Admittance Policy
St. Mary Help of Christians School admits qualified students regardless of sex, race, creed, national or ethnic origin with preference first to siblings of presently enrolled students, then to Catholic children of St. Mary Help of Christians Church, and finally to all other children.
Admission is not final until all of the following steps are completed and accepted by St. Mary Help of Christians School:
1. Kindergarten children must be five years of age by September 1 to enter 5K.
2. Registration forms (Application and Student Information Sheet) must be completed and the following documents provided: Birth Certificate; Social Security Card; South Carolina Certificate of Immunization; Baptismal Certificate for Catholic students and, if applicable, a copy of Custody/Adoption papers.
3. Payment of registration fee with registration application.
4. Completion of F.A.C.T.S. Automatic Tuition Payment Agreement if applicable;
5. Copies of records from previous schools (standardized test scores, report cards, attendance, conduct, etc.) must be submitted.
6. New kindergarten and first grade students are generally required to take a readiness evaluation prior to the start of school. New students registering for other grades must provide a copy of the most recent report card and recent standardized test scores and/or take a placement test.
7. Students wishing to transfer from local schools must be able to provide documentation that the student exhibited good conduct and attitude while attending that school.
8. Declaration of special educational needs, if any.
a. In the best interest of the student, parents are strongly encouraged to provide St. Mary Help of Christians School a summary of any psychological tests or reports that might be beneficial in serving the student's needs. If special testing is recommended, parents will be asked to sign a release form authorizing the release to the school of pertinent information obtained as a result of said testing.
b .St. Mary Help of Christians School is aware that some children have been diagnosed to have special needs. It is the parents' responsibility to provide documentation and information to the principal prior to registration regarding personal conditions which may require special services by the school. In these cases, each situation will be evaluated from these two perspectives: the educational standards of the school and the school's financial ability to provide the service.
9. Other forms (e.g., School Policy Compliance Agreement, Walking Field Trip Permit, Health Information, Publicity Release Form, etc.) will be sent home for signature on the first day of school and are due back the second day of school.
10. The education of a student is a partnership between the parents and the school. Just as the parent has the right to withdraw a child if desired, the school administration reserves the right to require the withdrawal of a student if the administration determines that the partnership is irretrievably broken.
A student must reapply for admission each year. A final decision on acceptance will be made after the conclusion of the current year. Placement of students in classes at each grade level is accomplished with consideration for what is best for the student and the class as a whole. Parent requests for particular placements are not encouraged and may not be accommodated.
This policy is in compliance with the "NCEA Handbook: Legal Considerations" and the policies of the Diocese of Charleston.