About Catholic Elementary Schools

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is fortunate to have 121 Catholic elementary schools located throughout the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and the ten surrounding counties. These schools educate over 35,000 students in grades kindergarten through grade eight, although a few schools vary from this grade configuration. Many of the schools offer pre-school programs as well.

Catholic elementary schools offer vibrant religious education programs grounded in Catholic teachings and rich in Catholic tradition. The religion program includes religion education classes, sacramental preparation, liturgical and prayer experiences, and opportunities for Christian witness and service. The Catholic elementary schools in St. Louis are also proud of their strong academic programs that incorporate instruction in all the subject areas including the fine arts and physical education/health. Technology is woven into the instructional program. In addition, most schools offer a variety of rich extra-curricular experiences.

Vision Statement

Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis reflect a visible faith community. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, these schools are enriched by Catholic tradition and lived Gospel values and are enhanced by the celebration of liturgy, sacrament, and prayer. They further the children’s knowledge and practice of their faith and guide them to serve others through the use of their gifts and talents. They foster a safe and secure environment in which the children can grow.

Catholic elementary schools are child-centered and are committed to providing strong academic and developmental programs which enable children to grow to their full potential. They empower the children to meet the challenges of living in an ever-changing racially and culturally diverse world. The faculty and staff of these schools are faith-filled, dedicated, knowledgeable and competent in their professions, and strive to meet the individual needs of the children. These schools are sensitive to family issues and encourage parents/guardians to fulfill their role as the first educators of their children.

Types of Schools

Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis are organized as parish/inter-parish schools and private schools.

Parish Elementary Schools
Parish elementary schools are those schools whose administration and funds are under parish governance. Usually these schools serve students living within the parish boundaries. These schools may also include students from adjoining parishes that do not have schools or Catholic or non-Catholic transfer students from other schools, as permitted by the local admissions policy.

Consolidated Elementary Schools
Consolidated elementary schools are those inter-parish schools where two or more parishes have entered into a formal agreement to offer Catholic schooling at a site or sites agreed upon by the parishes involved. The administration and funds of such schools are under the joint governance of the parishes involved. The participating parishes share membership on the school board and financial responsibility for the support of the school operation. In the case of a consolidated school one of the pastors assumes the role of the “designated pastor” of the school.

Merged Elementary Schools
A merged parish school is an inter-parish school formed when a parish has made a formal agreement to sponsor and send students to another designated parish school. When this occurs, parishioners from both parishes are represented on the school board. Parishes that enter into a formal agreement with another parish school work out the financial arrangements and sponsorship with those parishes participating. The administration and funds of such schools are under the control of the receiving parish, unless otherwise designated in the formal agreement between the parishes.

Private Elementary and Middle Schools
Private elementary and middle schools are governed and operated by a religious community or an organization other than the Archdiocese or a parish. The religious congregation or the organization has been recognized by the Ordinary of the Archdiocese. These schools are responsible for complying with Archdiocesan policies in regard to religious education.

Admission

Parents/guardians wishing to enroll their children in a Catholic elementary school must apply for admission at the local school.

Requirements for Admission
Catholic schools are unique expressions of the Church’s effort to bring students into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Central to the school is the understanding of the Catholic tradition and growth in faith. Academic excellence and a disciplined formation will also be desired goals of the Catholic school. Parents wishing to enroll their children in a Catholic school must understand and agree to the purposes of the Catholic school.

Admission to a Catholic elementary school at any point of entry is contingent upon:

• the family’s desire for this special kind of school where Catholic teaching and moral formation are an integral part of the school;
• the child’s fulfillment of the age requirements listed below: For admission to kindergarten, the child should be five years of age before August 1. For admission to first grade, the child should be six years of age before August 1.
• the school’s ability to meet the student’s educational needs;
• the parent’s willingness to accept the financial responsibilities of attending the school.

Registration in the Elementary School
The principal, according to the admission policies established by the pastor and/or the board, will register students to the school according to the norms set by the parish board of education, the Archdiocesan Board of Education and accepted educational procedures.

The registration process includes:

• completion of a registration form;
• verification of the date of birth by a review of the birth certificate or baptismal certificate;
• verification of the dates of other sacramental celebrations;
• verification of custody arrangements in cases in which the parents of the student are divorced.

For additional information contact:

Department of Elementary Schools
Catholic Education Office
4445 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis MO 63108
314.792.7330
stlelemsupt@archstl.org