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 (mandatory)
  • 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. Applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis in the following order:
 
Current families Parishioners (with proof of baptismal certificate) Catholics (with proof of baptismal certificate) other  
 
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. All students are expected to participate in daily prayer and religion classes. In addition, as a school community, we attend mass weekly. Religion is part of the daily curriculum and students are tested on their knowledge of the material taught in class. 
 
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 grade classes sharing an aide between the two classrooms. There is an average of 28 students per class in 6th, 7th and 8th grade but will be no more than 30. 
 
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 - 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? 
Families have the opportunity to reduce tuition by $600 by opting into the Service Program
during registration and logging hours into the Track-It-Forward app by May 1st. Families opting
out of service will be charged the $600 fee in June. If you have opted into the Service Program
and do not complete and log 60 hours or more by May 1st you will be billed $15 per unfulfilled
service hour.
We appreciate every parent who participates in this program, and rely on attendance to keep
school programs running smoothly.
 
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 sent via email upon review of application with all required documents and assessment screening. 
 
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 mandatory documents are turned into the school. We'll provide you with detailed instructions for each part of the process.