Application FAQ's

2009-03-03T18:33:46Z

We hope that the following information will answer some questions that you might have as you begin to choose a school for your child. If you have any further questions, please contact the school at schoolinfo@mountcarmel.org and we will be pleased to give you additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the school located?
The school is located in Redwood City, in the historic Mount Carmel district, behind Sequoia High School.

What is the maximum class size?
The maximum class size is 35 studetns for all grades.

Are there aides in the classrooms?
Yes. Kindergarten has a full time and part time aide. Grades 2 -3 have a part time aide. Grades 4 – 5 have an aide on an as needed basis.

How old must a child be to apply for Kindergarten?
Students applying for Kindergarten must be aged 5 as of September 1st of the year in which they start school.

What is the length of the Kindergarten day?
Kindergarten is a full time program and the children begin and end their day with the rest of the student body.

Who does the Kindergarten evaluation?
The Kindergarten or Resource teacher will individually assess children entering kindergarten. The first grade teacher or Resource teacher will test students entering first grade, and the classroom teachers or the Resource teacher will test the remaining applicants.

How long does the evaluation take?
All new families will meet with the Pastor and the Principal as part of the application process. For students entering Kindergarten, the assessment lasts between 20 and 25 minutes and takes place while parents are interviewing with the Principal and Pastor. For students entering grade 1 the testing takes about 35 to 45 minutes and for those entering grades 2 through 7 testing times are between 1 hour and 1 hour 45 minutes. For the older applicants, every effort will be made to schedule parent interviews at the same time as the testing.

Is there after school care?
An after school care program is available to all enrolled students.

What is the cost of tuition and other fees?

Plan	One Child	Two children	Three or more
Participating rate	$5,540.00	$10,810.00	$14,690.00
Non participating rate	$7,003.00	$12,273.00	$16,153.00

There is an annual $305.00 non-refundable registration fee per student. There are four payment options available to pay tuition. They are: annual and semiannual payments, (both of which include a discount), quarterly, and a ten-month equal payment plan.

There is a $50.00 non-refundable application fee per student. Families seeking enrollment after June 1st will be subject to an additional application fee. In the event the student is admitted, there will be a $275.00 non-refundable registration fee per student, which is to be paid upon approval of student admittance. Families who choose not to do service hours will be subject to the Non-Participation tuition rate.

Does the school offer tuition assistance?
Yes. The school participates in The Basic Fund, the Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program and has its own Tuition Assistance Program called Adopt a Student. Please contact the school for more information and forms.

Are early applications given priority over later ones?
No, there is open enrollment at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and all applications are reviewed after the initial application deadline for grades 1 through 7, typically mid to late February.

Can I visit the school before submitting my application?
Yes. The school has an Open House on the last Sunday in January each year. At this time you will be able to visit the classrooms and talk to the faculty and administration. You will also have the opportunity to meet with current parents, students, alumi and School Board Members. Additional school tours are available by appointment by calling the Development Office at 650-366-8817 to schedule a tour.

Are the faculty credentialed?
All teachers are credentialed, and the staff have an average length of service of 27 years.

Where do students go after graduation?
On average, 95% of each graduating class chooses to continue their Catholic Education and are accepted into the Catholic College Preparatory High School of their choice, including Bellarmine, Junipero Serra, Mercy, Notre Dame, St Francis and Woodside Priory.