ADMISSION
Does my child need to pass an entrance exam in order to attend St. Michael School?
Generally, only students entering Kindergarten will be assessed for readiness. Students entering other grades do not need to take an entrance exam. However, for students entering Grades 1-12, a Teacher Reference Report from one of the child's teachers or counselors is required.
Does the school follow the same cutoff entry date for Kindergarten as the public schools?
NO. The school can make and has made a case-by-case determination on whether or not a student is accepted into our Kindergarten program based more on aptitude than by their birthdate. Generally, the school takes into consideration if the student attended a Preschool or Pre-Kindergarten program and how well they perform on the Kindergarten-readiness assessment.
Does our family need to be Catholic in order to attend St. Michael School?
NO. We do not admit students based on their religious affiliation. However, because our school is founded in the tradition and heritage of the Catholic faith, all students are expected to be respectful of and participate in any of the religious practices of the school and be open to its teachings which compose a core requirement of our academic studies.
If my child is currently enrolled at another school, can we enroll or transfer him/her to St. Michael School after the school year begins?
YES. We have rolling admissions, which means we generally accept students year-round. In the event that there is no space available for a student, the child will be placed on a waiting list.
Can St. Michael School accommodate students who have an IEP or disability?
Because every child's needs are different, please contact our school to speak with one of our administrators to see if our school could be a good fit for your child.
What forms are required for admissions?
Generally, only students entering Kindergarten will be assessed for readiness. Students entering other grades do not need to take an entrance exam. However, for students entering Grades 1-12, a Teacher Reference Report from one of the child's teachers or counselors is required.
Does the school follow the same cutoff entry date for Kindergarten as the public schools?
NO. The school can make and has made a case-by-case determination on whether or not a student is accepted into our Kindergarten program based more on aptitude than by their birthdate. Generally, the school takes into consideration if the student attended a Preschool or Pre-Kindergarten program and how well they perform on the Kindergarten-readiness assessment.
Does our family need to be Catholic in order to attend St. Michael School?
NO. We do not admit students based on their religious affiliation. However, because our school is founded in the tradition and heritage of the Catholic faith, all students are expected to be respectful of and participate in any of the religious practices of the school and be open to its teachings which compose a core requirement of our academic studies.
If my child is currently enrolled at another school, can we enroll or transfer him/her to St. Michael School after the school year begins?
YES. We have rolling admissions, which means we generally accept students year-round. In the event that there is no space available for a student, the child will be placed on a waiting list.
Can St. Michael School accommodate students who have an IEP or disability?
Because every child's needs are different, please contact our school to speak with one of our administrators to see if our school could be a good fit for your child.
What forms are required for admissions?
- Copy of the child's birth certificate, and if any, baptism certificate
- Updated Form 14 Health Record including immunization card (download)
- Copy of the child’s Student Records (to include report card and standardized test scores) [Grades 1-12]
- Confidential report from the child’s present teacher/counselor (download) [Grades 1-12]
Classroom Structure & curriculum
How big are the classes?
Our school prides itself in having small class sizes, which allows for smaller student to teacher ratios and more individualized attention for our learners. The average class size is about ten students with a little over 100 students total in our school.
Are any of the grades combined?
Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, all classes for Preschool-Grade 5 will be self-contained, meaning one homeroom teacher per grade. Middle School will have two homeroom teachers and several teachers for different subject areas.
What curriculum is used?
Here is a snapshot of some of the resources used in our school. This does not include many supplemental materials, resources, and tools used in the classroom.
Does the school provide tutoring?
Struggling students may be eligible for intervention support and services provided by the school. Parents may contact their child's teacher to inquire about other tutoring opportunities.
Is there a virtual option?
YES. We partner with Stride K12 to provide supplemental, complete, and blended options for students.
What extracurricular activities are available for students?
As a part of the Hawaii Catholic Schools League, St. Michael School has a student athletics program with options for volleyball, basketball, and track and field. The school also offers the music and choral programs, STEM and Robotics programs, as well as other developing programs.
