Admissions

Admissions Welcome
How To Apply
Events & Deadlines		 Tuition & Fees; Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Admissions

Welcome

Dear Prospective Family,

Welcome to Saint Benedict Catholic School! We are honored that you are considering us for your child’s academic development. It is our mission to educate the whole child. Our Latin based curriculum has proven that it can provide your child with an excellent foundation for continued studies. The emphasis on art, music and drama in addition to the core subjects provides a broad context in which the child can learn to think, read, compose and communicate.

Established in 1919 we are in our 93rd year of providing children the best academic foundation in the City of Richmond. Saint Benedict Catholic School has an average enrollment of approximately 200 students from junior kindergarten through eighth grade. We provide an excellent classical education that sets forth the important relationship between faith and reason.

We are blessed with a Neo-Renaissance architecture, and each year we undertake major renovations to provide the best environment for your child. This year we renovated another classroom and the school clinic. During Christmas break we will be making improvements to our art room. We are very proud that our art teachers work not only in our parish school but also at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

This admissions packet will give you an insight into the fine academic program that we can provide for your child. We know that you are the primary educator of your child and we want to assist you in this awesome responsibility.

We invite you to visit Saint Benedict Catholic School. It is here through challenging academics and Catholic formation that we approach learning with joy and virtue and prepare our young students to answer the challenges of their ever changing world.

Please contact our Admissions Office at (804) 254-8850 or email: admissions@saintbenedictschool.org for more information.

Kindest Regards.

Sincerely,

Father James. F. Kauffmann, S.S.L.
Pastor
Saint Benedict Catholic Church

Sean E. Cruess, M.Ed.
Principal
Saint Benedict Catholic School




How To Apply

The following information must be completed in order to be considered for admission to Saint Benedict Catholic School.

SBCS Admissions Packet Admissions Checklist

Please contact Admissions at 804-254-8850 with questions.

Application Process:

  1. Complete application and return with a $50 non-refundable application fee per child. (SBCS Admissions Packet Application)
  2. Provide a copy of applicant’s birth certificate (JrK and K), immunization record and completed clinic health form. (SBCS Admissions Packet Health Clinic Form)
  3. Complete the Transcript Request Form. Information provided by the applicant’s current school. Completed transcript should be mailed directly to the Principal and/or Director of Admissions in a sealed envelope. (SBCS Admissions Packet Transcript Request)
  4. Preschool Reference Form to be completed by the child’s current preschool (K applicants). Form should be turned in directly to Principal and/or Director of Admissions in a sealed envelope. (SBCS Admissions Packet Preschool Evaluation)
  5. Schedule an appointment for the applicant to shadow during a regularly scheduled school day. (Grades 1-8)
  6. Schedule a time for the applicant to complete pre-admission QUIC tests. (Grades 2-8)

Transfer Process

The following documents are required:

  1. Completed Transcript Request Form (as outlined above)
  2. Copy of report card with faculty comments (both current and previous two years).
  3. Standardized test scores (both current and previous two years).
  4. Copy of school entrance physical exam form and completion of clinic health form.
  5. Copy of immunization record.

Please note: Applications with complete documentation are required in order to be eligible for acceptance. As openings become available, families will be notified by mail in regard to their child’s status.

Admissions is not considered complete until the tuition agreement is signed and returned.

Events & Deadlines

November 8, 2012 (Thursday) Open House from 6:45-8:00pm
January 12, 2013 (Saturday) Screening for parish Jrk/K children and school siblings 9:00am
January 27, 2013 (Sunday) Open House from 1:00 – 2:00pm
January 2013 Acceptance letters mailed for January screening
February 2, 2013 (Saturday) Screening for all JrK/K children. 9:00am
February/March 2013 Acceptance letters mailed for February screening
March 1, 2013 (Friday) Financial Aid appplications due
April 2013 Financial Aid Award Letters mailed from Diocese
May 2013 Financial Aid Award Letters mailed from St. Benedict
March through August 2013 Screening by appointment

Tuition & Fees

Grades K-8

Catholic Non-Catholic
1 Student        $4,994
1 Student        $7,089
2 Students        8,788
2 Students        13,728
3 Students        11,024
3 Students        20,426

Junior Kindergarten

Catholic Non-Catholic
(4) 1/2 Days        $2,800
(4) 1/2 Days        $3,800
(4) Full Days        4,000
(4) Full Days        5,000
(1) 1/2 Day          700
(1) 1/2 Day          700
(1) Full Day        1,200
(1) Full Day        1,200
(5) Full Days        4,992
(5) Full Days        6,200

In addition to tuition, there are some additional annual fees for each student. They are as follows:

Classroom Dues: This is a $20/per student fee that is paid once at the beginning of the year. It serves to pay for each grade to support “Feeding the Homeless” as well as the purchase of supplies to make an auction item for the Spring Gala fundraising event.

