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Admissions
2010-2011 Admission FAQ’s: Frequently Asked Questions
The following is provided for your information to clarify the 2010-2011 enrollment process at Serra Catholic School.
Serra’s Mission Statement
Rooted in Faith and Vision, the community of Serra Catholic School welcomes children from our founding parishes of St. Kilian, San Francisco Solano, Santiago de Compostela, and Holy Trinity. In addition, we welcome children from South County parishes. In the spirit of the Gospel, the parents, teachers, and Administration of Serra Catholic School strive to educate and develop the unique potential of each student spiritually, academically, physically, psychologically, and socially. We strive for excellence in fulfilling this mission by offering a program which fosters various learning styles and provides a diversity of academic experiences in order to instill in each child:
•  Catholic Faith-filled Life and Missionary Spirit 
•  Positive and Realistic Self-image
•  Life-long Love of Learning     
•  Willingness to Share One’s God-Given Gifts.
•  Reverence for One’s Own Physical Being
Who is Serra?
A Blue Ribbon designated school in 2008, Serra Catholic School is the first multi-parish Catholic School within the Diocese of Orange. We currently serve as a ministry to four parishes in the cities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, and Ladera Ranch along with their adjoining communities. Serra Catholic School, a fully accredited school, opened in 1995 with 250 students in modular buildings. Our campus has a maximum enrollment capacity of 1008 students.  Serra Catholic School is an Inclusive Education school serving the broad spectrum of students that includes high achievers as well as special needs students requiring individualized assistance of instructional aides. Our parents pay a per-child tuition fee in addition to fundraising responsibilities, registration fees, and capital campaign contributions.
Who May Attend the School?
Families who are registered at our founding parishes of St. Kilian, San Francisco Solano, Santiago de Compostela, and Holy Trinity parishes may apply. Serra Catholic School will accept applications from outside our parish communities.
Do we have to be Catholic?
All students are expected to show proof of baptism in the Roman Catholic faith prior to formal acceptance.  Any exceptions to this policy must be presented in writing during the application process and approved by the Lead Pastor and Principal.
What Grades do You Offer?
Jr. Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
What is the Class Size?
Homeroom class size ranges from 28-30 students, with all efforts made to keep class size at 28. School enrollment will not exceed 1008 students (Jr. K through 8th Grade). Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten and1st grade teachers are assisted by a full-time teacher assistant.
Do the Students Have to Wear a Uniform?
Yes. Students must purchase their school uniform through the True Grits Uniform Company or through the Serra Student Store. Uniforms may not be purchased from any other sources.
How Does Serra Score on Standardized Testing?
According to Diocesan Policy, we are unable to disclose our testing results. However, Serra students have performed above the national average.
Do you Have Before and After School Programs?
Yes. Please refer to the Extended Care Frequently Asked Questions for fees and additional information on our Extended Care program.
How Do I apply to the School?
•  Obtain an application from the school’s Admissions Office or download an application from Serra’s website at www.serraschool.org
•  Complete the application in its entirety. Please attach a family photo to your application (a photocopy is acceptable).
•  Submit the completed application to the Admissions Office at Serra. (The Admissions Office will forward the completed application to your pastor for his recommendation.)
Note: The administration of Serra Catholic School is responsible for determining your student’s academic acceptance to Serra Catholic School, based on documentation provided by the parents as well as through testing. It is imperative that previous years’ school records and behavior information is shared with Serra. All new students will have a 90 day probation period.
How Does the Pastor Make His Selection?
Formal Acceptance: After all applications have been reviewed by the Pastors, recommendations for openings will be made based on the Priority of Admissions Policy as outlined below:
For Returning Families: Pastors will recommend admission for returning families based on active family participation in the life of their parish. Then Pastors will recommend admission for siblings of currently registered Serra families, based on active family participation in the life of their parish..
For New Families: Pastors will recommend admission for students of registered members of St. Kilian, San Francisco Solano, Santiago de Compostela, or Holy Trinity, based on active participation in the life of their parish, subject to the remaining available spaces. The Admissions office will be scheduling the screening dates and requesting the parish recommendations from the pastors concurrently.  Admissions may not have the parish recommendation prior to your child’s screening.
Out of Parish Families: Once applications from registered families have been considered, applications from families who are not registered with one of our four parishes will be reviewed for consideration.
Note:  You do not need to personally contact the Pastor for a formal recommendation letter, Serra’s Admissions Office will communicate directly with the Pastors regarding the parish recommendation.
Are there Entrance Exams?
Please note that Serra Catholic School charges a $50 non-refundable screening fee.
The following requirements must be met prior to acceptance:
Jr. Kindergarten Admissions Requirements
•  Children entering Jr. Kindergarten must be 5 years old by December 1, 2010.
•  All children entering Jr. Kindergarten must be screened by Chancy & Bruce Educational Resources.
•  Participation in a preschool program prior to Jr. Kindergarten is strongly encouraged.
•  A roundtable discussion with the Principal may be required prior to Admission to Serra.
Kindergarten Admissions Requirements
•  Children entering Kindergarten should be 5 years old by September 1, 2010.
•  All incoming kindergarten students must be screened for Kindergarten readiness by an in-house screening process that will be facilitated at Serra. Screening appointments are by appointment only.
•  The results of the screening will determine readiness for Serra’s curriculum and admission to the Kindergarten Program.  No exceptions will be made.
First Grade Admissions Requirements
•  Children entering 1st Grade should be 6 years old by September 1, 2010*.
•  Submit current report card and most recent testing scores.
•  Each child must pass the first grade entrance exam administered by the Serra Catholic School Learning Center. Screening appointments are by appointment only.
* If your child does not meet the recommended September 1st cutoff date, the Principal may waive the requirement for your child. However, your child must be screened by the Learning Center for 1st Graders and Chancy & Bruce (1st Grade developmental readiness) and must have evidence that he/she attended a Kindergarten program.
•  A review by the Principal will determine readiness for Serra’s curriculum and admission to the 1st Grade Program.
Second through Eighth Grade Admissions Requirements
•  In order to determine if Serra Catholic School can meet the needs of your student, an appointment must be made for an assessment. Screening appointments are by appointment only. The results will be a factor in admitting new students.
•  Each child must submit a report card for the previous grading period and most recent testing scores from his current school.
•  A review by the Principal will determine readiness for Serra’s curriculum and admission.
Are Interviews with the Principal Required?
An interview with incoming middle school students (Grades 6-8) will be requested by the Principal or Middle School Staff.
How will we Know if Our Child is Accepted?
The Admissions Office will contact you. If your child is accepted, an Enrollment Agreement will be sent with your child’s acceptance letter. The signed Enrollment Agreement and enrollment fee must be provided to the Admissions office by the deadline.
 
Updated 01-15-10