Presentation of Our Lady

Catholic School

660 Julian St., Denver, CO 80204 303-629-6562

Common Mistaken Beliefs About Catholic Schools

and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Catholic schools are very expensive. How can we afford to send our students to Presentation of Our Lady School?

For the school year 2007-2008 contributing Catholics paid $3500.00 for one child which includes a parish discount of $1000.
100% of Presentation students received some kind of financial aid.
Financial aid is available to families who may struggle financially from outside sources. 64% of Presentation students received some kind of outside financial aid in the school year 2007-2008.
Tuition for the school year 2008-2009 for contributing Catholics will be $3700.00 for one child which includes a parish discount of $1000. Financial aid will be available to all qualifying families.

2. Catholic school teachers don't have to meet the stringent state requirements public school teachers do.

The Archdiocese of Denver requires that all teachers in Catholic Schools must possess a valid State Teacher’s license or qualify for Colorado certification through the Alternative Licensure Program.
Teachers are required to take professional development courses to keep current in educational advancements and licensure.
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Denver are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

3. What kind of standardized testing is used to measure the progress of Catholic school students?

Student growth is measured from year to year starting in the second grade. The average student score is usually one to one and one half years above grade level nationally.
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is given annually to students in grades 2 - 8. The Cognitive Ability Test (COGAT) is given annually to students in grades 2, 5, and 7. The NCEA ACRE Religion Assessments is given annually to grades 5 and 8.

4. Catholic schools are not a safe environment for students.

All teachers, staff, and volunteers are required to take Safe Environment Training before working with students.
All teachers, staff, and volunteers undergo a background check.
All visitors and volunteers must sign in at the office and wear name badges.
All teachers and staff wear photo id’s.
Front and back school doors are locked during the school day.
Presentation of Our Lady School has adopted a "no tolerance" program.

5. Catholic doctrine is not taught.

The school day begins and ends with prayer.
Weekly school mass is held.
Religion is taught daily in all classrooms.
Students are prepared for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
All classes have mass partners.
Students attend Stations of the Cross observation every Friday during Lent.

6. Is there a sports program at Catholic Schools?

Beginning with third grade, students can participate in the Catholic Schools Athletic League.

7. Catholic schools do not offer after school care for children.

Presentation of Our Lady School offers after school care for children from age 3 to 3rd grade. The program runs from 3 pm to 5 pm every day and the cost is nominal.
An Academic Assistance program is offered for students in grades 3 - 8 Monday through Thursday from 3:15 to 4:30. This program assists students who need help with their schoolwork and homework and gives students a quiet place to complete their work.

8. Catholic schools can ask students who pose discipline problems to go to another school.

Discipline problems in the classroom are handled by the teacher with the assistance of administration when necessary.
Parents are kept informed about their student's behavioral problems.
Behavior contracts are used to help correct and change problems.
Students are required to take ownership and responsibility for their learning and behavior.

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