FAQ

HOW MANY STUDENTS ATTEND STA?

2020-21 Enrollment: 307 students in Pre-K through 8th grade

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE?

In K-8, the average class size is 19 students. We generally limit enrollment to 26 students per class in grades 1-8.

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We follow NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) recommendations for Pre-K. An overall ratio of 10-to-1 is maintained with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher in each Pre-K classroom.

WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DO YOU OFFER?

Co-Educational Sports:  Flag Football (4th-8th), Basketball (K-8th), Volleyball (5th-8th) and Track (3rd-8th).

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After-School Programs:  Gospel Choir, Yoga, Guitar and Piano, Science Club, Cooking Club, Acrobatics, and Chess Club are just a few that have been offered recently.  Programs may vary depending on the level of student interest.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE CATHOLIC TO ATTEND STA?

No, we welcome students of all faith backgrounds. As a Catholic school, however, we integrate our faith throughout the day, including daily religion classes. Religion is considered one of the core classes in our students’ curriculum. Students are expected to participate in faith-based activities as part of the overall educational experience.

HOW OFTEN DO STUDENTS ATTEND MASS?

Students K-8 attend an all-school Mass each week and are encouraged to attend Sunday Family Masses. Special Masses are also celebrated throughout the year, e.g. Ash Wednesday. In addition, STA students have the opportunity to participate in many Catholic traditions. They may serve as Lectors, altar servers and as members of a gospel choir at Mass.

WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL'S HOURS?

School is in session from 7:45 am – 3:30 pm for all grades on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. School is in session from 7:45 am – 2:30 pm on Wednesdays.

DO YOU OFFER BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE?

Yes, before school care is available from 7:00 am – 7:45 am and after school care from 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm. Costs are currently $3.00 per fifteen minutes of care per child.  Any part of 15 minutes is considered a quarter-hour and will be charged accordingly.

DO STUDENTS WEAR UNIFORMS?

Yes, students in Pre-K – grade 8 wear uniforms that can be purchased at Martinelli’s in Evergreen Park or Schoolbelles in Bridgeview. Students have the opportunity to dress out of uniform on school spirit days and N.U.T. days (No Uniform Today). Detailed information about STA’s dress code/uniforms is available on the school’s website and is provided to all registered families.

WHAT ARE STUDENT LUNCHES LIKE?

Students may bring lunch from home or purchase a hot lunch provided by the Food Service Professionals Program (FSP). Hot, nutritious, lunches are available each day for participating students. Monthly menus and order forms are distributed to families; lunches are paid for in advance and can now be ordered on-line. Depending on their income, families may apply for free or reduced lunch.

HOW MUCH IS SCHOOL TUITION?

Please refer to the Tuition & Financial Assistance section of our website. Compared to other private schools in the area, we think you’ll find STA’s tuition is quite reasonable. We know you’ll find it a valuable investment in your child’s future.

WHAT ABOUT FUNDRAISING?

Like all private schools, St. Thomas the Apostle utilizes fundraising to help us maintain reasonable tuition rates yet still plan for enhancements to our academic program, building repair and maintenance, and technology upgrades. Families are asked to participate in various fundraising activities of our advancement office: Reach for the STArs annual appeal in the fall and STArry Night, our spring gala.

ARE PARENTS WELCOME AT THE SCHOOL?

Yes, parent participation is considered an integral part of the education process at St. Thomas the Apostle School. Families are asked to complete a service requirement each year to support school events and activities. The Home and School Association is the school's parent organization that helps to lead and plan many community building activities throughout the school year. Parents are also invited to participate in monthly Parent Coffee meetings with the principal.

WHERE DO STA GRADUATES ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL?

Many of our students continue their education at Catholic high schools including Mount Carmel High School,
St. Ignatius College Prep, Seton Academy, Mother McCauley Liberal Arts High School, Josephinum Academy, Brother Rice, Fenwick High School, Marist, St. Rita and De La Salle Institute. Others attend selective Chicago public and private high schools such as Walter Payton College Prep and the Chicago Academy for the Arts.

WHAT IS THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS?

Families first visit the school. After visiting, they will submit a formal Application for Admission along with a recent report card, standardized test scores, birth, and if the child is Catholic, Baptismal certificate. After the application has been reviewed and accepted by the school administration we may request that you interview with the principal. Then we will notify families of acceptance via e-mail detailing the remaining steps including the payment of a registration fee.