Frequently Asked Questions 2006-2007
1.What are the "basics" about St. Francis Xavier School?
SFX School has been open since 1909 and currently has approximately 300 students, representing 180 families.
2. What programs are offered for my pre-schooler?
This year, the SFX Pre-School offers both morning and afternoon programs with a brand new curriculum in our recently renovated facility. We offer:
1) a Tu/Th morning program for 3 year olds;
2) a M/W/F morning program for older 3 year olds and 4 year olds; and
3) an afternoon program for 4 year olds 5 days a week.
Please see our Pre-School Brochure and Preschool Application for more information.
3. What programs are offered for my kindergartner and do you have Extended Day/Enrichment programs for my kindergartner?
All kindergarten students will attend school half day (morning) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and a full day on Tuesday and Thursday. This unique program will allow kindergartners to be included in more all-school activities such as school masses and enrichment programs, and it will help them transition more easily to first grade. SFX is pleased to offer an Extended Day program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, called "Loving to Learn" in our remodeled state-of the-art classroom.
4. Is Foreign Language taught?
We are proud to announce that SFX is one of the few schools in the areas that offers Spanish from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Completion of the SFX Spanish Program is equivalent to the first year of High School Spanish.
5. Does SFX use computers in the classroom?
Yes, and improving the technology used in our classrooms is a continuous goal for SFX. Today, our school is well equipped with over 75 new IBM laptop computers for student use, 20 new Toshiba computers for faculty, new desktop computers for every classroom, wireless Toshiba projectors for each classroom, and a Wireless network and Internet access in all areas of the School. Faculty computers are capable of projecting presentation material, real time handwritten instructions and web-based educational material on classroom wall screens.
6. How is curriculum evaluated?
Curriculum is under the purview of the Principal of SFX and is guided by the State of Illinois and the Archdiocese of Chicago. A specific subject, i.e. Language Arts, Science, is reviewed in-depth each year with recommended changes implemented the following year. This is similar to the curriculum evaluation system used by District 39. The Archdiocese of Chicago conducts an on-site facility and curriculum review every 5 years which occurred in 2003. Curriculum is also reviewed with the Principal and faculty at the end of each academic year.
7.Do teachers receive continuing education?
Yes, teachers have a continuing education plan that is developed annually and based on their own development goals and the needs of the school. Continuing education in-services and courses must cover both academic and religious subjects. Continuing education is also a requirement to maintain state licensure for teaching. Please refer to the Faculty Roster in the Information packet to review our teacher's extensive education and continuing educational accomplishments.
8.Are tuition scholarships available for financial assistance?
Scholarships are available and are handled in confidence. Please contact the School Principal directly for additional information.
9. Why does SFX take a different Standardized Test than District 39?
The Archdiocese of Chicago mandates the type of test taken by the schools in its area. The TerraNova Test, used by SFX for the past six years, is a nationally recognized test used by both public and parochial schools. The TerraNova test allows you to compare how your child is doing within his class and within the national norm. The Illinois Standards Achievement Test(ISAT), utilized by District 39, is for public schools only.
10. How is Religion incorporated into the classroom?
All students in all grade levels participate in Religious Education. Students plan and celebrate liturgies and sacraments and attend weekly Mass. Students offer daily prayers and intentions and have classroom religious instruction. Religion is integrated in to all that we do at SFX.
11. What happens to children, who are not Catholic, during religious instruction?
We welcome students of all religions at SFX. All students participate in religious instruction. Non-Catholic students who do not participate in the reception of the Sacraments are part of the general celebration.
12. Does SFX offer bus transportation?
Yes, transportation services are offered through District 39.
13. Does SFX have specialized classroom facilities?
SFX has its own Science Lab, Library, Music Room, Spanish Room, Gymnasium and Art Studio.
14. How do SFX graduates transition to the large public and parochial high schools in the area?
The smaller environment of SFX creates confident students who have had a chance to participate in many academic, enrichment and athletic activities. A survey was recently sent to the SFX graduates of the past four years regarding their transition into high school. The results confirm that a high number of students are in higher level or honor courses and successfully move on to prestigious local and national universities. Further information on the SFX graduates can be found in your information packet.
15. Are there sports programs for my child at SFX?
SFX students participate in a variety of competitive and athletic programs. Teams participate in the Catholic League as well as Park District programs.
Sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, cross-country, track and cheerleading are available for 4th through 8th grade students. Additional sports programs are available through a variety of park districts for the younger students and are often divided into school "teams" as well. In fact, our Varsity Football Team and our Girls Volleyball Team, both won their division championships in 2004.
16. How can parents get involved in the school?
Parental involvement is a critical element in the success of SFX School. There are a variety of opportunities for involvement that can fit in to each parent's lifestyle or work schedule. Classroom volunteers, School Board and the Home School Organization (HSO, similar to a "PTA") are just a few areas of involvement. The HSO, in particular, coordinates many of the volunteer opportunities for parents and offers a great way to get to know other parents, students, the teachers and the programs at SFX. Please see the "HSO Glossary" found in your information packet.
17. If my child needs special services, can I get them at SFX?
Yes, through a cooperative agreement with District 39, on-site evaluation and instruction from both a learning specialist and speech therapist are provided.
18. I think my child is "gifted", how can SFX help?
One of the benefits of the SFX School philosophy and community is that we recognize that all children are gifted in their own unique way. Whether it is academically, athletically, socially, musically or in many other ways, each child brings his or her own special talent to our school. Teachers recognize the students that may need a differentiated level or amount of work and can coordinate an individualized supplemental plan with the student and their parents. Many of the students at SFX go on to Advanced Placement classes at the area high school due to the rigorous preparation they received at SFX.
19. Are there any before or after school enrichment programs for my children?
Yes, a variety of programs are offered for the students that enrich their education and are just plain fun! Current events, chess, chorus, phonics, art and math classes are just a few of the classes offered by the faculty after school. Band, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girls Scouts are also offered. Additionally, a SFX Enrichment committee provides enrichment programs during school hours to enhance the students' learning. Programs on leadership, safety as well as history and current events are provided to the students.
20. How can I register my child for SFX?
Please call the school office at (847) 256-0644 to start the process.
