The "FAQ" publication was compiled based on the most frequently asked questions we have received from Parents and families interested in attending St. Theresa School. If there is other information that you need assistance with, please contact the admissions office at 224-587-8053. Thank you.
How much is tuition for grades K-8? The updated rates can be found on the Tuition Page of our website. There is a generous family discount for more than one child. The registration fee is $150 per student. There are no additional fees with the exception of Sacraments and graduation.
How much is tuition for preschool? We have a flexible tuition schedule based on how many days per week a child attends and if they participate in a morning or all-day program. Rates for preschool can be found on our Tuition Page.
What other types of fees/fundraisers are required of parents? The best educational experience is one in which the parents are fully engaged in their child’s learning. Parents are invited to be involved to the best of their ability in formative, social, and fundraising activities. Parents of St. Theresa School students offer their talents – and willingness to learn and try new things –for the sake of their children and the STS family. There are no specific requirements other than generosity of spirit and a desire to enjoy their child’s school.
What are the school hours for grades K-8? 7:35 a.m.–230 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:35 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on Fridays. Morning kindergarten is from 7:35 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
What are the school hours for preschool? All day preschool is from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Morning preschool is from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The before and after school care is available from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Does your morning Preschool schedule coincide with morning Kindergarten? Yes, The morning preschool program ends at 11:00 a.m. - morning Kindergarten ends at 12:00 p.m. We do however offer an extended morning option for preschool called "Stay and Play" this is especially for parents who have children in both programs and wish to pick-up midday. The cost for "Stay and Play" is $10.00 per day. We also offer before school care at no charge in the event you decide to drop off your children together.
Is child care offered before and after the school day? What are the hours and the cost? St. Theresa Extended-day Program (STEP) runs from 6:30 a.m. to the start of school and from 2:00 p.m. (1:30 p.m. on Fridays) till 6:00 p.m. There is no charge for before school care. After school is $15.00 per day for pick up before 4:30 p.m. and $20.00 per day for pick up after 4:30. STEP is available on days only when school is in session.
Does St. Theresa observe the same calendar "days off" as District 15? No. St. Theresa School observes most national holidays as well as spring and winter break same as District 15, however, STS does not have the same in-service schedule.
Does St. Theresa offer a summer program? St. Theresa school follow's the academic school calendar. Check back in the spring to see if there are any extra curricular classes being offered.
Does the school offer financial assistance? What is the process to apply? The Financial Assistance Program at St. Theresa School is intended to help St. Theresa Families who are experiencing a financial setback that would prevent them from enrolling or cause them to withdraw their children from school. Financial assistance is available for students Kindergarten-8th grades. Click HERE for steps to apply.
The amount of assistance a family receives is determined on a case-by-case basis based on family income, financial hardship, and other factors. You must first apply through Empower Illinois before you apply through the formal application via SMART Tuition. Financial assistance decisions are made in May.
Does St. Theresa’s Accept the Tax Credit Scholarship? Absolutely. For more information on application for the TCS click HERE.
What is the student/teacher ratio? In kindergarten – 10:1 , in preschool – 8:1, First through 8th – 18:1
What enrichment classes are offered? In addition to the core curriculum, all students in grade K-8 take a course of study in Spanish, music, visual art, and physical education at each grade level. Technology is directly integrated into the curriculum. Students receive technology instruction as it relates to their course of study beginning in kindergarten.
What percent of students are not Catholic? 85% of the student body is Catholic. The remaining 15% represent a diversity of Christian and non-Christian faith traditions.
Does STS accept non-Catholic students? Yes, St. Theresa School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national origin in the administration of admissions and educational policies, financial aid, or other school-related activities.
How is religion incorporated in the curriculum at St. Theresa School? At St. Theresa School, the integration of religious study plays a significant role at all grade levels. We instruct children in daily prayer, Scripture activities, and sacramental preparations for Reconciliation (2nd gr), First Communion (2nd gr), and Confirmation (8th gr). Weekly Mass is held for students in grades 1-8, with all-school liturgies and student-led prayer services. Religion classes are taught daily with the exception of Mass days. Your children will grow in virtue and service as they as they learn to live their lives as a reflection of God.
How many zip codes do students come from to attend the school? Students come from 9 distinct zip codes, although 80% come from the 60067 and 60074 zip codes.
What type of technology is used on campus? What is your philosophy on technology? Technology at St. Theresa School is a tool that facilitates the attainment and mastery of the curricular objectives. Technology is used in an integrated or blended fashion and supports the established curriculum. The school currently uses a dual wireless platform of iPad and Google Chrome mobile computing. STS follows the ISTE Student Standards.
What extra-curricular programs are offered? St. Theresa offers a wide variety of co-curricular activities in academic enrichment, the arts, and interscholastic and intramural athletics. Visit our website for a complete description:
Athletic Programs: Intramural and Interscholastic Sports
Do students wear uniforms? Where can they be purchased? Students in K-8th grades wear school and gym uniforms that can be purchased online or in the Dennis Uniform store. Preschool students do not wear uniforms. Uniforms can be viewed online at www.dennisuniform.com; the STS code is GTHEV.
Does the school offer a hot lunch program? Other than a special lunch menu which is available each Wednesday and some Friday's, students bring their lunch from home.
At what grade do students eat in the lunch room? Students departmentalize for lunch beginning in 1st grade. Our Lunch room has been completely renovated and offers a large open space with round table to promote conversation and inclusiveness. We have 3 lunch periods:
1st through 3rd grade (Primary Grades)
4th and 5th grade (Intermediate Grades)
6th, 7th and 8th grade (Middle School)
Preschool and Kindergarten eat lunch in their classrooms
Does the school offer snacks or a lunch program for preschoolers who stay all day? No. Our preschoolers tend to do much better with food brought from home. Preschoolers here all day do have the option of ordering a special lunch on Wednesdays.
To view our current Tuition rates and Payment Plans click HERE.
