Admissions FAQs

What is the average class size?
On average there are 12-13 students each day in the Early Learning Program and 16-22 students in a Pre-Kindergarten I through Sixth Grade classroom.

How many classes are there per grade level?
Currently: ELP I (one year olds): 2 classrooms, ELP II (two year olds): 2 classrooms, Pre-K I (three year olds): 3 classrooms, Pre-K II (four year olds): 2 classrooms, K: 2 classrooms, 1st: 3 classrooms, 2nd: 2 classrooms, 3rd: 2 classrooms, 4th-6th: 2 classrooms

What makes St. Mark’s different from the local public schools and other private schools in the area?
 St. Mark’s has many advantages over the local public schools; small class sizes, character development, resources, technology such as mimeo boards (smartboards) and laptops, enhanced curriculum, religious instruction, regular chapels, outstanding faculty, a safe and beautiful campus, a loving and nurturing “family” environment, and so much more! We invite you to visit our school so you can experience first-hand the St. Mark’s difference.

Should I expect to be put on a waiting list?
The greatest percentage of students put on a waiting list occurs in the Early Learning Program and the Pre Kindergarten program. Enrollment priority is given to current students, siblings of current students, and St. Mark’s Church parishioners. Open enrollment for remaining class space begins mid-February, and is on a first-come basis.

How difficult is the transition for a child entering St. Mark’s in an upper grade level?
Academically, St. Mark’s faculty strives to coordinate its curriculum with other area independent schools. Socially and emotionally, the small class sizes make it much easier for a student to be welcomed into the community.

How is carpool handled?
ELP parents must park in the designated areas surrounding the ELP building and walk their children into the classrooms. The other carpool areas are patrolled by sixth grade safety patrols and faculty. Morning drop-off (7:55-8:15 a.m.) carpool runs quickly and efficiently. Afternoon pick-up (ELP and Pre-K – 12 p.m.; K-6 grades – 3:15 p.m.) carpool lines frequently back up onto the neighborhood streets, but the expected time spent in carpool is around ten minutes. St. Mark’s does not offer area transportation.

What kind of involvement is expected for a parent?
A strong relationship between home and school is essential for a child’s success. Parents are encouraged to ask children if they have homework or projects that are to be completed at home. Conferences will be held each fall, and as requested by the parents/teachers/Head of School. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend weekly chapel services, volunteer in classrooms, and become involved with St. Mark’s Parents Association. There are many opportunities for a parent to volunteer at school throughout the year, whether it is baking a dish for a bake sale, or organizing an event such as the Book Fair or Fall Festival.

How is discipline handled at St. Mark’s?
We recognize every child and situation is unique, and we act accordingly. In ELP and pre-primary grades, a child exhibiting inappropriate behavior (hitting, biting, temper tantrums), will be encouraged to engage in other activities, e.g. introduce a new toy or activity. Children in older grades will be attended to by the teacher and in extreme cases will be brought to the Assistant Head of School or the Head of School. Parents will be notified of any serious violation or ongoing inappropriate behavior.

What standardized tests does St. Mark’s utilize?
Admissions Testing:

• Pre-Kindergarten II: Kindergarten Readiness Test
• Kindergarten: Brigance K (if 5 years old) or Brigance First Grade (if 6 years old)
• First Grade: School Readiness Test, STAR Reading Assessment, grade level sight word, listening compreshension assessment, cumulative math test
• Second Grade: STAR Reading Assessment, grade level sight word reading, listening comprehension assessment, cumulative math test, Reading Fluency Benchmark Assessor, writing sample
• Third-Sixth Grade: STAR Reading Assessment, grade level sight word reading, reading comprehension assessments, cumulative math test, Reading Fluency Benchmark Assessor, writing sample

Standardized Tests:

• Pre-Kindergarten II: Kindergarten Readiness Test (end of year)
• Kindergarten: School Readiness Teast (end of year)
• First & Second Grade: Stanford Achievement Teast (SAT-10) abbreviated version (March)
• Third Grade: First & Second Grade: Stanford Achievement Teast (SAT-10) full battery (March)
• Fourth-Sixth Grades: Comprehensive Testing Battery (CTP-4) (March)

When does foreign language instruction begin?
 A lively and energetic teacher visits ELP (one year old) through pre-kindergarten classes and exposes the students to the Spanish language through stories, songs, and play. In grades K-3 students are taught Spanish by the Spanish teacher. Fourth and Fifth graders are taught Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.  Click here for full details about our World Language Program.

Chinese is also taught to pre-kindergarten students staying in EDP and is occasionally offered as an After School Enrichment opportunity to children in second through sixth grades.

How often is Physical Education scheduled?
We understand that physical activity plays an important role in the development and learning process of children. Everyone in K-6 has physical education daily with a P.E. teacher. ELP I and II students enjoy outside playtime on an age-appropriate playground. Pre-Kindergarten I and II students have P.E. classes weekly.

What is the dress code?
The purpose of a dress code is to exhibit respect for the school, self, and others, and to promote a sense of community and spirit. ELP and Pre Kindergarten students are not required to wear a uniform, however appropriate attire is requested. Students in Kindergarten through sixth grade are required to wear a standard uniform of a red, white, or blue collared shirt and khaki or navy blue shorts, slacks, skirts, or dresses. Local uniform companies and Land’s End have the St. Mark’s logo and uniform requirements on file. Click here for full details.

What curriculum is used?
Curriculum varies by grade level.  Please click here for full details.

What additional fees besides tuition should be expected?
The following is not included in the tuition or supply and activity fees: uniforms, spirit day t-shirts, After School Enrichment classes, a yearbook, school portraits, Extended Day, over-night field trips in 5th & 6th grades, Lions Lunchables, as well as other miscellaneous items and activities.

Is there a lunch program?
Yes. Students may bring a lunch from home, or parents may order lunches from the Lion’s Lunchables program.  Lunch order forms are sent out in intervals throughout the year and include many options and reasonable prices.  Offerings include kid-friendly foods: pizza, sandwiches, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, salad, yogurt, chips, veggie sticks, fruit, water, milk, chocolate milk, and much more.  For those who prefer an organic diet, a healthy and delicious option from Whole Foods is available.

What are the School Day Hours?

Extended Day Program Hours:

• 7:15 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Office Hours:

• 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
• 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) SUMMER
• The office staff will be pleased to extend its hours to meet scheduled appointments.

Student Hours:

• ELP I and ELP II, 8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Pre-K I and Pre-K II, 8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Grades K-5, 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Grade 6*, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

*Students in grade six have special campus leadership responsibilities requiring slightly different hours. Sixth graders serve in various leadership positions throughout the year. While on safety patrol, students must arrive by 7:50 a.m. and are off duty at 3:30 p.m. All other leadership roles require an 8:00 a.m. arrival with a 3:15 p.m. dismissal.