Describe the application process.
New student applications (which must include all required documentation and application fee) are due Friday, February 22, 2013. Decision letters will be mailed on Friday, March 8, 2013. Applications received after the are considered on space availability.
According to the policy of the Diocese of Dallas, the school reserves the right to screen all students. The final decision for admission is the responsibility of the school's chief administrator or designee.
How much does St. Mark Catholic School cost?
Application Fee - $60 per student
Registration Fees and Tuition - Click here for a schedule of fees
Prefecting Fee - $75 per family, refundable after 5 days of lunchroom / recess duty are completed
DPL Athletic Fees - Grades 5-8, varies by sport
Party / Activity Fee – approx $40 per student
Parents are responsible for school supplies and uniform
There are no book or technology fees
What does it mean to be a “parishioner”?
Parishioner status, for the sake of tuition rates is established for families who have fulfilled the following requirements: Official registration in St. Mark parish and parish contribution statements confirming payment for the annual financial committee of a minimum of $600 for calendar year 2012.
How is tuition paid?
Tuition can be paid in full (by June 1 to receive a 1% discount), semi annual payments (June and December) or monthly payments. Payments are auto drafted from your bank account by FACTS Management Company.
Does the school provide financial aid?
St. Mark offers limited financial aid. We utilize FACTS Management Company, an independent 3rd party company, to process the applications. Financial aid applications can only be considered once a student has been accepted to the school and the registration fee has been paid.
Do we have to be Catholic to attend St. Mark?
St. Mark welcomes all students regardless of background or faith. Non-Catholic students are required to actively participate in religion classes, religious celebrations, and liturgies while attending St. Marks.
How old does my child have to be to attend school?
Students entering must meet the following age requirements:
PK3 – Child must be 3 by September 1st Kindergarten – Child must be 5 by September 1st
PK4 – Child must be 4 by September 1st 1st Grade – Child must be 6 by September 1st
Is preference given to siblings and parishioners?
Yes. Students are accepted in the following priority:
- Siblings of students who currently attend St. Mark
- Children of St. Mark Catholic School alumni
- Children relocating from an out-of-area Catholic school
- Families who qualify as parishioner
- Children relocating from an out-of -area Catholic school
- Non-parishioners
- Late applicants
What are the qualifications of the teachers?
All teachers meet the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department qualifications for instruction. Many teachers hold advanced and specialized degrees.
How is St. Mark Catholic School accredited?
We are fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, which is recognized by the Texas Education Agency.
Tell me about the curriculum.
The curriculum is set by the Diocese of Dallas. The curriculum and instruction include sequential and constructive programs of learning in religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, music, art, drama, physical education, health, guidance, foreign language, computer literacy, and technology assisted activities. Instructional delivery focuses on various learning styles, multiple intelligences, and student centered activities.
Click here for detailed curriculum information.
Where do St. Mark students go to high school?
The majority of our graduates attend local Catholic high schools – Bishop Lynch, Jesuit, John Paul II, and Ursuline. We also have students that attend the local public high schools.
Where do we purchase school uniforms?
Uniforms may be purchased at Academic Outfitters (located at the corner of Alma and Plano Parkway). St. Mark Home and School Association holds a used uniform sale each August.
Click here for a link to Academic Outfitters.
Do the students attend Mass?
Elementary and middle school students attend an all school Mass each Friday at 8:30AM. The younger students (TK, K, 1st and 2nd) have Middle School prayer partners. 5th grade serves as the Friday morning choir. Classes take turns throughout the year to do the readings. Preschool students attend a weekly prayer service.
How large are the classes?
The average class size for preschool is 15 students. The average class size for elementary and middle school is 25 students with three classes per grade.