Our school prides itself in having small class sizes, which allows for smaller student to teacher ratios and more individualized attention for our learners. The average class size is about ten students with a little over 100 students total in our school.
Are any of the grades combined?
Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, all classes for Preschool-Grade 5 will be self-contained, meaning one homeroom teacher per grade. Middle School will have two homeroom teachers and several teachers for different subject areas.
What curriculum is used?
Here is a snapshot of some of the resources used in our school. This does not include many supplemental materials, resources, and tools used in the classroom.
- Math: MyMath by McGraw Hill (Grades K-5), Ready Math by Curriculum Associates (Middle School)
- Reading/Literature: Learning Dynamics (Preschool), Superkids by Zaner-Bloser and RazKids (Grades K-2), Into Reading by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Grades 3-5), Into Literature by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Middle School)
- Science: Let's Find Out by Scholastic (Preschool), Studies Weekly Science by Studies Weekly (Grades K-5), interactive exploratory notebooks (Middle School)
- Social Studies: My Big World with Clifford by Scholastic (Preschool), Studies Weekly (Grades K-4), Catholic Textbook Project (Grades 5-8), Hawaiians of Old by Bess Press (Grade 4), Ua Mau Ke Ea by Native Books (Grade 7)
- Religion: God Made Everything by Loyola Press (Preschool), Stories of God's Love by RCL Benziger (Kindergarten), Faith and Life by Ignatius Press (Grades 1-5), St. Joseph First Communion Catechism (Grade 2), Beginning Theology (Grades 6-8)
Does the school provide tutoring?
Struggling students may be eligible for intervention support and services provided by the school. Parents may contact their child's teacher to inquire about other tutoring opportunities.
Is there a virtual option?
YES. We partner with Stride K12 to provide supplemental, complete, and blended options for students.
What extracurricular activities are available for students?
As a part of the Hawaii Catholic Schools League, St. Michael School has a student athletics program with options for volleyball, basketball, and track and field. The school also offers the music and choral programs, STEM and Robotics programs, as well as other developing programs.
COSTS & FUNDRAISING
What are the costs for tuition and fees?
Please refer to our Tuition and Financial Aid page for more details.
Are there discounts or financial aid available?
YES. Please refer to our Tuition and Financial Aid page for more details.
Are there payment plans available?
YES. Through the FACTS Tuition Management System, you can setup payments to be paid semi-annually or monthly. There is a nominal one-time fee to setup payment plans.
Are meals included in the tuition?
NO. Lunch may be purchased monthly, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase in the office. Families are also able to bring home lunch.
Are families required to participate in school fundraisers?
All families are expected to support the St. Michael School Fund through different opportunities throughout the year. Because the St. Michael School Fund helps to offset tuition costs, provide financial aid opportunities, and enhance the overall campus experience, all families are expected to support the school's advancement efforts whether by directly supporting and promoting fundraisers and/or volunteering to help with fundraisers.
Additionally, families receiving financial aid are required to meet specific fundraising requirements in order to maintain their financial aid awards.
If we enroll after the school year begins, do we need to pay the entire amount for tuition and fees?
All families must pay the $350 nonrefundable comprehensive fee at the time of enrollment regardless of when the student begins. However, tuition will be prorated to the nearest full month. For example, if a student begins in mid-January and the school year ends in May, the family would be charged tuition for five months.
This does not apply to students enrolled in the high school or online-only classes. Full tuition for the semester will be charged and extensions will be given to allow ample time for the student to complete the course.
If we disenroll after the school year begins or if my child is expelled, are we liable for the entire tuition cost?
YES. According to the enrollment contract, families "agree to pay tuition and fees for the full school year even if [your] child does not complete the school year due to voluntary or involuntary withdrawal." Certain exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Please refer to our Tuition and Financial Aid page for more details.
Are there discounts or financial aid available?
YES. Please refer to our Tuition and Financial Aid page for more details.
Are there payment plans available?