Technology Fee: Is a $35/per student fee that enables the use of the iPad and its various educational applications.

Uniforms: Uniforms can be purchased through Flynn & O’Hara. They can be contacted either online at www.flynnohara.com or by visiting their Richmond store in the Stein Mart Shopping Center. There are also used uniforms available for purchase throughout the school year. Items are $2/each. Please see front office for more details.

Financial Aid

Applicants for financial aid are coordinated through FACTS. Please refer to the FACTS website to being the application process. Please note all required documentation and deadlines listed on the FACTS website.

Website address: www.factstuitionaid.com

Financial Aid FAQ’s

What are the ways that families afford Saint Benedict Catholic School?
  • 10 or 12 month payment plan
  • Need based financial aid
  • Support from grandparents and other family members
Will applying for financial aid affect my child’s chance for admission?

 

No. A student’s acceptance to school is based on merit without regard to the need for financial aid.

How is my financial aid determined?Financial aid awards are based on available funds, the number of applicants applying for aid, and the financial needs of the family. Once the application has been submitted, the application process through FACTS will take approximately two to four weeks. Please note that once FACTS has established an award amount, the Diocese of Richmond will then review and notify the Principal, Mr. Sean Cruess, of any additional awards. The family will then be notified when a final award amount has been decided.After receiving the financial aid award, we still simply can’t afford the tuition. Is it possible to appeal the financial aid committee’s decision?Our committee will reconsider any written information that was not previously considered. If you feel that you have omitted or not appropriately clarified specific financial information, mention this in your written appeal. All appeals must be received by the school principal, Mr. Sean Cruess within one week of the original award.If we are awarded financial aid this year, will we have to apply for aid each year?Yes, you will. Families of returning student(s) are required to re-apply for financial aid. The deadlines for filing for financial aid are the same for returning students as they are for new students and should be strictly met. It is also imperative that bills from the current school year be paid up to date at the time of applying for financial aid for the next school year.

 

Admissions FAQs

Why choose Saint Benedict Catholic School?
We are dedicated to providing a comprehensive education that aims to develop every capability of every student. Catholic tradition and challenging academics help our students approach learning with joy and virtue, integrating faith and reason, and cherishing the pursuit of wisdom and truth.
Do you have to be Catholic to apply?
Saint Benedict Catholic School is a faith-based school that is open to both Catholic and non-Catholic families. Priority enrollment is standard for siblings of currently-enrolled students, followed by parishioner families, non-parishioner Catholic families, and then non-Catholics.
What grades are offered?
JrK through eighth grade.
What are school hours?
  • 8:10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Note JrK hours vary by program selected)
  • Kindergarten is a full day
  • Before school care is available beginning at 7:30 a.m. (Cost is $1 per student per day)
  • After school care is available until 6 p.m. (Additional cost; full time discounts are given)
Is financial aid available and how/when do I apply?
Need-based financial aid is available (see enclosed info sheet). All applicants for aid are made online at www.factstuitionaid.com. Note: Applications are due in February for the upcoming academic year.
Do you have resources for children who are above grade level or need extra help?
Middle school students will have the opportunity to graduate with high school credits in algebra I, earth science, Latin I, or Spanish I.We are fortunate to have extremely qualified teacher aides who provide additional assistance outside the classroom in grades K-2, as well as licensed Title 1 Resource teachers for all grade levels.

Where do graduates typically attend high school?
As you will see in the school acceptances summary, our students attend both Saint Gertrude High School and Benedictine College Preparatory, in addition to prestigious private and public high schools offering challenging specialty baccalaureate programs.

Contact Us

Thank you for your interest in Saint Benedict Catholic School. We look forward to assisting you with the application process. Please contact Admissions at 804-254-8850 or admissions@saintbenedictschool.org.