Applications are generally accepted during the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week in late January. Open registration is continual; please call the office at 815 478-3951 or check the school website at sjsmanhattan.org.
The priority of accepting new students to the school is: siblings of existing students, registered active St. Joseph parishioners, Catholics where no school is available, other Catholic families, non-Catholics.
Average class size is 15 students. There is a teacher Assistant in our preschool classroom everyday.
A tuition sheet is included in the information packet. Tuition may be paid in ten installments throughout the school year. The cost of tuition is discounted for families with multiple students. Facility and Technology fees are separate. There is a $200 registration fee for all families. Current Families paying the registration fee prior to February 20, receive a 50% discount.
Both half–day and full-day kindergarten programs are offered. *Students can switch programs once, from half to full day or full to half day based on student need.
3 Year-old Pre-school– 2-or 3 half Days 8:30-11:40
4 Year-old Pre-school – Full (8:30 – 3:00) or Half Day (8:30 – 11:40)
3 or 5 days per week.
The St. Joseph Before and After Care Program was implemented to support the parents of working families. Before/After Care Program provides professional care, supervision, recreation, and enrichment activities. This professionally operated program allows children to experience a safe environment beyond the regular school hours. In addition, there is ample time set aside for a start on homework. Before care is open to all students, including preschoolers. After care is open to all full day students. There is no aftercare for half-day students.
Hours of Operation: Mon. – Fri. morning: 7:00 am to 8:20 am
Monday through Friday afternoon: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Registration Fee of $30 per family
1 Child $7.00 per hour
2 Children $10.00 per hour
3 or More Children $13.00 per hour
Our school is equipped with a computer lab and computers in every classroom. All classrooms have wireless Internet access. Classrooms are also equipped with Smart boards and projectors. 2 Carts of new Chrome books and I-pads are available for student use. Kindergarten and preschool students go to the lab and work in centers with I-Pads.
It is our goal to meet the individual needs of all students. The Principal works with parents, teachers, and students who are in need of support services. A part-time School Counselor and Speech Pathologist are also on site.
Two resource teachers are on hand part-time for reinforcement and enrichment.
Art, Music and P.E. classes are all an integral part of the curriculum. Library classes are provided for grades k-4. Aimsweb Math and Reading Progress Monitoring is offered for students in grades K-8. Wilson Reading Program is offered to qualifying students.We are currently piloting I-Ready for the upcoming fall.
Hot Lunch is available to all full-time students. Parent volunteers help run a hot lunch program 3 days a week utilizing food from local restaurants. The meals must be pre-ordered, and are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Pizza is offered twice a month sponsored by PT Joe. All hot lunch is preordered by the month.
Parents are encouraged to be involved. Some examples of volunteering include our lunch program, Room Parents, and as classroom helpers. In kindergarten and preschool, parents are invited to help with centers and even with special projects like baking Fridays and assistance in the computer lab. We love parent involvement.
Fundraising is mandatory for families with students in grades pre K-8. Mandatory fundraising includes selling Lucky Sunday Raffle tickets and 8-10 hours of volunteering annually. Various other events are held but are not mandatory.
Preschool parents are required to sell $300 in Lucky Sunday Raffle tickets. Any extra fundraising can be applied toward school tuition.
Our students rank in the top 10% of the nation in mathematics and reading scores.
The programs of religious instruction include daily prayer, daily religion classes, a weekly child focused liturgy, classroom prayer services, observances of special feasts, opportunities for Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, and preparation for the sacraments. Together we pray the Rosary on the first Friday each month and every Friday in October and May.
Service is important to becoming a Christian adult. St. Joseph students serve others many ways, supporting Manhattan Food Pantry, Operation Care Package, Operation Christmas Child, Shepherd’s Table, and many other personal and world-wide charities as well. Even our youngest students learn the importance of giving to others in need.
We also write to and make cards and gifts to homebound friends in our Parish.
Bus transportation is provided by Manhattan
School District 114 for eligible students. Students must live within the District boundaries and be in a full day program. Bus service is for K-8 students only.