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Schools

St. Scholastica School Enrollment Holding Strong

Enrollment is steady at Woodridge's only Catholic school.

Enrollment at Woodridge's only private school remains stable, despite the economy.

, which opened 49 years ago, is a Catholic school attached to along Janes Avenue.

There are 280 students enrolled in in grades K-8 for this school year. Tuition is $3,525 a year per student, though multichildren discounts and financial aid are available. Despite the economy, enrollment has remained consistent.

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" is considered one of the most stable schools in our Diocese," said Principal Gail Kueper..

"We have a very dedicated and excellent faculty with very low turnover. It's our teachers that make the kids and parents want to be here and be involved."

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The school saw a "slight dip" in enrollment last school year as parents looked for options for full-day kindergarten.

In response to this need, the school instituted its Bright Stars program, an optional full-day program that blends a half day of either morning or afternoon kindergarten with a half day of extended care.

Additionally, also offers an extended-care program before and after school at the cost of $3 per hour. 

Kueper said succeeds because of its quality.

"Our parents are very happy with the results they see and we receive feedback from area high schools that our kids are well-prepared for school and extremely responsible," she said.

Julie Kramer sent her son to because of its sense of community.

"We originally sent our son to  for the size of the classrooms," she said. "We felt he would get more individual attention there. We've grown to love the school for that reason and so many more.

It's a great environment for kids to learn with incredibly dedicated teachers and staff. We feel he is getting the best education while also learning Catholic principles that will help him continue to succeed."

Kueper said that community extends to the mentoring relationships of its students.

"Our school motto is 'We Are a Welcoming Community,' and we pride ourselves on being very family-oriented," said Kueper. "All the kids know each other, and the older students work with helping the younger students. This is their home-away-from-home and we work hard to provide the same feelings and comfort of home."

Kramer is president of the Parents Club, which provides financial and physical support for academic, spiritual and cultural programs.

"We sponsor social programs designed to create a spirit of community among the parents, students and staff," she said.

The Parents Club hosts activities including a kindergarten parents wine and cheese reception, vendor fair, bowling night, school fun fair, teacher appreciation luncheon, Barnes and Noble art fair, May golf outing, and the annual Walk for Technology.  

"All the funds we raise go right back into the school," Kramer said. "We fund classroom supplies, sponsor academic teams and help advance technology at our school." 

welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds. For parents in need of financial aid, the school offers some assistance, and families can apply for aid through the Diocese of Joliet's Catholic Education Foundation.

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