Personal attention for every family is important to us during the admission process. The Admission Office staff is always available for questions to help our prospective families during this time. The following guidelines will be helpful in navigating the admission process at SJA.
· Parents are encouraged to visit St. James Academy during an open house or schedule a personal tour. In addition, a parent interview is required to provide the parents and Admission Office with an opportunity to discuss the SJA educational philosophy and program.
· Both sides of the Application for Admission should be completed in full and returned to the Academy Office with the testing fee. Although there is a rolling admission policy, it is beneficial to return completed applications to the school office by January 15. When the application and fee are received, you will be notified in December, by mail of the admission testing date and / or visitation day at St. James Academy. All Kindergarten applicants must be age 5 by September 1st. Admission to SJA Kindergarten students with a birth date following September 1st may be considered at parent/guardian request. Early admission decisions will be based solely on child-demonstrated capabilities as determined by the SJA Admission Committee.
· Upon receipt of the application, a letter scheduling testing for your child will be sent to you in December. Enclosed will be a Release of Records form and Common Referral form(s). The Release of Records form should be completed and signed by the parent(s). Both forms should be given to the student’s current school for completion. All correspondence must be sent directly to St. James Academy from the current school.
· For Applicants entering Kindergarten-Grade 8: To apply for financial assistance, please use the following link to apply sss.nais.org or request a financial assistance packet, which includes a Parent Financial Statement, from the Admission Office. Applications for financial assistance are processed confidentially through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid. The PFS must be mailed by January 15th to assure processing for consideration at the February Finance Committee meeting. Financial assistance is awarded on the basis of need and in no way affects admission status.
· Following your child’s visit to the Academy, completion of testing, receipt of current school records, a Common Referral form(s) from the child’s current teacher(s), and a parent / guardian interview, your child’s complete admission file will be reviewed by the Admission Committee.
· Parents will be notified by March 1 of the Admission Committee’s decision, and financial aid awards, shortly thereafter.
· Upon acceptance, please return the contract and a nonrefundable deposit by April 1 to reserve a place for your child at St. James Academy.
· Tuition may be paid semi-annually, annually, or monthly. There is an annual service fee due for monthly tuition payments. Tuition refund insurance is optional to all families but is mandatory for those paying monthly.
· It is the policy of St. James Academy that a child be enrolled for the entire school year. If a child is withdrawn from the Academy any time after July 1 of the contract year, any unpaid portion of the year’s tuition will be the responsibility of the parents as stated in the enrollment contract.
· Application & Testing Fee: Kindergarten $60.00
Prefirst-Grade 8 $90.00
Please do not hesitate to contact Dianne Fowler or Ellen Murray in the Admission Office at 410.329.3292 or admission office