St. Jude School & Preschool

What are the school hours at St. Jude?  The morning bell rings at 7:50 am and the dismissal bell rings at 2:30 pm.  Students may enter the building at 7:30 am.  Early care beginning at 6:30 am for students in grades Kindergarten through 8th (early care for preschool students begins at 7:30 am) and extended care until 6:00 pm is available for a nominal fee for all students in preschool through 8th grade.

Which local school districts provide busing for St. Jude students?  Busing is available for students living in many local school districts including Amherst, Clearview, Elyria, Firelands, Keystone, Midview, Sheffield, Vermilion and Wellington.   On early dismissal days, busing is only available in the afternoon for students living in the Elyria School district.

What documents are required when applying to St. Jude School & Preschool?  Parents/Guardians must submit the following items along with the completed St. Jude School & Preschool Application form: 

1. A copy of their child’s birth certificate
2. A copy of their child’s baptismal certificate
3. A copy of their child’s immunization records
4. A recent photograph of their child

A registration fee of $200 per child for students in grades Kindergarten through 8th is required once the student has been formally accepted.  The registration fee for students in preschool is $130 per child.  The check should be made payable to “St. Jude School”.

What are the uniform requirements for St. Jude Students?   Students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade are required to wear a uniform.  Preschool students wear comfortable play clothes.  On gym days, students in Kindergarten and 1st grade are allowed to wear their gym uniform.  Additional information on the uniforms at St. Jude School can be found in the St. Jude School Handbook which can be accessed by clicking on the tab for the handbook which is located on the right side of this page.

Does St. Jude School & Preschool accept new students during the school year?  If space exists in the grade, St. Jude School & Preschool will consider midyear transfers.

Does St. Jude School & Preschool have programs for students with special needs?  The services of a guidance counselor, a speech and language therapist, a learning disabilities teacher,  and remedial math and reading tutors are available for students attending St. Jude School & Preschool.  Individual and small group instruction is provided for special academic needs at all grade levels.  The educational needs of all students are assessed and periodic evaluations are made utilizing the AimsWeb progress monitoring program.

Is financial assistance available for families attending St. Jude School & Preschool?  Diocesan tuition help is available for families who qualify for financial assistance.  This assistance is awarded through completion of the PSAS form.  The 2012-2013 PSAS form is now available – contact the St. Jude School & Preschool Office at 366-1681 to obtain a form.  Please keep in mind the deadlines for filing the PSAS form:  March 1, 2012 for Round 1 and June 1, 2012 for Round 2.   More aid is typically awarded when submitted prior to the March 1st deadline.  Additionally, it is our hope to provide assistance with the cost of the lunch program to qualifying families for the 2012-2013 school year.  Families must complete a PSAS form in order to be eligible to receive assistance with the lunch program cost. 

Additionally, two scholarships are available through the Office of Catholic Education.  The PSAS form must be completed in order to qualify for both scholarships.  The M. Thomas Moore Family Scholarship Fund awards four annual $500 scholarships for Catholic elementary education.  Eligible students are currently in 1st through 7th grades, and awards are determined based upon scholastic achievement, school involvement and demonstration of positive character traits.  The Bishops’ Scholarship for Excellence awards sixteen $800 scholarships to current 6th and 7th grade students.  A typewritten essay is necessary for application, and applicants need letters of recommendation from two teachers.  Both scholarships have a submission deadline of March 1st to the St. Jude Principal.  Applications are available in the school office.

St. Jude parents may also utilize the St. Jude Certificate Program to reduce their tuition.  See the St. Jude Certificate Program page of this website for more information on this fundraiser.

How is Religion class handled for non-Catholic students?  Religion classes are taught to all students.  The content of the classes is determined by the course of study for the Diocese of Cleveland.  Teachings of the Catholic faith are frequently integrated into other subject areas.  Students are encouraged to be good stewards and are provided with many service opportunities throughout the year.  Students in grades 6 through 8 are required to complete a minimum of 5 service hours each quarter as part of their Religion class.

Students in grades 1-8 attend Mass once a week.  Kindergarten students attend Mass with their 8th grade buddies on holy days and other special Masses throughout the school year.

Does St. Jude School & Preschool have a hot lunch program?  During the 2011/2012 school year, St. Jude introduced a unique alternative to the standard hot lunch program found in many schools.  Driven by concern for our students’ health, we implemented a lunch program that provides a variety of nutritious choices for the students to select each day.  Lunch options include fresh fruit, salads, soups and whole grain pastas.  Smaller portions are available for the younger students.  Students purchase their items from the school lunch kiosk using reloadable lunch cards, and adult lunch supervisors assist the students as needed with heating their items.

Are there volunteer opportunities for parents at St. Jude School & Preschool?   Parent volunteers are always welcome at St. Jude School & Preschool!  We have an active Parent Club which provides limitless opportunities for parents to become involved throughout the school year.  For more information on the St. Jude Parent Club, send an email to sjsparentclub@gmail.com.   In addition to helping with Parent Club, volunteers are welcome throughout the school year by classroom teachers and specials teachers on an as needed basis.

Are there activities outside of the school day that provide families with the opportunity to socialize with other families?  There are many opportunities for families to get to know other families at St. Jude School & Preschool!  St. Jude Church has monthly family masses followed by an organized fun activity.  In addition, the St. Jude Parent Club organizes a Family Halloween Dance in the fall and a Family Fun Night in the winter.  CYO sports and Boy/Girl Scout events also provide families with the opportunity to meet other St. Jude families.