St. Rose of Lima School FAQs

Below are many of the frequently asked questions. If you do not find the information that you need, please let us know.

What is the tuition?

Click here to see our tuition schedule for 2013-2014. We have one of the lowest tuitions of all the private schools in the Conejo and surrounding valleys.

What are the school hours?

School hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. until 2:45 p.m.; Friday, 7:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Before-school care is available from 7:00 a.m. There is an after-school program that begins immediately after school and ends at 6:00 p.m. The school office is open from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

How many students attend St. Rose of Lima? What are the average class sizes?

There are approximately 250 students in the school, with an average class size ranging from 15 to 28 students. All classes have teacher’s aides in addition to the regular teachers.

What is the dress code or uniform?

In general, boys wear navy blue twill pants or Bermuda shorts with white or royal blue polo shirts. Girls wear blue plaid skirts or jumpers or navy blue twill pants or walking shorts with white or royal blue polo shirts. All students wear athletic shoes in solid white, black or navy blue. On their class’s P.E. day, the children wear school gym shorts or school sweats and a spirit t-shirt or uniform sweatshirt.

All items are available through Michael’s School Uniforms at the school during registration. They may also be ordered online at www.michaelsschooluniforms.com at any time. In addition, there are used uniform sales throughout the year, where you can purchase gently used uniforms at a greatly reduced cost.

What are the qualifications of the teachers?

100% of our full-time teachers are credentialed/certificated in the State of California; many of our teachers also hold advanced degrees and certifications.

What kind of experience do the teachers have? Have they been at the school a long time?

On average, our teachers have more than 12 years of teaching experience. The average time with St. Rose of Lima is 6 ½ years. Turn-over rates are very low, thus creating a stable teaching community.

What kind of technology is used at the school for teaching purposes?

In addition to a state-of-the-art computer lab with a full-time instructor, which is an integral part of the curriculum at all grade levels, each classroom is outfitted with cutting-edge LCD projectors (ELMOs). Every teacher uses an iPad and Apple TV technology to interact with the projectors and complement traditional teaching methods. In middle school, students work with a 1:1 iPad program, meaning each student has their own iPad. This encourages students to get involved through fun, interactive learning experiences.

Are foreign languages taught?

We offer Spanish in Kindergarten through Grade 8.       

Is the school accredited?

Yes. St. Rose of Lima School is fully accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association in recognition for the quality of our educational program. In 2008, St. Rose of Lima received the highest  Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation rating possible, good for six years.

Can you tell me about the curriculum?

Our school’s curriculum follows and often exceeds California State and Archdiocesan guidelines, using best practices and cutting-edge technology. The teaching process is dynamic—changing to reflect the learning styles in the classroom.

Is there a music program?

Yes. Students attend music classes weekly with a dedicated, professional music instructor. We also offer choir and band for students in third through eighth grades.

Is there an art program?

Yes. Students attend “Meet the Masters” classes bi-weekly with a dedicated, professional art instructor.

Do the children participate in organized sports or activities?

Yes. Our students can participate in Student Council; Scouts (Boys and Girls); Certificate of Merit Program; Speech Team; School Newspaper; Yearbook; Geography and Spelling Bees; a variety of enrichment classes throughout the year (such as karate, dance, and robotics); and various community outreach and service projects. Students in Grades 5 through 8 can participate in competitive intramural sports programs, including Football, Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball; they can also participate in Cheerleading.

Do you offer a hot lunch program?

We offer an affordable and healthy lunch program through ChoiceLunch Monday through Thursday. They offer many daily options, both hot and cold. Students eat at lunch tables in covered outdoor areas.

Where is P.E. held?

When the weather is nice, P.E. class is held on the school’s large grassy field or the separate hard-top play area. When the weather does not permit, P.E. class is held in our parish hall.

Do the children go to church? How often do they attend church?

Yes. The children go to church weekly on Fridays at 8:30 a.m. Each month, a grade level is in charge of masses, including readings, intentions, and gifts. Parents are welcome at these masses.

Do I have to be Catholic?

You do not have to be Catholic to attend the school, although about 90% of our students are Catholic and are current with their sacraments. All religious affiliations are welcome.

What do children do at your after school program?

The supervised after-school program, available every day immediately after school until 6:00 p.m., allows children time to do homework, play games indoors and out (weather permitting), create arts and crafts and more.

How are the test scores for the school compared to public schools?

Public schools in the Conejo and surrounding valleys utilize the California Standards Tests (CST), California Modified Assessment (CMA), and California Alternative Assessment (CAPA).  St. Rose of Lima, 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 two to three grade levels above their current level by the time they reach eighth grade. The tests are given in the fall so teachers can use the data to direct instruction for individual students, as well as for the entire class. Our testing data show that the longer a child attends St. Rose of Lima School, the better their academic performance.

What are the holidays for the school? Are they the same as the public schools?

In general, St. Rose of Lima School follows a similar holiday schedule to the Conejo Valley public schools, beginning in late August and ending in early June, with Christmas (winter) and Easter (spring) breaks and National holidays. However, typically there are some days that public schools are closed while St. Rose is open, and vice-versa. Please consult our calendar for further information.

Are the parents involved in the school? Is there a parent association?

We have a very active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO hosts events for the school community, fundraises for equipment that enhances instructional programs, and much more. Parents volunteer in numerous ways- – in the classrooms as well as on a variety of projects, events, and committees.

During the day are the school gates closed?

The gates in front of the building are kept closed at all times during school hours. Visitors must check in at the main office and wear a visitor’s badge while on campus.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Limited financial aid is available; families must apply online at www.factstuitionaid.com.