Click here for the NEW 2008-2009 STUDENT APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION form.
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO BE COMPLETE:
Pre-Kindergarten:
The child must be (4) years old by December 31
Kindergarten:
The child must be five (5) years old by December 31
1. Official copy of the child’s birth certificate (long form)
2. Baptismal Certificate
3. Health records including up-to-date immunizations. State of Connecticut health form completed by your physician.
4. Application fee (non-refundable)
5. Parent calendar to set date & time for screening
6. Parish certification form signed by your pastor
IF APPLYING TO KINDERGARTEN - FIFTH GRADE: Progress report from previous school
IF DIVORCED: A copy of your divorce decree & custody papers (this is for your child’s protection)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the school?
The pre-kindergarten program takes place from 8:05am until 11:05am. We offer an extended day program (until 2:05pm) for pre-kindergarten students.
The hours for kindergarten through grade five are from 8:05am until 2:05pm. There is a before-school program that opens at 7:00am and an after-school program that ends at 5:30pm.
How many students are in the school and what is the average class size?
There are approximately 300 students in the school with an average class size ranging from 20 to 25 students.
What is the dress code or uniform?
Pre-kindergarten children are not required to wear a uniform but have the option to wear a maroon St. Cecilia gym uniform (sweatshirt and sweatpants).
In kindergarten through fifth grade, girls wear a maroon jumper and a white blouse. Girls in grades 4 & 5 have the option to wear a skirt or a skort with a white Oxford shirt. The boys wear gray slacks with a white or burgundy shirt. On their class’s gym day, the children wear a gym uniform, a grey sweatshirt with grey sweatpants. All items can be purchased through the uniform company. There is also a uniform exchange program where you may be able to receive a previously worn uniform at no cost.
What are the qualifications of the teachers? Do they hold an advanced degree?
We have 16 full-time teachers and 3 part-time teachers. 93% of our teachers are certified in the State of Connecticut (others have certification in another state) and 64% have advanced degrees.
Have the teachers been at the school a long time?
Yes. The average time for the entire staff is 17 years. Turn-over rates are very low, thus creating a stable teaching community.
Are foreign languages taught?
We offer Spanish, French and Italian as an extracurricular after-school program.
Can you tell me about the curriculum?
Our school’s curriculum follows the subject area Curriculum Maps developed by the Bridgeport Diocesan Schools using best practices and cutting-edge data driven research. The curriculum maps are dynamic - changing to reflect the teaching-learning process in the classroom. Tied to the state standards, these maps are the prescribed curriculum for the thirty-nine Catholic schools in Fairfield County. Each grade level’s content, students’ skills and the types of assessment used to evaluate the students’ skills are clearly articulated in the maps. Please visit http://www.bridgeportdioceseschools.org/mapping.htm for a detailed description of the Curriculum by grade level.
Is there a music program?
Yes. Children attend music classes weekly. In 2007, we introduced a Music Enrichment Program, called “Learning to Listen.” It is a comprehensive program where the children learn the history of music, enhance their appreciation for music, hone their ability to recognize famous musical compositions and discover the endless opportunities of music in cinema and our world today.
Do the children participate in organized sports or activities?
Yes. Our students can participate in Soccer, Karate, Basketball (through the CYO League), Scouts (Boys and Girls), Drama, Art Club, Chess Club, Handbell Choir, School Newspaper, Wee Deliver Postal Service, and various community outreach projects.
Do you have a cafeteria?
We do not have a cafeteria. Children eat lunch in their classrooms.
Where is Gym held?
When the weather is nice, we like to take advantage of the outside grounds and basketball courts and have gym class on the school property. When the weather does not permit, gym class is held in the large church hall in the basement of St. Cecilia Church, on our campus.
Do the children go to church? How often do they attend church?
Yes. The children go to church for special holidays, approximately once a month and on holy days. Prayer is an important component of daily school life. Our faith produces a loving environment in which our students thrive.
Do I have to be Catholic?
You do not have to be Catholic to attend the school. All religious affiliations
are welcome.
Can you tell me about your before school and after school program?
The before school program is from 7:00am until 8:05am. In the before school program, children normally socialize or play. The after-school program is from 2:05pm until 5:30pm. During the after-school program, the children change into play clothes, have a snack, and play outdoors, weather permitting. They are encouraged to do their homework or work on any school projects.
How are the test scores for the school compared to public schools?
Public schools in Stamford utilize the Connecticut Mastery Test or the CMT. St. Cecilia School, like many public and private schools throughout the United States, utilizes the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. On average, our students exhibit test scores that are one to two grades above their grade level in math and reading. Our testing data show that the longer a child attends St. Cecilia School, the better their academic performance. (See enclosed graph for test results.)
What are the holidays for the school? Are they the same as the public schools?
In general, St. Cecilia follows the holiday schedule of the Stamford public schools. For example, we have our Christmas, Winter and Spring Breaks at the same time. However, typically there are some days that public schools are closed while St. Cecilia is open, and vice-versa.
Are the parents involved in the school? Is there a parent association?
We have a very active Home School Association (HSA), the equivalent of a Parent-Teacher Organization. The HSA hosts events for the school community, provides enrichment programs for the students, and buys necessary equipment for the classrooms and the grounds, and much more. Parents volunteer in numerous
ways - in the classrooms as well as on a variety of projects and committees.
During the day are the school doors locked?
All the doors in the building are kept locked and cameras monitor the main doors.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available. Tuition is set by the Regional Catholic Elementary Schools of the Bridgeport Diocese. There are discounts for families with more than one child at the school. Members of any Catholic parish in Stamford receive a substantial discount.
Is there school bus service for my child?
Yes. If you live in Stamford, the Laidlaw Bus Company provides bus service to our school in accordance with the Stamford Board of Transportation.
St. Cecilia’s students consistently perform one year or more above their actual grade level on the
IOWA Test of Basic Skills
Class of 2006: 2nd grade scores not available;
Class of 2008 has not taken the ITBS as 5th graders yet.