Welcome to SJB Admissions!

We hope that you visit our school and feel that you, too, belong here. Our students and their families feel that way every day.





Admissions Policy

St. John the Baptist is a Catholic elementary school with 268 boys and girls in one class per grade from preschool through 8th grade.


While the school primarily serves parish families, it is open to all parents who want to send their children to a school with qualified teachers, high academic standards, and a supportive, faith-filled environment. SJB does not discriminate. Class size is limited. Here is our priority list: 

  1. siblings of SJB students
  2. children of SJB parishioners
  3. children of parents who are registered in other Catholic parishes 
  4. children and parents committed to education

Requirements

Pre-School 

  • Must be 3 by September 1 to enter the 3-year-old preschool program
  • Must by 4 by September 1 to enter the Pre-K program

Kindergarten

  • Must be 5 by September 1

First Grade 

  • Must be 6 by September 1

SJB follows Maryland law on age requirement for Kindergarten. Parents must have an early-admission waiver from their neighborhood public school before they may apply for their 4-year-old to enter Kindergarten. If there is a waiver for the child, the parents and principal will meet and make a decision to do what is best for the child.New Paragraph


SJB PreSchool -- For the 3's and 4's 

SJB currently will accept up to 20 students for the 4-year-old PreK program and up to 11 students for the 3-year-old preschool program. 

Applications for All Students

Applications for new students (PreK - 8th Grade) are free and made online through TADS, our enrollment and tuition management system.


  • Required Documentation -- Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate (if Catholic), Form 19 Release of Information Form
  • Release of Information Form -- When applying for placement in K-8, it is important to print, complete, and sign Form 19 and then upload the signed form on TADS or send it to the school office. Competing this step will speed up the admissions decision.


 Please contact the school for an interpreter or for the use of a computer. We will accommodate you.

Registration and Enrollment

Registration instructions will be sent in an email from TADS soon after the child has been accepted. Please see the Admissions Timeline.


Parish Tuition Grant for Catholic Families -- Please complete the parish verification form and send it to the school office with names written clearly on the form. Parish policy is to provide a tuition grant to registered parishioners of St. John the Baptist and to families with written documentation of their membership to another parish. Please send the verification form as soon as you register.


  • When applying for preschool... be aware that potty-training is a requirement for children coming to SJB.
  • When applying for Kindergarten... the parent may receive a call from the Kindergarten teacher scheduling a readiness assessment for the child. 
  • When applying for Grades 1 or 2...the parent may receive a request for a student-readiness assessment.
  • When applying for Grades 3-8... the parent may receive a call from the school scheduling a visitation date for the student. 
TADS - Admissions & Enrollment

Questions About SJB

  • What do I bring for a visit? What do I wear?

    The visiting student should arrive with a bag lunch, a pencil, a notebook, and should wear regular school clothes with a jacket if it's cold. The students usually go outside for recess. Sneakers are fine.

  • On the day of the visit, where should we go when we get to the school?

    Parents should bring the visiting student to the school office at 8:00 am and should pick up the child at the same place at the end of the day at 3:00 pm or at an agreed-upon pickup time.

  • What happens during the visit?

    The applicant will meet the homeroom teacher. Another student will guide your child through the procedures and introduce your child to classmates. The visiting student will go to all regular classes. Extra desk, chair, and materials are arranged ahead of time. The children will have lunch together and go to PE, music, art, library, and recess together, depending on the schedule for the day. The applicant may be given a math and reading assessment during regular classes.

  • Why are we being invited to school events?

    Current school parents will no doubt reach out to invite our new parents and students to upcoming school events such as the Christmas Show, Arts & Academics, the SJB Gala, and the Spring Show. Our parents have lots of enthusiasm for SJB, and they love to welcome new families to the community. Please come to as many events as you wish. You are always welcome here. In particular, you may wish to attend the Arts & Academics festival. 

  • What is a wait list?

    If a class is full, a child's application will be placed on the wait list. We will notify parents whose children are on the wait list as soon as there is an opening. Parents will not be asked to pay a fee or come to the screening until we know that space is available.

  • What does Blue Ribbon mean?

    Students in grades 2-8 must perform in the top 15 percent nationally in reading, math, and attendance, according to standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. Students in different demographic groupings must also hit those marks.

Timeline for 2024-25 School Year Application

  • 1st Step -- Completing the Application

    Applying is free. Applications are done online on TADS, the school's admissions-enrollment management system. Applications are unnecessary for children already enrolled in the school. 


    School Records Release Form -- Complete, sign, and upload the Release of Information Form 19, which is part of the application on TADS. We send the completed form to your child's school with a request for school records. It takes about a week for the records to arrive. The release form is required for admissions, except in preschool. 


    Birth Certificate -- This must be uploaded on the TADS application. 


    Applications are reviewed after application requirements are met. Some application notices may begin to go out in December. Applications for grades 1-8 may begin to go out in February.

  • 2nd Step -- After Acceptance -- Registration

    The acceptance notice from TADS will include instructions on paying a registration fee and enrolling your child for the school year. Please complete the enrollment information carefully. If you have more than one child, you must enroll each child one at a time. Please also complete the parish verification form if you request a lower tuition rate for your child as a member of a parish in the Archdiocese of Washington. During enrollment, parents will be asked to upload immunization forms. 

