Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions about our school. To help you out, we’ve assembled a list of our most frequently asked questions so you can find the answers all in one place. If you still don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us.
What are the class sizes at St. Kieran Catholic School?
To ensure the highest quality education, we limit classes to 25 students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Our current average class is 20 students.
Does my child have to be Catholic to attend St. Kieran Catholic School?
We welcome students of all faiths. Non-Catholic families who enroll their children in our school appreciate the Catholic faith, values, and prayer taught at the school. They value the atmosphere it provides for their children and are impressed in how it strengthens them spiritually.
Do you accept home-schooled children?
Yes! In fact, St. Kieran’s has many formerly home-schooled children in its student body. The small class sizes, high level of parental involvement, strong academic standards, and vibrant Catholic school atmosphere support their vision for their children’s education. Our teachers work with formerly home-schooled children to ensure an effective transition to a traditional classroom.
Does St. Kieran Catholic School require service hours?
To encourage parental involvement and to keep tuition costs down, St. Kieran Catholic School asks parents to contribute 25 service hours per year, per family; purchase $6,000 of scrip per year; and participate in all school fundraisers.
Does St. Kieran Catholic School offer childcare?
Yes, we offer before and afterschool care from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, when school is in session. We work hard to keep the costs low, and there is no enrollment fee.
How can I stay informed about my child's studies and school events?
School Announcements:
In addition to updating this website often, we communicate school activities, notes, and calendars to parents on a regular basis. Students will also bring notices home.
Contacting the Classroom:
We support and encourage open communication between your home and our teachers. However, we request that parents/guardians do not call the classroom during instructional hours. Parents/guardians may call the office and leave a message for the teacher, or you may email the teacher directly. You’ll find contact information for our teachers and staff on our Staff page.
Email: All St. Kieran teachers check email regularly. Please feel free to communicate to your child’s teacher via email with any questions or comments. Please visit our Staff page for contact information.
Can I visit or volunteer in my child's classroom?
We welcome and encourage parental involvement. If you wish to volunteer, please contact your child’s teacher for specific dates and times. When you arrive at St. Kieran Catholic School to visit or volunteer, please sign in at the school office. We will issue you a visitor or volunteer badge and provide any special instructions. Your participation sets a wonderful example for our students. We appreciate your interest and involvement.
When will I have a conference with my child's teacher?
Parent/teacher conferences provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and unique needs with his or her teacher. We encourage you to work with the teacher in finding the best way to meet your child’s personality and learning style. Consider preparing a list of questions and comments regarding your child’s progress. You will receive notification of scheduled conference dates via student notices and our school calendar. You may also contact your child’s teacher to schedule an appointment whenever you feel the need. Involved parents make a big difference, and we welcome your interest and participation.
What if my child is absent or tardy?
If an absence is unavoidable, please call our school office as soon as possible. Absences and tardiness disrupt learning and can slow or even prevent your child’s success. We encourage you to schedule doctor, dentist, and other appointments during off-school hours.
What is the dress code at St. Kieran Catholic School?
We believe that our students’ appearance is an important part of the learning environment, and that is why our students wear uniforms. We have used uniforms for sale. Our uniform guidelines and free dress guidelines are explained in the family handbook.
What books or supplies does my child need?
We provide all textbooks to our students at no cost. St. Kieran Catholic School students take responsibility for the care of their textbooks. All students are responsible for their own school supplies, and a supply list is available in the school office. We greatly appreciate donations of classroom supplies such as pencils, paper, and notebooks.
What if my child needs medication or becomes ill at school?
Medication
Please complete a Medication Release Form in the school office if your child needs to take any medication during the school day. We do not dispense medication, including Tylenol, at school without a written order from a physician or parent. We request that students keep medicine in the school nurse’s office, in the original prescription container, with the student’s name on it. Students cannot carry around medication at school. The nurse will call your child out of class when it is time to administer approved medication.
Illness
We will notify you if your child becomes ill at school. The best place for an ill child is at home in the care of an adult. The school nurse does not diagnose illnesses. If your child is ill or injured, please consult a doctor before sending your child to school.
What kind of physical education and extra-curricular sports do you provide?
All grades attend two physical education classes per week with an instructor, focusing on fitness and sportsmanship. St. Kieran offers extra-curricular sports as it participates in the Catholic Sports League. Please visit our Athletics page for more information.
- Soccer – grades K-8
- Girls Volleyball – grades 5-8
- Girls Basketball – grades 5-8
- Boys Basketball – grades 5-8
- Boys Flag Football – grades 5-8
What fundraisers are there?
As with all schools, fundraising is necessary to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of education. St. Kieran sponsors school-wide major fundraisers: Golf Tournament, Gala, and Jog-A-Thon. St Kieran also uses Scrip, which provides additional funds for the school.
Do you provide financial aid?
St. Kieran does not provide aid or scholarship programs. Our tuition remains at the lowest rate possible through fundraising efforts and the generosity of our parish; however, we do offer sibling and multi-child discounts.
What are the faculty credentials?
All St. Kieran homeroom teachers have California Credentials.
What are the school hours?
- Kindergarten through eighth grade: 8:15 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. dismissal on the first Friday of each month
How much is tuition?
Please visit our Enrollment & Tuition page for up-to-date tuition rates.