Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Francis de Sales Catholic School just for Catholics?
No, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School is for children of all faiths and backgrounds. St. Francis de Sales Catholic School is an educational community that provides, Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, an environment centered in faith formation, rigorous academics, and service to others. We recognize the value and dignity of individuals living out their Catholic values, while fostering their own gifts and talents.
Do you attend Mass regularly during the school year?
We attend Mass each Wednesday morning at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School as a school. Throughout the year, Mass is lead by one of the classes (Grades 4-8). The students in the respective class serve as gift bearers, lecturers and altar servers (Grades 4-8). Students of all faiths participate in this wonderful St. Francis de Sales tradition. Students also attend Mass on Holy Days throughout the year.
We pride ourselves in being inclusive of all faiths. Currently we have 65% Catholic & 35% Non-Catholic students within our student body. Our school teaches and follows Catholic doctrine, and all students participate in Catholic religious services, but there is no effort to convert students or families from other backgrounds.
The goal of the Diocese of Wilmington of Catholic Schools is to not deny any student the opportunity to attend because of financial need. Financial Assistance is available and granted by the school on an individual need basis. Please contact the school directly to apply for Financial Aid.
What does SFdS Catholic School offer that Public and or other Private schools do not?
The foundation of Catholic School education is the faith based community which includes families, the parish and the diocese. Together we provide an environment rich in Catholic tradition. Within the framework of structured traditional classroom management, students are able to utilize and maximize their God given gifts as their education progresses from elementary to secondary to university levels. As a Catholic school, our intention is to educate our children so that they may go out and make a positive impact on the world.
In Grades PreK3 - 8th Grade, approximately 255 students are enrolled. We are a one-track school with one classroom per grade, creating a small, family-like community. Our PreK3 program offers full days or half days as well as 3 or 5 days a weeks. Our PreK4 program is a full-day program, however parents may choose to pick up their child 12N if they wish.
What are the school’s educational goals?
Our students learn using current best practices in education. We teach cursive, use Google Classroom and textbooks, ensuring our students practice the fine motor skills and critical thinking needed for healthy brain development. We set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed. Our students not only meet academic and diocesan standards but exceed them. SFdS School implements S.T.R.E.A.M.S in our daily curriculum. Stringing together more than one subject area in a lesson creates connections in the brain that enhance retention.
Science ~Technology ~ Religious ~ Engineering~ Arts ~ Mathematics~Spanish
How does the school handle discipline, including bullying?
St. Francis de Sales has a strict discipline code that includes zero tolerance for physical violence, bullying, and cyberbullying. Teachers and administration respond swiftly to any reported incidents.
What other extra-curricular activities and electives are available at SFdS School?
Students may also participate in our Children’s Choir and Band starting in fourth grade. We offer a variety of sports for students in Grades 5-8, such as, Golf, Co-Ed Soccer, Girls Field Hockey, Girls/Boys Basketball, Girls/Boys Lacrosse, Boys Baseball.
Our Middle School Students are able to choose for the following electives; Destination Imagination, Whitebox, Whitestar, Academic Challenge, Rocket, Chess, Crochet, Cooking, Art, Study Hall, Social Club, German, Latin, Muggins and Reading Club.
Does SFdS School provide transportation?
No, parents are responsible for the transportation of their students to and from school. Our families often join carpools to share the responsibility of getting to and from school during the week when coming from a distance.
Does SFdS School have an Before and or an After-School Program?
Yes, we offer Before Care & After Care each day. Parents need to provide transportation for their child from the program.
Before Care: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
After Care: Dismissal- 5:30 PM
We also have a "Drop In Rate" if parents are late picking up their students from school.
Does SFdS School offer hot lunches?
Yes, we offer an optional hot lunch program every Monday-Friday. This is an additional fee to use this service. See the Lunch Program page for details. https://stfrancisdesales.net/cafeteria/cafeteria-payment-plan/
What is the School Uniform Policy at SFdS School?
All students in grades PreK3-8 are required to wear a school uniform. Our uniforms are purchased from Lands' Ends and information may be found under the "Our School" Uniform tab on the school website.
