Where will the proposed new elementary school be located?
The proposed new school will be located at St. Robert of Newminster Parish in Ada, with primary enrollment coming from the southeast suburban Grand Rapids area.
The newly proposed school will be an “independent Catholic school,” not a parish school. What is the difference?
Parish schools are operated and funded by a specific parish and are the direct responsibility of the local pastor on behalf of the bishop in the diocese. An independent Catholic school is owned and operated by an entity or group (a state non-for-profit corporation) that is legally distinct from the diocese, but is formally recognized as “Catholic” by the bishop according to the Requirements for Recognition and Approval of an Independent Catholic School within the Diocese.
As this newly proposed school will be located at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, the pastor will oversee the spiritual and pastoral care of the students, but will not be directly responsible for the administration or financial oversight of school operations. Because of the placement of the independent school within the parish facilities, the parish and school will abide by a carefully crafted agreement on the school’s use of the parish facilities and premises. The school will lease space from the parish and will share designated expenses according to this agreement.
Since this is not a parish or diocesan school, how will its Catholic identity be assured?
The school will need to fulfill the ongoing Requirements for Recognition and Approval of an Independent Catholic School within the Diocese. Also, the pastor of St. Robert of Newminster Parish will work with the school to oversee the spiritual and pastoral care of its students and staff. The school will embrace and exemplify the teaching and tradition of the Church in areas of virtue, life, Scripture, the sacraments, and social teaching. A strong Catholic identity will be present in all aspects of the school experience.
When will the newly proposed school open?
The newly proposed school is being planned to begin operations at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, provided the feasibility study indicates moving forward.
What grades will be available if the new school opens?
The newly proposed elementary school will begin with a preschool and kindergarten program. Grades 1 and 2 could possibly open in the first year if there is a high level of enrollment indicated in the feasibility study. The school will continue to add one grade per year through grade 8.
How much will it cost (tuition) to have my child attend the new school?
While the actual tuition rate has not been established at this time, every effort will be made to ensure the school is financially prudent and affordable for families. Financial support for families will be offered based on need.
We are members of St. Robert of Newminster Parish; will we get a “parishioner” tuition rate?
Tuition rates have not yet been established. Generally, parishioner families from any Catholic parish are able to attend a Catholic school at a parishioner rate of tuition.
What will the curriculum and academic programs be at the new school?
An excellent academic curriculum will be provided resulting in solid preparation for high school, with a particular focus in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The academic program will provide support services for students with diverse learning abilities. Other programs being assessed and considered include World Languages (other than English), an International Baccalaureate Programme, advanced classes for middle school, a Montessori program, a Classical Catholic program, and part-time courses for homeschoolers. The level of interest expressed through the new school feasibility study will help to determine the potential for these types of programs.
Will cocurricular and other student activities be part of the school program?
An array of cocurricular and student activities will be available for students that are age appropriate. These include innovative technologies, athletics, fine arts, learning through service, and more. Final offerings will be determined based on the level of interest assessed through the feasibility study.
We may need before/after school extended care for our child. Will this be available?
Child care and extended child care (before/after school/summer) programs are being assessed and the level of interest expressed in the feasibility study will help determine the potential for these services.
See the original announcement of the proposed independent Catholic elementary school at this link.