Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications set Catholic school teachers and administrators apart?

Catholic school teachers and administrators ensure that intellectual growth is harmonized with faith formation and social development. As St. John Bosco said, “Education is a thing of the heart.” Our Diocesan teachers are genuinely invested in the lives of their students. Every teacher, administrator, counselor, etc. in our schools is a certified catechist through the Kino Institute. Our teachers are given the foundation to teach every subject and approach every situation through the Catholic worldview and ensure that our students learn the Truth of our faith.

Is there a place for non-Catholics at a Catholic school?

Yes. It is not necessary to be Catholic to attend any of the schools in the Diocese of Phoenix. All are welcome.

How can our family afford a Catholic education?

We understand that investing in tuition for an elementary and high school Catholic education may seem overwhelming or out of reach to some. Rest assured that there are several options that make Catholic education extremely affordable to families. In the State of Arizona, we are blessed with multiple School Choice laws that allow families the opportunity to utilize state funds or non-profit tax credit organization funding to assist with Catholic school tuition.

What is a Universal Empowerment Scholarship Account

The newest method of funding your child’s Catholic school tuition and other educational services is with a state Universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA).  The State of Arizona recently (2022) expanded the ESA program to make it universal for all children Kindergarten through 12^th grade to qualify.  This is an excellent option for families with children in our Catholic elementary schools, but our high school families can take full advantage of this state option as well.

An Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is an account administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and funded by state tax dollars to provide education options for qualified Arizona students.

An ESA consists of 90% of the state funding that would have otherwise been allocated to a public school district or charter school for your child. Although the calculation is based on where a child resides, it averages around $7000 per child per academic year (in 2023/2024).  Note that most of our elementary school tuition rates are below the yearly ESA allocation.  By accepting an ESA, you as the parents are signing a contract with the State of Arizona agreeing to provide an education, other than a public school education, for your child.  That education, in this case, will be a Catholic school education at one of our many Diocese of Phoenix Catholic schools.  For more information, refer to the Arizona Department of Education ESA website for all details.  To sign up for an ESA, visit the ESA Eligibility Requirements & Application page.

What are School Tuition Organization (STO) Scholarships?

School Tuition Organizations (STOs) are established to receive income tax credit contributions from both individual taxpayers as well as corporation that fund scholarships for students to attend qualified private schools located in Arizona (A.R.S. Title 43, Chapters 15 and 16).  Some STOs determine student scholarships based on a family’s financial need.  Others determine scholarships based on recommendations by the tax credit donor.  There are even STO scholarships specifically for students with disabilities.  Families may apply to one or several STO’s for scholarship funding and may be able to completely pay for tuition.  Families are encouraged to work with your Catholic school to determine which STO’s are right for you.  For a listing of all STO’s in Arizona, click on the link below.

• School Tuition Organizations Certified to Receive Donations for the Corporate and Individual Income Tax Credits

Catholic Education Arizona is the largest STO and provider of scholarships to families in the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools. More than 13,000 donors contribute over $20 million each year. The CEA website provides simple instructions on how to apply for these scholarships as well as how to redirect your Arizona State Tax dollars to support Catholic Education in our diocese.

It is important to note that a family must choose either an STO or ESA during a single academic year for a particular child.  A student may not utilize both STO and ESA in the same year.

Most of our Diocesan schools do offer a discount for active Catholics who are registered parishioners. Details and qualifications would be specific to each school.

Tuition varies by school and is established by the Pastor and/or School Administration. Tuition for the upcoming school year is generally announced in the Spring of each school year. Please see each school’s website for tuition details.

Each of our Diocesan schools can assist you in identifying the appropriate resources for your family. Our schools understand the sacrifices families make to obtain a Catholic education and will work hard to help your family afford the Christ-centered education you desire for your family.

How many schools are in the Diocese of Phoenix? How many elementary? How many High Schools?

There are currently 28 elementary schools, 6 stand-alone preschools and 5 diocesan high Schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.

What is the closest Catholic school to me?

See our interactive map which shows the location of each school in the Diocese of Phoenix. Note that you may attend any Catholic School regardless of where you live.

