Admissions Policy

St. Frances Cabrini School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, athletic, and other school administered programs.
 

A child entering St. Frances Cabrini School must meet the age requirement as stipulated in the State Department of Education Bulletin 741. 
Pre-Kindergarten, 3 or 4 year old, Placement
By September 30th of the current school year, a student entering:

• Pre-K 3 must be three (3) years of age
• Pre-K 4 must be four (4) years of age

• Those students who are already enrolled in the first grade in a certified school will be placed in first grade.
• Those students who are at least six years of age prior to January of the year pending, who attend private Kindergarten, and who meet the Diocese of Alexandria Catholic Schools promotion requirements for kindergarten will be placed in first grade.
• Those students who are at least six years of age prior to January of the year ending and have not attended Kindergarten but meet the Diocese of Alexandria Catholic Schools promotion requirements for Kindergarten or who have other exceptionalities will be placed in first grade.

Registration of all students for the fall term begins at the end of January each year.  New students for the current year are welcomed throughout the year, space permitting.

The following documents are required of all students before registration is com­plete:

• Certificate of Baptism (Catholic applicants)
• Official STATE Birth Certificate (NOT hospital record of birth)
• Immunization records signed by the Health Unit or doctor (Card No. MCH-14).  *All students entering SFCS must have current immunizations.  The only exemption to the policy is in the event that a student has an illness that would compromise his/her life by being immunized.
• Social Security Card and Medicaid Card (if applicable)
• Verification of active parish affiliation from your Pastor
• Custodial Papers when applicable
• Record of IEP (if applicable)

• In addition to the above re­quirements, all new students must present a copy of the current report card and standardized test results.  New students are evaluated on the basis of these two items to determine whether the program at SFCS will meet the educational needs of the students.
• All new students will be given a trial period of not less than one semester in which to prove himself/herself both socially and academically.  If during this trial period, there are any problems, a student may be asked to withdraw his/her attendance at SFCS.  The decision of the school is final.

A registration form must be filled out and submitted in a timely manner to the school, along with the registration fee, prior to a student’s being considered by school for admission.

As openings become available, priority will be given to:

• Children currently attending St. Frances Cabrini School;
• Siblings of children currently attending SFCS;
• Children of SFCS staff members;
• Children of parents/guardians who are registered members of St. Frances Cabrini Parish based on tenure in the parish;
• Children of parishioners of other Catholic parishes;
• And the general public.

The faith life of students at St. Frances Cabrini School is the most important reason for its existence.  Our school is an extension of the Church to which its members belong.  The faith of students enrolled at our Catholic School is nurtured by being a member of the school family.  In addition, the faith life of the school family should also be lived out in their respective church parishes.  Therefore, our registration policies give preference to families that can substantiate their active participation in their church parish.  Active participation means families have demonstrated regular attendance in their church parish.
 

An integral part of the educational philosophy of St. Frances Cabrini School is the conviction that the school assists the parents/guardians in carrying out their primary responsibility of providing for the religious and secular education of their children.  Therefore, it is your right and your duty to become the primary role models for the development of your child’s life – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically.

As partners in the educational process at SFCS, we ask parents:
-To set rules, times, and limits so that your child:

• Gets to bed early on school nights;
• Arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day;
• Is dressed according to the school dress code;
• Completes assignments on time.

-To actively participate in school activities such as Parent-Teacher Conferences;
-To meet all financial obligations to the school;
-To inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health;
-To complete and return to school any requested information promptly;
-To read school notes and newsletters and to show interest in the student’s total education;
-To support the religious and educational goals of the school;
-To attend Mass and teach the Catholic faith by word and example;
-To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school;
-To treat teachers with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems;
-To not post negative comments about students, teachers, or the administration on social media.

An ongoing positive working relationship between the parents/guardians and the school is critical to the success of the school and the students. Your choice of St. Frances Cabrini School involves a commitment and exhibits a concern for helping your child to recognize God as the greatest good in his/her life.  Good example is the strongest teacher.  Your personal relationship with God, with each other, and with the Church community will affect the way your child relates to God and others.  

Having chosen to enter into a partnership with us at SFCS, we trust you will be loyal to this commitment.  To divide authority between school and home or within the home will only teach disrespect of all authority.  If there is an incident at school, you as parents must investigate the complete story as your first step, understanding that the school can only discuss your child with you.  Evidence of mutual respect between parents and teachers will model good mature behavior and relationships.  Talking negatively about a child’s teacher at home will only create an attitude of distrust toward the teacher, the school, and the parent.

While SFCS encourages the constructive exchange of ideas, feedback, and suggestions intended to foster the continued growth and improvement of the school, SFCS is ultimately responsible for the orderly administration and operation of the school, including the policies and procedures implemented to achieve the school’s goals.  Thus, St. Frances Cabrini School reserves the right to terminate the enrollment of any student(s) if it is determined by the school’s administration that (1) a positive working relationship between the school and the parents/guardians no longer exists and/or is irreparably damaged, or (2) that the parents/guardians have failed to provide the support and assistance necessary for the religious and secular education to which each child is entitled.  Furthermore, failure on the part of any student and/or parent/guardian to abide by the rules, regulations, and policies as outlined in the school handbook may result in termination of the student’s enrollment from the school.