Admissions FAQs

If I set up a tour, should I bring my child with me?

If on the preliminary visit you feel you will benefit from focusing on information without your child/ren, you are welcome to come on your own. Eventually, all student applicants are requested to tour, with the option for a “shadow” visit for a half or full day (grades 1-8).

When should I apply?

Any application should follow a personal tour or admissions event. Typically January launches enrollment season at Faithful Shepherd. Kindergarten applications may be submitted at any time, particularly after our Fall information night. The preschool’s priority enrollment window (families already in the program) is the first two weeks in January, then open enrollment begins by January 15.

Do you have an enrollment waitlist?

In rare cases a grade level is full or close to full. Current families are prioritized for re-enrollment before new applicants are considered.

Do you offer tuition discounts for siblings or parishioners?

Though we do not have a flat multi-child discount, families with multiple children are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. We are proud of our unique tri-parish school identity, but we also welcome families from other parishes or backgrounds. Therefore we do not offer a parish discount. 

How do I know if I’ll qualify for financial aid?

Faithful Shepherd distributes over $300,000 of financial aid each year. Any family may apply through FACTS Tuition Management ($40 processing fee) either by the primary deadline (mid-April) or on a rolling basis while funds are available. While there is no exact ‘formula’ for who qualifies and for how much, approximately 25% of our families receive some amount of assistance. Once the application is processed, FACTS sends a report to our school and we will contact you.

What if my child has an IEP, a 504 plan, or has other specific learning considerations?

Faithful Shepherd partners with parents and educational professionals to accommodate student needs whenever possible. We have designated staff to oversee student plans, and our school principal partners with our neighboring public school for resources and when services there are needed. Full disclosure early in the admissions process is encouraged and appreciated so that we can ensure academic and personal success for your child.

How will I know that my child’s application has been approved?

Once we have the application, application fee, and early childhood screening (K only) or complete student records (1-8), our principal will review the file. Once approved, a welcome letter with next steps will be issued. 

Once admitted, what’s next?

Before a student is enrolled the following items must be in place: sign and submit the tuition agreement terms, pay the registration fee and the tuition deposit, and set up a payment plan on FACTS, our tuition management service provider.

Besides tuition, are there other fees I should be aware of?

We have a student activity fee ($100) for all enrolled students, and a Chromebook service fee ($170) for middle school students only. Athletics and extracurricular activities along with Band and Choir have separate participation fees. In addition, plan to purchase uniforms (new or gently used), a spiritwear item, and school supplies.

What about school lunches?

Beginning in January 2024, Faithful Shepherd qualified for free breakfast and lunch through the state. Breakfast is a grab-and-go option available only between 7:30-7:50. Lunch includes milk. Students who bring lunch from home may purchase milk, and if a student wants a second entree they are available for purchase.

Do you offer before or after school care?

Faithful Shepherd’s school day is 8:00-2:30. Doors open at 7:30, so we do not offer care before school. The YMCA hosts a School Age Care program here when school finishes, up until 6:00. Space is limited, and is primarily for elementary students. We do offer an additional after school option (M/W/Th) for students 5th grade and up.

Do you have programming options during the summer?

We offer eight weeks of enrichment programming for students entering grades 1-6, scheduled by the week/theme. Half-, full- and extended day options are available. 

Middle School students may participate in refresher courses to complete the assigned summer work and build skills for success in the coming school year.