SAINT ZACHARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building a Foundation for Faith, Family and Academics

(847) 437-4022 • www.saintzacharyschool.org • 567 West Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Letter From Our Pastor January, 2020

Dear Parents,

Providing a Catholic education is one of a parent’s most important duties. I am glad you are considering Saint Zachary Catholic School for your children. We are a school where faith, family, and academics are all part of the educational process.

Academically, we provide a solid elementary education. Our students receive a firm foundation that prepares them for high school and then life beyond.

A Catholic education is a collaborative effort between family and school. At Saint Zachary Catholic School, we encourage and expect parental involvement in all aspects of a student’s education. In addition, we endeavor to create a family atmosphere in our school. Our small class size permits personal attention to the educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of collaboration and respect.

What really makes Saint Zachary School unique is our faith. We are a Catholic school, and we are proud of it. Our students learn how to live out our Catholic faith. Gospel values and following Jesus are incorporated into all that we do. Our students practice the great commandments: love God and love your neighbor. They help each other and treat each other with dignity and respect. As their Pastor, I am most proud of the living and active faith of our students.

Peace, Father Piotr Rapcia, Pastor

SAINTZACHARYCATHOLICSCHOOLBuilding a Foundation for Faith, Family and Academics

(847) 437-4022 • www.saintzacharyschool.org • 567 West Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

2020 – 2021 Tuition and Fees

3 or 4-Year-Old Half Day Preschool Combined (AM or PM class) $3,212.00

3 or 4-Year Old Full Day Prekindergarten $5,935.00

Kindergarten through 8th Grade $6,035.00

Registration Fee, per family (non-refundable): $300.00

Tuition and fees are billed and processed via FACTS Management. The sum total of tuition and fees are paid according to the terms selected with FACTS. Families will create an account, select payment method and payment plan at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/41B71.

Fundraising is an important aspect of maintaining the school’s finances. Each family is required to purchase a case of World’s Finest Chocolates for $60 and purchase two tickets to our Green and Gold Spring Fling Silent Auction and Dinner Dance for a total of $60.

Family involvement is also vital to our school’s success. We look forward to working with our families throughout the school year to make our events and activities the best they can be for our students and families. There are a number of opportunities available for families to share their time and talent. Each family is required to donate 15 hours of volunteer hours during the school year. If volunteer hours are not completed by April 30, 2021, FACTS will be billed $300.

Please inquire about tuition rates for multiple student families, as well as tuition assistance available for students enrolled in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Nominal fees for sacrament years and graduation apply.

SAINT ZACHARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Building a Foundation for Faith, Family and Academics

(847) 437-4022 • www.saintzacharyschool.org • 567 West Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Fact Sheet 2019 – 2020 History & Mission

St. Zachary has a 57-year commitment to providing Catholic - Christian Education which develops the whole person, body, mind

and spirit.

We are dedicated to partnering with parents in modeling Christ, thereby combining Catholic faith and teachings with academic

excellence.

Students develop their own personal relationship with God in a culture of meaningful and continuous learning.

Beliefs, attitudes and values are shaped in accordance with the Gospel and within the Catholic tradition, thereby fostering

service minded and value based decision making.

School Community

St. Zachary provides a safe and welcoming environment to all. Students come from over eight different cities and numerous

social, economic and cultural backgrounds.

There is a diverse student body which includes Asian, African-American, Hispanic and Caucasian races and ethnicities.

25 % of our staff hold Advanced Degrees.

Four current faculty members have 10+ years of service.

Our school is a secure campus with buzzed-in office doors and security cameras.

St. Zachary offers a variety of co-curricular sports, clubs and organizations. Our sports program has a no cut policy.

Highlights

We offer 3 and 4-year old half day Preschool with both AM and PM classes.

Full-day Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten is offered.

Extended day program with both before and after school programs are available to full-day students.

Dedicated technology to support and enhance curriculum includes Chrome books, iPads, and Interactive White Boards.

High School district placement tests and Aspire scores pave the way for Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes following

graduation from St. Zachary.

Our graduates continue their educational success at a variety of High Schools such as Saint Viator, Loyola Academy, Notre

Dame, Maine West, Elk Grove, Prospect, Stevenson, New Trier and Rolling Meadows.

SAINT ZACHARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building a Foundation for Faith, Family and Academics

(847) 437-4022 • www.saintzacharyschool.org • 567 West Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Frequently Asked Questions

What grades does St. Zachary School serve?

We serve students beginning with 3 and 4 year old Preschool through 8th grade. For half day combined preschool, children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st. For 3 year old full day Prekindergarten, children must be 3 years old by September 1st. For 4 year old full day Prekindergarten, children must be 4 years old by September 1st. For Kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by September 1st.

Do you have a website?

Yes, we have a website and we hope you will visit us to learn more about our great school. Our website: www.saintzacharyschool.org

What are the school hours?

Full day Prekindergarten through 8th grade: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Preschool 3 and 4 year old combined (AM class): 8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Preschool 3 and 4 year old combined (PM class): 12:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Should my Preschool or Prekindergarten child be able to use the bathroom on their own?

Yes, all Preschool and Prekindergarten children must be able to use the bathroom on their own by the first day of school. Pull-ups are not allowed.

What are your tuition rates?

Tuition rates for the current school year are included with our Open House materials and may also be obtained through our school office and website. Nominal increases occur year to year. Our one child tuition rate remains among the lowest in comparison to surrounding Catholic Schools.

Are tuition scholarships available?

Tuition scholarships are available for Kindergarten through 8th grade based on financial need. Our goal is to help make a Catholic education available to all families who would like to send their children to Saint Zachary School.

How do I apply for tuition scholarships?

