ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Steps for Applying to Joseph Catholic School

 

Step 1

Parent/guardian may fill out an   Online Inquiry   to begin the admissions process. You will then be prompted to schedule a Campus Tour. We recommend that you take time to explore our website to learn more about Saint Joseph Catholic School before your Tour. You may also call the office at 662-378-9711 and speak with someone in Admissions. During your Campus Tour, you will interact with teachers and staff, see our students in action, and have your specific questions answered. 

 

Step 2

Parent/guardian will then complete an Online Application.  In addition, you will be asked to provide the following documentation, which can be emailed to the school secretary or brought to the school: copy of the child's Birth Certificate, Immunization Form 121, last report card if applicable, a school discipline report if your child is a transfer student, and special education documentation if applicable.

 

Step 3

Parent/guardian will be contacted to schedule a Student Skills Assessment and a Family Interview. These will be done simultaneously. The Skills Assessment will have a non-refundable $25.00 fee. 

 

Candidates applying for Pre-K to K5 will complete a screening with one of our educators. This process takes around 30 minutes to complete. Candidates applying for 1st-12th grade will complete an IXL Learning Assessment and writing sample to determine placement level at Saint Joseph Catholic School. Testing typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes.

 

We view education at Saint Joseph Catholic School as a partnership with families. The Family Interview is an opportunity for us to get to know your family and learn more about your student. Additionally it allows us to share our expectations and understand yours, so we can determine together if we are a good fit for each other. 

 

For candidates with a diagnosis that necessitates additional Learning Resources, we also require a Shadow Day during the school year as the final step of the admissions process. Our admissions team will work with families to provide an opportunity for your student to spend one or more days immersed in one of our classrooms to ensure we are the right place for your student. 

 

Step 4

The Admissions Committee will review information gathered from the application, interview, referral, assessments, and other supporting documentation. You will be contacted regarding the enrollment decision via email or by phone. You will then be required to pay the final enrollment fees.  See our tuition schedule online for details regarding tuition and financial aid.


MORE ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Pre-K Potty Training Policy

Children enrolled in 3K, 4K and 5K must be potty-trained before attending school. This policy is intended to protect all concerned. We do not have the facilities, supplies, or personnel required to change children in these classrooms. We realize that “accidents” will happen. “Accidents” by definition are unusual incidents and should only happen infrequently.

Potty-trained children: 

  • no longer wear diapers (disposable or cloth) or disposable underwear (pull-ups)
  • can tell the teacher when they need to go to the bathroom, and
  • be able to postpone going if they must wait because they are away from the classroom, and
  • be able to pull down their underwear and pants and get them back up without assistance, and 
  • can attend to their own hygiene.

Admission priority is as follows: 

  1. Current SJCS students
  2. Siblings of current SJCS students
  3. Parish members of St. Joseph Catholic Church 
  4. Parish members of other Catholic parishes
  5. Non catholic families


Uniform Guidelines

St. Joseph Catholic School strives to maintain a uniform appearance that shows pride in our school and in our students. To achieve this, uniforms for St. Joseph Catholic School should only be purchased through Tommy Hilfiger. 

No unauthorized personal alterations are to be made to any uniform piece. Please utilize this handbook passage and stated notice during parent meetings that all have been advised regarding the school’s uniform policy. Any uniform offense will result in disciplinary action. This action will include but not be limited to the following: 

  • Items worn or displayed that are not a part of the official uniform may be collected by the staff and may be held until the last day of the semester. 
  • Any uniform infraction (including shaving) requires an immediate fix.  If not possible, then students will be sent to the office. 
  • The student will not be allowed to attend class until the parent/guardian comes to school with the appropriate attire and attends this conference. If the parent/guardian does not show, the student will not be admitted to class. 
  • Offenses beyond this point will be handled by the discipline administrator and noted during the parent/guardian conference.
  • A conference will be set up at the time of the offense between the discipline administrator, a parent or guardian and the student. 
  • Habitual uniform violations(more than 3) may result in a penalty of a one-day, in-school suspension, which carries a cost of $25. Subsequent violations shall mandate accelerated disciplinary actions, including being sent home to correct the concern, detention, and suspension from school.

The administration has final authority on the appropriateness of all dress, hairstyles, and accessories. You can purchase uniforms here: https://www.globalschoolwear.com/school/STJO60. 

