Policies and Procedures

As a Catholic School, St. John the Baptist strives to remain faithful to Jesus Christ Who said, "Seek first the kingdom of God...." The school therefore places emphasis first and foremost on the teaching and practice of the Catholic faith. Therefore, all students regardless of their religious background and affiliation must participate in all the religious instruction and activities of the school – with the exception of the reception of the Sacraments for those who are not Catholic.

The administration of St. John the Baptist School recognizes that our students come from a variety of family backgrounds, some of which may not fully conform to the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. The personal family background of a student does not constitute an absolute obstacle to enrollment in the school. Nor does acceptance of any child for enrollment in the school condone or imply approval of any parental living situation which may be contrary to Church teachings.

The primary purpose of St. John the Baptist School is the education of young people in order to assist them in their academic, personal and spiritual growth. Parents and guardians who enroll their children also understand that the school will remain faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and steadfast in proclaiming them. While present on the school campus, every adult has the responsibility of appropriate conduct, in order to support the school's mission and provide positive models to our students. No one in the context of St. John the Baptist school community is to give witness to a lifestyle that is in conflict with the morality of the Gospel. A coherent witness to Catholic moral teaching is expected at the school, especially in behavior which is evident and public. Any other kind of behavior needs to be addressed and may need to be corrected. The Pastor is the final judge in applying this principle. At the time of acceptance, preference will be given to students whose parents are active parishioners.

New students applying for the upper grades (5-88) are interviewed personally by administrators as part of the admissions process and may be tested as well.

The I-20 Forms must be acquired for non-immigrant foreign students. Forms for this approval should be obtained through the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools. The schools under the jurisdiction of the Diocesan Department of Catholic Education were approved as schools for non-immigrant foreign students on August 24, 1976 under approval number LOS 214F 0963.000. All correspondence regarding Immigration and Naturalization should be handled by the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools. The I-20 Form will not be signed to admit a non-immigrant student without comprehensive evidence of the suitability of the commitment or without having seen the student.

Every person, as a child of God, regardless of race, condition, or age, has equal dignity and an inalienable right to an education. Therefore, no qualified student will be denied admission to this school on the basis of race, color or national origin. St. John the Baptist School admits students of any race, color, racial or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, racial or ethnic origin, in the administration of its education and admission policies, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Minimum Age (EC 4160A)

Ordinarily a child must be 4 years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year to be admitted into Transitional Kindergarten and 5 years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year to be admitted into Kindergarten. If the Principal determines that a child who is 6 years of age after. September 1st cut-off date has successfully completed a year of Kindergarten and is assessed to be ready for First Grade such a child may be admitted to the school. Where the child has been legally enrolled in another school he/she may be admitted to the school. Grade placement will be at the discretion of St. John's.

Developmental Readiness (EC 4160B)

A child must be developmentally ready in order to succeed in school. St. John's administers tests to children applying for admission to kindergarten or first grade to determine their developmental readiness.

If a child is admitted to the school, his/her admission is probationary for at least six weeks.

California law provides for compulsory school attendance of all children between the ages of six and eighteen years (EC 48200).

A. Tuition and fees are paid through FACTS Tuition Management Service using one of the payment methods offered by the service. I understand that I am obligated to pay tuition through this service contracted by the school. Students may be subject to dismissal for non payment of tuition and/or fees. I have received and agree to the Tuition Fees Schedule.

B. In completing an application, we (I) do hereby knowingly consent to waive our (my) rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (20U.S.C. 1232g) to have the student records of our student(s) forwarded to any other educational institution or to their home, if it should be determined by the school, that outstanding tuition or fees have not been paid or honored.

Being a Catholic school, St. John's puts emphasis first and foremost on the Catholic Faith. Therefore, all students, regardless of their religion, must participate in all the religious activities of the school — with the exception of the reception of the Sacraments for those who are not Catholic. Those who profess to be Catholic are expected to be active members of St. John's Parish or the parish to which they belong. At the time of acceptance, preference will be given to students whose parents are active parishioners and who are siblings of current students.