How do I enroll at a Catholic School in the Diocese of Phoenix?

The enrollment process does vary by school but typically requires completing a registration form, providing a birth certificate and vaccination records, sacramental records, parishioner registration form, previous school records (if transferring), and other documents as per the school’s request.

If a student has an IEP or documentation from any academic or psychological testing, this should also be submitted at the time of application. Students with IEPs and/or learning or emotional challenges attend most of our schools. Catholic schools do not have the staff and resources to follow all aspects of most IEPs, but there are many ways our schools can make accommodations for students to be successful despite learning exceptionalities. Each school approaches students with learning differences according to their own available personnel and resources.

The entrance requirements for the Diocesan High Schools are a bit more rigorous than for the K-8 schools. All Diocesan High Schools require the applicants to take the High School Placement Test. Additional details regarding the application process at each High School are available through each school’s website.

How do I enroll at an International student in the Diocese of Phoenix?

International students seeking enrollment into one of our Catholic schools must follow the following process:

1. A family must contact the specific K-12 school within the Diocese and a request must be made for the child to be enrolled as an international student.
2. The school will make a decision for acceptance of the international student. If the student is accepted by the school, all school enrollment paperwork will then be requested by the family. In addition to the standard enrollment paperwork, the school will require the International student to provide a Birth Certificate and copy of the student’s Passport.
3. Once the student is accepted by the school and completed the enrollment process, I-20 paperwork will be generated by the Catholic Schools Office and then provided to the school. The school will provide original I-20 paperwork to the family.
4. The family must pay the I-901 Fee required by the Department of Homeland Security.
5. The family must contact the United State embassies or consulates in the child’s home country to setup an interview appointment for F-1 Visa review. The U.S. Department of State will make the final decision on F-1 Visa issuance.
6. Once the child’s F-1 Visa has been issued, the student must report to the approved school by the agreed upon start date.
7. The family must pay the child’s full year’s tuition prior to starting school.

For specific information regarding Studying in the United States, visit the following website: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/

Are the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Phoenix accredited?

Yes. All of the schools in the Diocese of Phoenix are accredited through the Western Catholic Education Association. Some schools have dual accreditation through AdvancEd as well.

Who determines the curricula for Diocesan Schools and how are they developed?

Curriculum standards are developed by committees of experienced Catholic educators and a Catholic schools office representative. Committees research Catholic (arch)diocesan standards from throughout the country, national standards, and state standards to determine how our schools’ standards will be determined. Our curriculum guides include Catholic identity and Catholic social teachings that cannot be found in state or national guides. Each school determines how these standards will be mapped and which materials will be used to deliver the curriculum. Standards for the Diocese of Phoenix can be found here:

http://www.catholicschoolphx.org/curriculum.php

Is there one approach to discipline or classroom management for all Diocesan Schools?

The majority of our K-8 schools have adopted the Discipline With Purpose Program, an approach to self-discipline which is based on three classroom rules and student growth in 15 particular skills.

15 Fundamental Elements of Self-Discipline

The Discipline With Purpose Program hopes to enable students to be more knowledgeable, more confident, and more capable in the areas of:

1. Listening
2. Resolving
3. Problems
4. Leadership
5. Cooperation
6. Asking
7. Questions
8. Distinguishing Fact from Feeling
9. Setting Time Limits
10. Completing a Task
11. Social Skills
12. Following Instructions
13. Initiating Solutions Communication
14. Reasons for Rules
15. Sharing Service

DWP School and Classroom Rules

• Respect yourself, others, and things.
• Contribute to the learning environment.
•  Follow classroom procedures.

If I have a concern with my child’s school, what process should I follow?

Any concern or problem that arises at a school should be addressed directly with that individual before going to his/her supervisor. Most schools outline a protocol for addressing concerns in the Parent/Student Handbook. The process includes contacting the teacher or staff member most involved with the issue first, followed by school administration, the principal, and the pastor (in the case of an elementary school). Engaging the Catholic Schools Office should only be done in collaboration with the school, not in lieu of contacting the school. For elementary schools, the supervisor or personnel and final decision maker is the pastor.