Admissions » Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What forms will I need in order to register my child(ren) at St. Hedwig School?
In addition to the forms contained in the application packet, all students are required to submit proper academic report cards (showing their most recent grades) and standardized tests or equivalents from their current school. The following documents are also required: 
  • Birth certificate (mandatory)
  • Baptismal certificate (if Catholic)
  • Immunization records
  • Standardized Test Score (most recent)
  • If Applicable, record of IEP or 504 Plan must be submitted at time of application.
 
Is there an application fee? 
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $75 per child. This fee is due when you submit your completed application. This fee includes evaluation and screening. A completed application and paid fee does not guarantee acceptance into St. Hedwig School.
 
What kind of assessment can I expect? 
All Transitional Kindergarten and new Kindergarten applicants are screened for readiness. Testing for students applying to Grades 1-8 consists of reading, math and English. Parents should plan on staying approximately an hour.
 
Since St. Hedwig is a Catholic school, do you accept persons of other faiths?
Yes, all are welcome. St. Hedwig School admits students who qualify for admission without discrimination of race, gender or cultural background. All Catholic students are required to demonstrate proof of Baptism during the application process.
 
If my child is not Catholic, does he/she have to participate in Religion classes and other Catholic activities (i.e. Mass and prayer services) at school?
Yes, as a Catholic school this is a requirement.
 
Does St. Hedwig School offer any type of financial aid or assistance?
Yes, financial assistance is available for those in need.  This aid is not available until your second year with us.  There is an application process. More information can be obtained through the business office. Contact Carole Wilson at [email protected] or 562.296.9064.
 
What is the average class size?
Our TK-5th grade classes will have no more than 25 students. TK and Kindergarten classes have full-time aides, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classes sharing an aide between the two classrooms. There is an average of 28 students per class in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. 
 
Can I request a specific teacher?
Teachers and office staff do not take requests by parents for placement in a particular classroom. The professional level of our teachers makes them competent to teach all students successfully.
 
What are the school hours?
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, school begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. We dismiss at 1:30 p.m. every Friday.
 
Do you offer before- and after-school programs?
Yes, our Extended School Day Program is available in the mornings from 6:45 - 7:45 a.m. five days a week. It's available after school starting at 1:30 p.m. Fridays and 2:45 p.m. until 6 p.m. every other regular school day. Program fees may be paid through FACTS either on a monthly basis or on a daily basis, as needed. More information can be found here.
 
Are there required service hours? 
Parents may choose to participate in our Service Program to receive a $600 tuition credit. Parents may choose to not participate in the service program and instead pay $600 per year, which will be included with your annual tuition.
 
Is there a lunch program?
Yes, St. Hedwig works with the Choice Lunch program. There are more specifics here. You may order lunch on a monthly basis or place an order the night before. Many snacks may be purchased daily at the lunch window.
 
How do St. Hedwig students perform academically?
St. Hedwig students consistently perform well on standardized tests. At all grade levels, students show more than one year of academic growth. Students rate high in the ACRE National Test (Assessment of Catholic Religious Education), especially in the areas of values, moral choices and relationship with God. Many graduates earn scholarships to Catholic high schools and are often placed in advanced honors classes.
 
How is technology used in the classroom?
Technology is used daily in the classrooms to support student learning. Students use computers in the classroom to conduct research on the Internet, reinforce skills, practice vocabulary and type essays on Microsoft Word or prepare PowerPoint presentations. 
 
Other tech features at SHS include: 
  • All classrooms equipped with an Epson LCD projector and ELMO Digital Document Camera
  • One-to-one Chromebook program in grades 3-8
  • Shared iPads for grades TK-2
  • Grades 3-8 utilize Google Classroom
 
When will I be notified if my child(ren) has (have) been accepted?
Acceptance letters will be mailed in April. 
 
If my child is accepted, what happens next?
If your child is accepted, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the online packet.   You will need to pay your school fees online to secure your child's spot.  You will also need to submit immunization records. We'll provide you with detailed instructions for each part of the process.