Admissions

Admission Policy

It is the intent of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish that enrollment is open to all members of the community. In the event that an entry level classroom (preschool and kindergarten) is approaching the maximum student capacity, the children of parishioners maintain enrollment priority at entry levels and the children of parishioners and non-parishioners who are already attending St. Thomas School in grades 1-8 retain the priority of their place.

Admissions Process

A new family seeking registration at St. Thomas School initiates the admissions process by contacting the school, and introductory information is extended. The mission, beliefs, curricular and co-curricular programs are discussed with the parent and a tour of the school and/or classroom visitation are offered. For preschool and kindergarten, registration materials are provided. For grades 1-8 an Admissions Questionnaire (PDF) must be completed by the parent for use by the school in determining if an appropriate placement can be made. Placement decisions will be made in consultation with parents, the child’s previous school, and St. Thomas teachers. Placement decisions will be made by the principal and communicated to the parents. When an appropriate placement is determined, registration forms are provided.

To begin school as a preschooler in either the three or four year old programs, the child must be three or four respectively by September 1. Exceptions may be made when class size allows. A physical examination, within a year prior to the first day of school is required, and all required immunizations are complete.

To begin school as a kindergartener, a child must be five (5) years old on or before the date specified by the State of Michigan Department of Education. A physical examination, within a year prior to the first day of school is required, and all required immunizations must be complete. The parents and teacher must agree that the child meets commonly held kindergarten readiness criteria.

Registration

A non-refundable fee is paid at the time of registration. Enrollment is not finalized until the fee is received and accepted by the parish office. When the number seeking enrollment is greater than the number of available openings, students will be admitted according to the following priorities:

  1. Children of parishioners currently enrolled (P-8).
  2. Children of parishioners seeking entry level enrollment (Preschool and Kindergarten).
  3. Non-parishioner children currently enrolled (1-8).
  4. Children of parishioners with siblings currently enrolled (1-8).
  5. Non-parishioner children with siblings currently enrolled (1-8).
  6. Children of parishioners seeking enrollment (1-8).
  7. Other Catholic children from outside the parish.
  8. Children from families of other religious faiths.

Please note that admission in the preschool programs does not automatically allow for admission to Saint Thomas School. Upon admission to kindergarten, admission to subsequent grades is automatic.

Because of the high level of difficulty involved in setting these priorities and in decision making when any classroom has reached capacity, the Pastoral Council and the Education Commission recommend the following: