. Francis Parish members with a sibling at St. Francis School.
Those who are participating St. Francis Parish members and are new to our school.
Those who are not participating St. Francis parish members with a sibling in St. Francis School.

Non-Discrimination Policy

St. Francis Solanus Catholic School admits students of any race, color, sex, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, loan programs, athletics, or school-administered programs. Our schools do reserve all their rights as religious entities in accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church, the protections of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act 775 ILCS 35/.

The pastor and school administration will ensure that these policies are followed. Concerns will be addressed through the Grievance Procedure listed in the Discipline and Conduct section of this handbook.

Students with Disabilities:

St. Francis Solanus School shall do everything in its power to provide Catholic education to students with disabilities. Those students who cannot be fully integrated into the total regular school program shall be encouraged to take advantage of dual enrollment. Present state statutes require that public school districts accept part-time attendance, via dual enrollment procedures, students who are enrolled in non-public schools and who are in need of special education and related services not available in the non-public school. These students do not need to withdraw from the non-public school. Once enrolled part-time in the public school, they have all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of special education and related services as any student in the public school. Children with physical limitations will be decided upon on an individual basis, depending on the severity of the disability. St. Francis students must live within the Quincy Public School district to qualify for dual enrollment.

Mandated Reporting (see BK3§303.9.1-3)

According to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, school Principal-Ministers and Teacher-Ministers are mandated to report suspicion of abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Family Services. When a Teacher-Minister reports such suspicion to the Department of Child and Family Services, he or she shall inform the Principal-Minister of his or her report. If the report of sexual abuse involves Church Personnel as described in BK2§100 Clerical Sexual Abuse of Minors: Policies for Education, Prevention, Assistance, and Determination of Fitness for Ministry, the Principal-Minister and/or Teacher-Minister shall also report the incident or suspicion to the Facilitator as described in BK2§107.2 Reporting Requirements of the above-mentioned policy. In addition, as mentioned above in the Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse policy, the principal and/or teacher shall also report the incident or suspicion to the Victim Assistance Coordinator of the Diocese (Alison Smith, [email protected] or 217-321-1162).

Code of Professional Conduct (Faith’s Law)

St. Francis Solanus School located in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will conduct business honestly and ethically at all times. We strive to improve the quality of our services provided to parishioners, students, and the greater community of the diocese and will maintain a reputation for honesty, fairness, respect, responsibility, integrity, trust, and sound moral and ethical judgment that reflect our faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church in conducting business. Our employees are expected to adhere to high standards of business and personal integrity as a representation of our parish and diocesan business practices, always consistent with their duty of loyalty to St. Francis Solanus School and to the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

Every employee of the Diocese and diocesan agencies shall act in an honest and forthright manner in all workplace concerns; treat co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, parishioners, students, and visitors with respect; and conduct themselves in a moral and ethical manner consistent with Catholic principles. Every employee, as a representative of the Catholic Church to the faithful and to the outside world, has a ministerial calling. For this reason, every position has a ministerial aspect. Personnel must, therefore, conduct themselves in a way that does not contradict the doctrine and moral teaching of the Catholic Church.

We expect that employees of St. Francis Solanus School will not knowingly misrepresent St. Francis Solanus School and will not speak on behalf of St. Francis Solanus School unless specifically authorized to do so. The confidentiality of proprietary information, and similar confidential and sensitive information (i.e. financial records and reports, or business strategies and plans, development, member, or donor lists) about St. Francis Solanus School or operations, or that of St. Francis Solanus School or members of St. Francis Solanus School, is to be treated with discretion and only disseminated on a need-to-know basis.

Violation of the Code of Professional Conduct can result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment. The degree of discipline imposed may be influenced by the existence of voluntary disclosure of any ethical violation and whether or not the violator cooperated in any subsequent investigation.

To better understand the Standards of Conduct, please refer to the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois §Policy 503: Standards of Conduct Book-II-503.Standards-of-Conduct.pdf (dio.org)