Regular Day Uniform

  • Boys: Official khaki pants/shorts with belt, tucked in shirt (short/long-sleeve), closed-toe and closed heel shoes (tennis shoe bottoms for elementary), socks, school-approved jacket/sweater.
  • Girls: Official school khaki pants, tucked in shirt (long or short sleeved), or school plaid jumper or skirt and white blouse; or official school polo dress (PK3-Kindergarten), closed-toe shoes and closed heel shoes (tennis shoe bottoms for elementary), socks, sweatshirt or sweater; or official 

Mass Uniform

  • Boys: Khaki pants (or shorts for elementary) with belt with tucked-in white button-down shirt, tie, white socks, and appropriate shoes (tennis shoe bottoms for elementary).
  • Girls: Jumper (for PK3-2nd grade)/plaid skirt with tucked-in white blouse and cross tie, white socks, and appropriate shoes (tennis shoe bottoms for elementary).

Additional Guidelines

  • Clothing must be appropriately sized, properly worn, and free of excess (no oversized or undersized attire).
  • Shirts must be tucked in; collars and cuffs buttoned, shoes tied, and belts worn on any pants that have belt loops.
  • Girls may wear full-length, non-flared leggings/tights in black, white, gray, or navy (no patterns or embellishments) are permitted under pants, skirts, skorts, and shorts.
  • Hair for all students must be neat, clean, combed, and not covering the eyes.
  • Hair accessories must be green, white, or black.
  • Hair colors should appear natural—including shades that could occur naturally in human hair (e.g., black, brown, blonde, auburn, natural gray, etc.).  Distracting or extreme hairstyles and colors are not permitted.
  • Boys must be clean-shaven unless medically excused with a note approved by administration. Exception: No Shave November with guidelines.
  • No head coverings, scarves, or hoodies worn indoors.
  • Body paint is not permitted during the academic day.
  • Piercings are limited to girls’ ears only—no dangling earrings for elementary. No gauges allowed.
  • Fingernails must be at a manageable length. OLOL students may not have nail extensions (press-ons, acrylics, gels, etc.).
  • Shorts are not permitted on Mass Days. 
  • Undershirts must be white, imprint-free, and not visible beneath sleeves or shirt hem.
  • OLOL students may not wear makeup.
  • The girls’ uniform skirt or skort shall be a finished length that coincides with, or is less than, three inches above the top of one’s knee (Determined from a knelt position). Rolling up skirts will result in detention.
  • Socks must be worn at all times. 
  • Shoes must be closed-toe, closed-heel, fastened, and have tennis shoe-style soles. If a medical condition requires an open shoe, the student must bring a doctor’s note stating the medical condition and the length of time the student is to be without a prescribed shoe.
  • Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 students must wear no-tie shoes (e.g., Velcro).
  • Only  official jackets, anoraks, St. Joseph School letterman jackets, or in some cases the official school sweatshirt are the ONLY outer garments allowed to be worn into the building during the school day, on St. Joseph school buses, or at sanctioned school functions. This includes jackets for sports teams, jackets bought from Fan Cloth,or other school related vendors. For example, appropriate in-season SJCS-issued sporting attire (Jackets, warm-ups…) on a game day would be allowed. On Mass Days, only Tommy Hilfiger jackets may be worn. 
  • Blankets and the like will not be “worn” in the building
  • Only school-issued or approved religious, academic, leadership, service, or athletic pins and medallions are allowed.
  • It is recommended that students have their clothing items labeled. The school is not responsible for lost clothing items. 



CURRICULUM

Saint Joseph Catholic School prioritizes academic excellence, character development, and faith formation through a curriculum developed by the Diocese of Jackson in collaboration with the Notre Dame Ace Collaborative for Academic Excellence. Aligned with national and state standards, the curriculum provides a rigorous and innovative learning experience tailored to meet the needs of all students. Differentiated instruction, balanced literacy, and multiple intelligences are central to instruction, ensuring personalized learning. Click the link to review the Diocesan Standards and Objectives for each grade.


In ELA, students engage in a balanced literacy approach, incorporating Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Phonics, guided reading, and writers’ workshops. A combination of small- and whole-group instruction builds essential literacy skills. Accelerated Reader motivates Kindergarten-6th graders to develop a love for reading, with optional participation in later grades (click here for the link to AR Bookfinder). 

Math instruction follows a hands-on, lab-based, workshop approach, emphasizing problem-solving and small-group instruction for our lower grades. 

Science learning is experimental, with students applying concepts in science and science labs through inquiry-driven activities. 

In Social Studies, students develop historical, cultural, and civic understanding through integrated, interactive lessons.

For Pre-K  and Kindergarten, a multi-sensory, literacy-rich curriculum fosters early learning through hands-on activities in language arts, mathematics, music, social studies, science, dramatic play, and physical education, supporting both academic and social-emotional growth. Across all grades, Saint Joseph provides a challenging and engaging curriculum that nurtures students academically, creatively, physically, and spiritually, preparing them for future success.

Faith Formation

Our Catholic faith is emphasized, modeled, and taught as part of the regular curriculum, through daily religion lessons, weekly Mass attendance, sacrament class, and a religious formation class based on liturgy and scripture.