YES. Through the FACTS Tuition Management System, you can setup payments to be paid semi-annually or monthly. There is a nominal one-time fee to setup payment plans.
Are meals included in the tuition?
NO. Lunch may be purchased monthly, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase in the office. Families are also able to bring home lunch.
Are families required to participate in school fundraisers?
All families are expected to support the St. Michael School Fund through different opportunities throughout the year. Because the St. Michael School Fund helps to offset tuition costs, provide financial aid opportunities, and enhance the overall campus experience, all families are expected to support the school's advancement efforts whether by directly supporting and promoting fundraisers and/or volunteering to help with fundraisers.
Additionally, families receiving financial aid are required to meet specific fundraising requirements in order to maintain their financial aid awards.
If we enroll after the school year begins, do we need to pay the entire amount for tuition and fees?
All families must pay the $350 nonrefundable comprehensive fee at the time of enrollment regardless of when the student begins. However, tuition will be prorated to the nearest full month. For example, if a student begins in mid-January and the school year ends in May, the family would be charged tuition for five months.
This does not apply to students enrolled in the high school or online-only classes. Full tuition for the semester will be charged and extensions will be given to allow ample time for the student to complete the course.
If we disenroll after the school year begins or if my child is expelled, are we liable for the entire tuition cost?
YES. According to the enrollment contract, families "agree to pay tuition and fees for the full school year even if [your] child does not complete the school year due to voluntary or involuntary withdrawal." Certain exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Health & safety
What are the school's current protocols relating to the pandemic?
Currently, there are no ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, families and staff are asked to follow the proper protocols in the event that they test positive for COVID-19. Masks on campus are optional.
Does the school have a lot of disciplinary issues?
St. Michael School is a very safe learning environment. While no school is immune from bad behavior, major incidents and altercations, such as fighting and aggressive bullying, are extremely rare. Additionally, the school is investing in resources to develop a more comprehensive campus-wide disciplinary plan that will provide greater consistency and efficiency in addressing behavioral problems.
Are devices monitored?
YES. All school equipment and devices that are connected to the internet are protected with multilayered security features including an internal firewall, monitoring software, and antivirus/antispyware protection. Chromebooks can also be monitored when used off campus. Parents can also request access to their child's browsing history and internet use on Chromebooks.
Currently, there are no ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, families and staff are asked to follow the proper protocols in the event that they test positive for COVID-19. Masks on campus are optional.
Does the school have a lot of disciplinary issues?
St. Michael School is a very safe learning environment. While no school is immune from bad behavior, major incidents and altercations, such as fighting and aggressive bullying, are extremely rare. Additionally, the school is investing in resources to develop a more comprehensive campus-wide disciplinary plan that will provide greater consistency and efficiency in addressing behavioral problems.
Are devices monitored?
YES. All school equipment and devices that are connected to the internet are protected with multilayered security features including an internal firewall, monitoring software, and antivirus/antispyware protection. Chromebooks can also be monitored when used off campus. Parents can also request access to their child's browsing history and internet use on Chromebooks.
Communication
How often does the school communicate to parents?
The school minimally sends a weekly update via email to all parents. The weekly update includes important announcements and a calendar of upcoming events.
How do teachers communicate with parents?
Teachers use a variety of platforms to communicate to parents including the following:
Is there a directory of the school faculty and staff?
YES. Please refer to the Faculty & Staff page. Every name is a clickable link to the email address for each of our faculty and staff members.
The school minimally sends a weekly update via email to all parents. The weekly update includes important announcements and a calendar of upcoming events.
How do teachers communicate with parents?
Teachers use a variety of platforms to communicate to parents including the following:
- Preschool: Brightwheel
- Elementary: ClassDojo
- Middle/High School: Email
Is there a directory of the school faculty and staff?
YES. Please refer to the Faculty & Staff page. Every name is a clickable link to the email address for each of our faculty and staff members.
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please refer to our Parent-Student Handbook or feel free to Contact Us.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: