FAQ

This page will answer questions commonly asked by students and parents. St. Helen Catholic School enrolls students PK3-8th grade all year long.

How do I apply to St. Helen Catholic School?

Thank you so much for your interest!

First, take a physical tour of our school, as the first step in the admissions process. Then, visit our website at www.shcssaints.org, click on the “Admissions” tab to download the application and forms. You are now ready to contact the school registrar at 281-485-2845 to make an appointment. A $75 non-refundable fee and all of the required documentation (previous school records, recommendations, immunizations, etc.) will be requested during your appointment time.

We encourage early applications. SHCS begins the application process in January of each year. By August, many of our classes are filled.

Carmen Jasso, Registrar
email: cjasso@sthelencatholicschool.org

How will I know if my child has been accepted?

Once the application forms and documents have been submitted, the student will be scheduled to take an entrance exam or have an admissions screening. A letter from the school will be mailed to you in regards to your child’s acceptance. This process typically takes 7-10 business days.

We live out of town, so how do I apply?

If you are looking to relocate to the Pearland area, it is important that you contact the school registrar as soon as possible.

Carmen Jasso, Registrar
email: cjasso@sthelencatholicschool.org

My child has never been to a daycare or nursery school. Will this affect their application?

Children who are applying to the Early Childhood program only need recommendation forms if they have previously attended a daycare or nursery school program. Their attendance at one of these programs is not required for our admissions decision. Parents will be asked to complete a parent survey to be turned in with the entrance exam.

Do I have to reapply each year for school enrollment?

Most current SHCS students will receive new applications for the new school year, but re-enrollment is not automatic. However, returning students will not have to take an entrance exam or pay the application fee. Once the application for returning students is submitted, this guarantees a spot for the upcoming school year. (For re-enrollment each year, students must adhere to academic and behavioral standards.)

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes. Unfortunately, in many grades, we have more applicants than we have space. Students who meet all admissions criteria will be given the option to put their names on a waiting list for the remainder of the school year. Once a spot becomes available, the registrar will contact the student that is next on the list. Class counts change daily, so do not be discouraged when your child is placed on the waiting list.

What are your school hours?

The school office is open from 7:30 a.m-3:30 p.m. School is in session from 7:50 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for students in PK3-8th grade.

Do you have before and after school care?

Yes, we do! Before school care opens at 6:30am and students remain in the designated area until 7:25 a.m. Students are then dismissed to their homerooms. After school care begins at 3:00pm and closes at 6:00pm. Students in PK3-8th grade are divided into separate classrooms, but are combined into a classroom once the student ratio has lowered for the day. Students have time to work on homework; a snack is provided and recess time is given, weather permitting. Students must be registered for after care to attend. You can find the after school care application under the Applications & Forms tab on our web page.

How many students are there and what percentage of the student population are in after-school care?

Currently, we have over 380 students enrolled. 41% of our students are registered in before and after school care and 18% of those students are considered “drop-ins.” SHCS provides before and after school care. For more information about the program, please visit the school website.

What is your average class size?

In the Early Childhood Department, grades PK3 & PK4 have a class size of 20:2. Grades K-4 are 22:1. 5th grade is 18:1 and Jr. High (6-8) 28:1, but Math, Science, Literature, and Social Studies have split classes for on-level and advanced instruction.

Does SHCS offer classes for gifted children?

SHCS offers a rigorous, advanced curriculum to our students. On-level classes are often one grade level ahead of neighboring public schools because we use the Texas state objectives, and overlay those objectives with higher standards from the Archdiocesan Catholic School Office. So, in that regard, all of our classes teach an enriched curriculum, including our PK3 and PK4 classes. Almost all of our Kindergarten students move up to first grade able to read fluently and comprehend.

We do offer advanced placement (AP) classes in grades 6, 7, and 8. The courses with both on-level and AP offerings are : Literature, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Teachers use a structured discernment process to review students’ progress on the IOWA assessments, report card grades, and also use anecdotal records and observations. To remain in AP courses, students must maintain at least an 86 average.

How many zip codes do we have feeding here?

Currently, we serve 16 zip codes in the Southeast Houston metro-area.

How many students are Catholic?

Current enrollment is 384 and out of those students, 368 or 94% are Catholic. All students are taught about the Catholic faith and are expected to participate in Catholic traditions. We have a strong Catholic Identity evidenced at SHCS.

How many staff members hold advanced degrees?

All of our teaching staff have the equivalent of a state teaching certification or a certification from a TEA or TCCBED, they hold at least Bachelor’s degrees. Several have advanced degrees and others are currently working on advancing their degrees.

How many of your 8th grade graduates attend Catholic High Schools?

Approximately 50-70% of our 8th graders attend Catholic high schools each year. The percentages vary each year, depending upon student/family choices.