Jesus Christ and life in the Holy Spirit are presented in all subjects in Catholic schools

 

Consider this…

Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person.  The past is forgotten, and everything is new.  God has done it all! 
He sent Christ to make peace between Himself and us, and He has given us the work of making peace between Himself and others.  

2 Corinthians 5:17-18

 
Accreditation
All of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the New Mexico State Department of Education.  Faculty (except substitute teachers) must qualify for state licensing to teach in our schools.  See the
Personnel page for more information about requirements for faculty. 

Enrollment Procedures
Because the Catholic schools are owned by and oriented for the Roman Catholic Church, admissions preference is given to Catholic parishioners; other students are welcome after the needs of the parishes are met.  Each school sets its own tuition rates and enrollment procedures following guidelines set by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Catholic Schools Office.

Enrollment for continuing students takes place the third week of January.  After this, the schools offer open enrollment to new students.  For grades that may be filled, most schools offer a wait list. Parents should contact their school of choice for information on enrollment dates, tuition and registration costs, pre-qualification testing, wait lists, and other information pertinent to admissions.  (See the Directory page for a list of schools.)  Archdiocesan policy restricts the schools from accepting new students after the ninth week of the school year unless the student transfers from another city or state or special permission is obtained from the superintendent.

Ages of Admission
Based on state guidelines (NMSA 22-8-2), a student entering kindergarten must be at least five years of age prior to 12:01 a.m. on September  1 of the school year.  The same deadline affects students who wish to enroll in a Catholic school that offers a pre-kindergarten program:  students must be at least four years of age prior to 12:01 a.m. on September 1 of the school year.  The Catholic schools do not vary from this requirement, except in the case of a student transferring from another state where the age requirement is different.

Catholicity
To carry out the mission and philosophy of Catholic education, each school endeavors to develop a community atmosphere that is rich in spirituality, mutual respect and charity. Religion is taught as part of each regular school day and Catholic Christian principles permeate the curriculum.  A spiritual theme selected by the schools each year becomes the focus of liturgies, faculty meetings and community service projects.  Since all faculty are considered to be catechists, they are required to earn basic-level certification in the "Formation For Christian Service" program by the conclusion of their fourth year of employment.  All students and employees are expected to attend liturgies and respect the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, regardless of their personal religious affiliation. 

Discipline
Christian behavior is expected of every student and is reinforced by the faculty and staff.  Self-discipline guided by Gospel values provides an environment where teachers can spend their time teaching, and students can attend to the lessons being taught.  Assignments are to be completed on time, and parents are notified when students do not meet behavior expectations.  Parents are required to read and discuss the school's policy handbook with their child and to sign a cover page as verification of having done so and acceptance of the policies.