 

Arts Integration

Saint Joseph Catholic School has a rich tradition in the arts. Our elementary educators are trained to integrate the arts into all aspects of the curriculum and to effectively use the arts to engage all learners. Junior High and High School students have the opportunity to select from music or art classes.  The Kennedy Center defines arts integration as an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives in both. Our teachers utilize this approach to extend learning for all students and to meet the needs of our diverse body of learners. Students reach higher levels of learning and thinking as they apply their knowledge through an art form.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso

 

 

Special Area Classes

Students at Saint Joseph Catholic School expand their knowledge, recognize their strengths, and develop interests through our wide variety of special area classes.Classroom teachers and special area teachers plan instruction collaboratively to enrich and develop skills throughout all areas of the school day. Our special area classes continue to develop the whole child spiritually, creative, physically, and academically in ways that emphasize real life skills and applications that children carry with them throughout their lives. All students from PreK3 to Sixth Grade experience enrichment and skill development in: Religion * Library and Media Skills * Music * Physical Education 


Students in 7th-12th grade have a variety of courses that include  German * Journalism * Physical Education *CPR * Keyboarding * Technology Foundations * ACT Prep * AP Courses (AP Pre-Cal and AP Cal) * and Dual Enrollment Courses through MDCC (Comp I and II * College Algebra * Psychology * Sociology *Philosophy) 


 

Technology

Saint Joseph Catholic School acknowledges the importance of technology in education.  Our students receive classroom instruction on keyboard applications and technology is integrated into our curriculum for all grade levels. Our classrooms offer 1:1 iPads for Grades 2nd-5th, 1:1 Chromebooks for 6th-12th grade and provide iPad Stations for Grades K3-1. 

 

Our curriculum and highly qualified teachers, counselors, administrators and staff members of Saint Joseph Catholic School prepare students for future success in an ever-changing world and ensure an atmosphere where students are challenged to maximize their potential and to develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.


Athletics: 


The St. Joseph Catholic School athletic program is a dynamic and integral part of the educational experience. Dignity and respect for each individual are basic Gospel values taught in the SJCS curriculum. Athletics are an important way of teaching young men and women to cope with life in competitive circumstances and also reflect Gospel values. Participating students, parents, and other adults, in our athletic settings are expected to model mature and responsible Christian behavior. Our Catholic model of play focuses on preparing well, playing hard, while always caring for our school and teammates. We are called to play within the rules and participate so as to never humiliate others.

St. Joseph Catholic School students wishing to participate in a sport must sign up when coaches provide a sign up and/or deadline.  Any student who decides to participate on a team after the deadline should see the Athletic Director before attending practice. Deadlines are not intended to prevent a student from participating on a sports team, but they are necessary to make sure that team sizes do not become too large to allow for proper instruction of participants. 

Prior to beginning each season, the sport-specific coaches will hold a mandatory meeting for all interested student-athletes and/or their parents. During this meeting, the coaches will introduce themselves and share their expectations specific to their sport.  Parents and/or students should contact the coach prior to the meeting should they not be able to attend.

We ask that we all remember our respective through interscholastic competition:

  • Players Play
  • Coaches Teach
  • Officials Officiate
  • Parents Support 

At St. Joseph we pledge to:

  1. Remain Catholic Christian during all competition 
  2. Treat ALL with respect 
  3. Never confront officials or coaches regarding game situations or playing time amounts


There are five top ways to support your student athlete: 

  1. Be present- Show up to games, cheer, and support our teams
  2. Be positive – Children learn from modeling. When talking about the game, season,

 performance, and decision-making, please share the gift of a positive outlook on life! Make sure that your child knows that win or lose, he/she is loved and supported.

  1. Encourage independence – Encourage student-athletes to be responsible for the care of their athletic gear and to be prepared for practices and games. In addition, student-athletes should speak directly with their coach about any questions and/or concerns. 
  2. Observe the “24 Hour Cushion” – As do all good educators, St. Joseph Catholic School coaches will naturally and deliberately reflect on game situations and decisions. Please allow coaches the time they need to process their decisions before approaching them with any questions. Coaches need not discuss playing time, coaching strategies and specific plays, or information pertaining to other athletes.
  3. Model St. Joseph Catholic Schools behavior expectations for visiting spectators – Take pride in our athletic program and model for visitors how we… 
  4. cheer for our team rather than against our opponents.
  5. respect the integrity and authority of game officials.
  6. allow coaches to coach without criticism from the spectators.
  7. help clean up at the end of athletic events.

St. Joseph Catholic School’s interscholastic play is governed by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. The organizational rules may be found in the Academy Athletic Conference Handbook and may be found by going to www.msais.org, clicking Athletics at top of the web page, and then clicking AAC on the left tab.