Applications for tuition scholarships are available online. Applications are processed by an independent outside firm and must be accompanied with a required nominal processing fee. Please see schools.archchicago.org//tax-credit-scholarships for information regarding the Invest In Kids Act.

SAINT ZACHARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building a Foundation for Faith, Family and Academics

(847) 437-4022 • www.saintzacharyschool.org • 567 West Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Do I have to be Catholic?

No, your family does not have to be Catholic to attend Saint Zachary School. Our curriculum incorporates Catholic Christian teachings and non-Catholic students are welcome at our school.

Do I have to live within certain geographical boundaries to attend Saint Zachary School?

No, our students come from many different neighborhoods and towns. Tuition rates are the same for Parishioners and non-Parishioners alike. Do you offer a before and after school Extended Day Program?

We are happy to offer an extended day program (EDP) for our students. Our program is available to any full day student in Prekindergarten through 8th grade. EDP is not available for our half day Preschool students. EDP is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the morning and then from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the afternoon/evening. The cost varies depending on the number of children IN YOUR FAMILY enrolled and the number of days per week YOU UTILIZE the program. Please visit our website for more specific costs for our EDP. Is a Hot Lunch Program offered?

Yes, we have a hot lunch program available to all full day students. Applications for free and/or reduced lunch are available at the beginning of the school year. Do your students wear uniforms?

Uniforms are required for our students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Preschool and Prekindergarten students are not required to wear uniforms. On gym days students wear their gym uniforms. Occasionally, non-uniform days are allowed. Do you require any testing for students before admission?

No, there is usually not any type of entrance testing for new students. However, this is at the discretion of the Principal. What if I have specific questions regarding your curriculum?

We look forward to answering any questions you may have concerning our curriculum. Please contact our school office so we may arrange for you to meet with that specific classroom teacher. What high schools do our graduates usually attend?

Our graduates typically attend Saint Viator, Loyola, Notre Dame for Boys, Elk Grove, Prospect and Maine West High Schools. How do I register?

Registration must be done in person in our school office. You will fill out our Application for Admission at this time. You are required to present an original birth certificate for your child(ren), their baptismal certificate and a non-refundable registration fee. Registration begins the last week of January for the next school year. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

Saint Zachary Catholic School Building a Foundation for Faith, Family, and Academics

Application for Admission

Admission Process

Submit these items for admission review:

■ Please complete one form for each child applying. ■ Include the original birth certificate and a copy of a baptismal certificate (Catholic). ■ Report cards from previous school should be included for transfer applicants, grade 1 through 7. ■ Tuition Scholarships are available, see page 2 or contact the principal. ■ Vaccination records are due on or before the first day of school. ■ A non-refundable Registration Fee per family should accompany your application.

Registration Fees are as follows: ● $300 if submitted on or before 2/14/20

● $400 if submitted after 2/14/20

567 West Algonquin | Des Plaines, IL 60016 | Phone (847) 437-4022 | Fax (847) 758-1064

www.saintzacharyschool.org

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Applicant Information: Please complete one form for each child applying. Thank you.

Applying for Grade Academic Year

Student name (last, first, middle) Nickname, if any

Male Female Date of birth Place of birth (city, state or country)

Address

Phone Number Religion

Baptismal information if applicable (date, church, city and state)

Last school attended (name, city and state)

Race:

American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Hispanic or Latino Middle Eastern Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander White Two or more races

Primary language spoken at home Secondary language spoken at home

Medical or surgical conditions we should be aware of: yes no If yes, please explain

Family Information:

Primary Email Primary Phone Number

Parent/Guardian #1 Name Cell Phone

Email

Occupation Employer Work Phone

Parent/Guardian #2 Name Cell Phone

Email

Occupation Employer Work Phone

Student lives with: Both parents Mother Father

If applicant does not live with both parents in one household, please describe living arrangements:

School District Number 59 62 Other (please specify)

Public school student would attend:

Who will be financially responsible for the education of this child?

Would you like us to send you information about Tuition Scholarships? Yes No (applying for a Tuition Scholarship has no

bearing on admissions decisions)

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Please indicate to whom all school communications should be directed: Mr. & Mrs. Mr. Ms. Miss Other

Sibling Information:

1. Sibling’s Full Name

Birth Date Grade Current School

2. Sibling’s Full Name

Birth Date Grade Current School

School Information:

Student’s Current School/Preschool Current Grade

Dates Attended

School’s Address School’s Phone

How did you hear about St. Zachary School?

Parishioner Status:

Are you a St. Zachary Parishioner? Yes No If no, please list Parish name:

Submission:

N Non-refundable Registration Fee per family is enclosed. A copy of the most recent report card is enclosed. (for grades 1-7 only)

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

St. Zachary School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national origin in the administration of admissions and educational policies, tuition scholarships, or other school-related activities. Demographic information (e.g. race) is requested for Archdiocesan reporting purposes. It is not used in the admission decision.

Program Selection on next page>

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Program Selection:

Please indicate your preference in classes. We offer a variety of options and do our best to honor your requests upon admission. Enrollment in a specific classroom is not guaranteed.

Early Childhood

Child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st of the beginning of the school year.

3 & 4 year old Preschool Combined Morning Class Monday through Friday (8:00 AM - 10:45 AM)

3 & 4 year old Preschool Combined Afternoon Class Monday through Friday (12:15 PM - 3:00 PM)

3 year old Full Day Prekindergarten Program Monday through Friday (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

4 year old Full Day Prekindergarten Program Monday through Friday (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

Kindergarten Program

Child must be 5 years old by September 1st.

Full Day Program Monday through Friday (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

For office use only: Saint Zachary Catholic School

Date Received Check #

Check Amount Parishioner Status

567 West Algonquin | Des Plaines, IL 60016 | Phone (847) 437-4022 | Fax (847) 758-1064

www.saintzacharyschool.org