Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

admissions policies & procedures

  • Age Requirements (by Illinois State Board of Education requirements):

    • Pre-K3 students must be three years old by September 1st and fully toilet trained.

    • Pre-K4 students must be four years old by September 1st and fully toilet trained.

    • Kindergarten students must be five years old by September 1st.

    • First-grade students must be six years old by September 1st.

    *Ages listed are by September 1st of the school year the student is enrolled.

  • The following records are required for a child to enter St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School:

    • Birth certificate.

    • Baptismal certificate for those who are Catholic.

    • Health records (students must meet state requirements regarding immunization policies before and during their time of attendance at STA).

    • Academic records for children entering Grades 1 – 8 (most recent report cards and standardized test scores if applicable).

    Pre-Kindergarten students must be able to feed and dress themselves, be toilet-trained, and be able to follow simple directions.

    ​Kindergarten students must know basic colors, numbers, the alphabet, fine and gross motor skills, listening and social skills, and following directions.

    The principal must review the records and recommendations of Kindergarten through Grade 8 students. The principal may interview students in Grades 5 through 8 before acceptance.

  • Returning families must complete the online registration form at the start of Catholic Schools Week, make registration payments, and have current health records on file to re-enroll at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School.

    Your child’s spot is NOT guaranteed for any student until these steps are taken.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

The admissions process consists of the following steps: application, acceptance, and registration.

APPLICATION.

  • Visit and Shadow: We ask that families come to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School to receive a tour, and that students shadow a classroom before applying. Shadow days are an excellent opportunity for students to experience life as an STA student.

  • Records and Documents: Provide original or certified copies of your child’s birth certificate, latest report card, latest standardized test scores (if applicable, for example, ISAT, ASPIRE, or NWEA MAP), and baptismal certificate if the child is Catholic.

  • Recommendation Forms: St. Thomas the Apostle will contact your child’s current school for a letter of recommendation from their current teacher or principal. You must provide address information.

  • Parent Interview: After reviewing the application, the principal may request an interview.

All required application documents must be submitted before a decision on acceptance can be made.

ACCEPTANCE.

  • Review: The school administration will review your child’s application file once the application process is complete. Siblings of currently enrolled students are given priority in the registration process.

  • Notification of Acceptance: Families will receive an email from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School containing important registration information.

REGISTRATION.

  • Complete Online Registration Forms: Submit the completed online registration form as soon as possible to guarantee your child’s spot. We will accept registrations after the indicated date based on availability. The link to the form will be sent to you (parent or guardian) upon acceptance. *Please complete the Student Health and Safety Form for each child you register.

  • Submit Required Medical Forms: All forms will be emailed to you as attachments in your acceptance email. All forms should be scanned and returned via email to admissions@stapostleschool.com or turned in to the school office.

  • Certificate of Child Health Examination Form: Complete both pages. It must be signed on both sides by a physician. Parents complete the “Health History” section and sign.

  • Medication Authorization Form: This form is required for all new PreK—Grade 8 students who take medication during the school day.

  • Dental Exam Form: This form is required for new PreK–Grade 8 students. Please make sure the dentist signs and dates it.

  • Vision Screening/Exam Form: A vision screening or exam is required for new PreK and Kindergarten–Grade 8 students.

  • Payment: New families can make registration and materials fee payments through FACTS.

  • Register on FACTS Tuition Management System: Set up your tuition and payment schedule. Your first tuition payment is expected to be made within the first two weeks of the school year.

  • All new families must attend a New Parent Orientation before the start of the school year. 

Registration is final ONLY when all completed documents and initial payments are received. Enrollment is not finalized until all documents and fees are submitted. We urge families to complete the process immediately to guarantee enrollment.

Students who do not complete registration by the first day of school may start later. Once your child’s registration is complete, our school office staff will contact you to coordinate the day your child will start school.

VISIT US TODAY!

In-person tours will be offered beginning on February 3, 2023. Please sign up in advance using the form linked below. Families who attend an in-person tour must wear a face mask.

Student shadow visits are currently not offered. We will update this page when we can offer them again.

Tour and Shadow Visits

Tours and shadow visits allow prospective families to experience a typical day at STA. All families are encouraged to attend a parent tour and have their child(ren) complete a shadow visit before receiving an application for admission. Please note: Shadow visits are not available at this time. 
We will update this page when we offer the opportunity to shadow at STA again.​

Students who shadow will shadow in the classroom for their current grade level on the day of their visit.

Pre-K & Kindergarten: Students will shadow for one hour while their parents tour the school. Students and parents should arrive at the office 15 minutes before their tour time. Families who show up late may need to reschedule their visit.

1st—8th Grade: Students shadow for the entire school day. Parents are encouraged to tour on the same day as their child’s shadow day. Students shadowing in 1st—8th grades must arrive at the school office by 8:15 am. Parents should plan to arrive 15 minutes before their tour time. Families who show up late may need to reschedule their visit.

Families should sign up for these visits in advance. We look forward to your visit!