Quick FAQs

Thank you for your interest in HFCS. We look forward to meeting you and helping you throughout the admissions process.

The following is a list of responses to frequently asked questions about admissions. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact or visit our Student Life – FAQs page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a tour?

Complete the following form online by clicking here. We will contact you to schedule a time and date that is convenient for you.

Does my child have to be Catholic to attend?

HFCS welcomes all families, regardless of faith denomination, seeking a high-quality, faith-based education. During Mass, we welcome non-Catholic students and guests to come up to the minister at Communion and receive a blessing. All students are required to attend Religion class daily and Mass weekly at the school.

What are the tuition and fees?

You can find out about our tuition and fees by visiting our Tuition & Fees page. Tuition assistance is available.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. The application fee is $40 per student.

Is there an enrollment fee?

If your child is accepted, the new student enrollment fee is $475 per student.

What is a FACTS Financial account?

Enrolling in a FACTS tuition payment plan allows you to select a payment option that best suits your financial needs. HFCS offers the plans listed below. Depending on each plan’s start and end date, they may not always be available. Please work with our Business Manager, John Loutsis, to meet your needs.

Monthly Payments

  • Spread your tuition balance over monthly installments. 
  • Payment Methods Offered: Credit Card, Automatic Bank Draft

Quarterly Payments

  • Pay your tuition over four quarterly payments. 
  • Payment Methods Offered: Credit Card, Automatic Bank Draft

Semi-Annual Payments

  • Pay your tuition in 2 payments.
  • Payment Methods Offered: Credit Card, Automatic Bank Draft

Full Payment

  • FACTS is a quick, secure method for paying your tuition balance in full.
  • Payment Methods Offered: Credit Card, Automatic Bank Draft

You can also bring your payment in the form of cash or a check to the HFCS office at any time and the payment will be applied to your FACTS account.

Is tuition assistance available?

HFCS understands that Catholic school education is a gift that leads to a brighter future, and we know that this gift represents a significant investment and commitment of time, talent, and treasure for any family. HFCS works with families on a confidential, individual basis to ensure that qualified students are given every opportunity to attend our school. Learn more about tuition assistance.

At what age can my child enroll?

A child entering Preschool must be three years of age (and potty trained) on or before September 1st of that school year.

A child entering PreKindergarten must be four years of age on or before September 1st of that school year.

A child entering Kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 1st of that school year.

A student entering First Grade must be six years of age on or before September 1st of that school year. HFCS will make exceptions to first-grade enrollment in line with Idaho state law.

Does HFCS accept children with special needs?

HFCS admits qualified students of any race, color, gender, ethnicity, national origin, or disability (if reasonable accommodations can be assumed by the school and parents in partnership).

HFCS provides a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for our students. This tiered approach provides quality instruction to meet the individual needs of all students. This model combines a standard system of assessment with high-quality instruction. Varying levels of interventions and services are designed for struggling students. These levels are called tiers of instruction. The tiers are on a continuum that is fluid, as the student’s level of need dictates the level of support. This movement occurs through data collection and thoughtful analysis facilitated by the HFCS team, including the classroom teacher. HFCS teachers also create learning environments and lessons that address a variety of learning styles and interests. The primary goal is to provide resources for students who require it and differentiation for all learners.  

In grades Kindergarten through 6, there are support reading groups for students that meet specified needs. Students with Tier 2 and 3 supports get pulled out to receive resource support, while students in Tier 1 stay in their homeroom class for core instruction.  

Grades 6 through 8 have two leveled math groups and a third instructional resource group for three of the five school days. These groups are differentiated by readiness. As Tier 2 and 3 students receive resource instruction, Tier 1 students receive core math or accelerated instruction.  

Children who are performing near or below grade level are referred to our Title 1 program based on the Istation assessment (new IRI), MAP testing, classroom performance, and/or Teacher referrals.  This placement is reviewed regularly, and children come in and out of the program based on their needs.  Progress monitoring and frequent communication with parents are key elements in the Title I program.

 

When will I be notified of the admissions decision?

When the student’s application, registration, and all supporting documents have been received, the student has been assessed, and interviews are completed, the principal reviews the file and decides. Offers of acceptance for the upcoming school year are sent regularly throughout the enrollment season, which begins March 1st. During the current school year, decisions are usually rendered within two weeks.

Will my child be placed on a waitlist?

We typically have wait lists for our Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten programs. Depending on the number of applicants and available space, we may have wait lists in other grades. We encourage new families to complete an online application for each child they wish to enroll. While wait lists seem daunting, they are a great way to ensure your child has a place at HFCS as quickly as possible!

What tests will my child need as part of the admissions process?

We require that all new students are assessed for placement as follows:

  • Kindergarten: students are assessed by our Vice Principal for readiness.
  • 1st-8th grade: students are assessed with the MAP survey test in math, reading, language arts, and writing.

What are the possible admission decisions?

Applications are assessed using several components, including but not limited to:

  • Current family priority
  • Timeliness and completion of submission
  • Family’s prior/present relationship with the school
  • Evidence of family support of HFCS mission and philosophy
  • Family involvement in local parishes:  St. George, Pope St. Pius X, and St. Thomas the Apostle
  • Family involvement in other local church communities

The admissions decisions include:

  • Acceptance!
  • Probationary Status
  • Wait List
  • Application/Admission Declined

Does applying for financial aid influence the admissions decision?

Absolutely not. We firmly believe every child should be welcomed, regardless of a family’s financial means. The tuition assistance application is completed only after a student’s application is accepted.

Do you accept homeschooled children?

Yes, we welcome homeschooled children into our student body. Our high parental involvement, strong academic standards, and vibrant Catholic school atmosphere support a homeschool parent’s vision for a child’s education. Homeschooled students will be assessed before being placed in a grade level at HFCS. We also ask parents to share as many educational records as possible with the school.

What curriculum does HFCS use?

  • Religion: Finding God, Loyola Press, 2006; Circle of Grace, Archdiocese of Omaha, 2007
  • Language Arts, Reading, Spelling: Reading Street, Scott Foresman, 2008 (Pre-K-6)
  • English: Writer’s Choice, Glencoe, 2000 (6-8)
  • Science: FOSS Next Generation (adopted for 2019-20)
  • Social Studies: Harcourt, 2007 (K-6), Holt, Rhinehart, & Winston, 2007 (7-8)
  • Handwriting: Handwriting without Tears, followed by Keyboarding without Tears
  • Math: Origo Stepping Stones (PreK-1); McGraw-Hill Everyday Math (2-5); McGraw-Hill Glencoe Math (6-8).

Learn more here

Are your teachers certified and is the school accredited?

Holy Family Catholic School is proud to be accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA). All of our teachers are certified and highly qualified to teach.