  • 3rd Step -- Tuition Agreement

    Tuition payment plans are sent by TADS email to registered families during the first two weeks of April. The agreement must be signed by May 27, 2024. Tuition payment options can be accessed directly through your TADS account. Those who have not received a payment plan agreement by May 27 should contact Kathleen Brown at kbrown@sjbssparish.org. Enrollment is complete when the tuition payment agreement has been submitted.




TADS - Admissions & Enrollment

TADS Family Support 612.548.3320 (Mon–Fri, 9 am to 7 pm)

Returning Students

An application isn't needed for a returning student. 

For a student already enrolled, a parent must complete registration and enrollment each January for the following school year. The enrollment projection helps the school make staffing, budget, and admissions decisions.


Registration-enrollment is done in on TADS. Although the registration fee covers the whole family, the enrollment steps must be completed for each child in the school.


TADS Family Support 612.548.3320 (Mon–Fri, 9 am to 7 pm)

  • Base Tuition Rate

    • K-8  $10,420
    • Preschool $10,770


  • Participating Members of Archdiocesan Parish

    • K-8 $9,320
    • Preschool $9,570


  • Multiple Enrolled Children

    Number of Children - Discount Per Child 

    • Two Children - $700 each 
    • Three Children - $1,100 each 
    • Four Children  - $1,700 each 
  • Fees

    • $150    Book-Technology Fee (per student) 
    • $175    Activity Fee (per family) 
    • $75      Capital Fund 
    • $250    8th Grade Graduation Fee (per student) 
    • $165    6th Grade Outdoor Education Fee (per student) 
    • $12      Directory Fee (per family) 
    • $200    Annual Registration Fee
    •  Applying is Free
  • Preschool Fees

    • $20 Morning Snack for Preschool 
    • $35 Technology Fee 
    • Applying is Free
  • After Care Plans

    Plan - Days Per Week - Annual/Annual Sibling - Monthly/Monthly Sibling 

    • 5-Day - 5 DAYS - $ 3,780/$2,835 - $420/$314
    • 4-Day - 4 DAYS - $3,450/$2,587 -  $383/$286
    • 3-Day - 3 DAYS - $3,240/$2,500 - $360/$270

    Early Bird - 5 Days with Early Pickup Pickup Before 4:30 pm  $311/$277


    SJB offers an annual After Care plan with charges divided into 9 monthly invoices. Monthly and daily plans are unavailable.


    The After Care Signup Form is sent to all school families in late July.

Tuition Assistance

  • Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance

    The Archdiocese of Washington offers limited tuition assistance to students whose families cannot afford to pay the full tuition. Awards are based on need and availability year to year. Go here to learn more.


    Key Dates:

    • Applications open for Archdiocesan tuition assistance
    • Dec. 2 -- Deadline for current Catholic-school students for Archdiocesan assistance
    • Feb. 18  -- Deadline for applicants to Catholic schools for Archdiocesan assistance
    • March 18 -- Awards announced 

    This year $42,710 in tuition assistance has been awarded to 41 SJB students by the Archdiocese, and $28,200 in tuition assistance has been awarded to 24 families by the parish and school.


    Families must complete the Archdiocesan tuition assistance application in order to be considered for parish-school assistance.


    Families may request assistance from the parish and school through the parish verification form during registration. Need-based awards by the parish and school are decided in April and May.


  • Financial Aid for Preschool or After Care

    Working Parents Assistance and Child Care Subsidy -- Assistance through these programs can help a family cover close to 100 percent of preschool or after-care expenses.


    Learn more about subsidies for preschool and after care through the Montgomery County Working Parents Assistance (WPA) program and the Maryland Child Care Subsidy (CCS) program.


    Montgomery County Working Parents' Assistance (WPA) application.


    Maryland Child Care Subsidy (CCS) application.



  • State BOOST Program

    BOOST is a need-based grant from the state for private-school tuition. Applications open in April, and the BOOST application link is posted here.


    A BOOST Award can be used to cover tuition at SJB. Click on the BOOST icon to learn about how and when to apply.


    Families may use BOOST money to pay for private school tuition. Several SJB families have received tuition assistance through BOOST. SJB is a participating BOOST school. 


    The BOOST Program provides scholarships for students who would be eligible for the free lunch or reduced-price meals program if they were in a public elementary school.

  • Parish Tuition Assistance

    Assistance through the Parish is based on available resources and family need. Families must apply for Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance to be eligible for Parish Tuition Assistance. Without the ADW assistance application, the pastor and principal cannot fairly determine a family's need for Parish assistance. In addition, families must complete the Parish Verification and Assistance Request Form each year.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT TUITION ASSISTANCE

  • Where can I learn more about getting tuition assistance through the Archdiocese?

    For more information, go to the Archdiocese of Washington Tuition Assistance page, or go to http://www.mytads.com/ and click on the "Financial Aid Assessment."  If you have a TADS account, go to the Financial Aid section.

  • How many families receive assistance from the Archdiocese each year?

    Many families at St. John the Baptist have sought and received tuition assistance from the Archdiocese of Washington. Last year, 41 students received $39,620 in assistance. Assistance of $28,000 has been awarded to SJB families for next year.

  • How is Archdiocesan tuition assistance determined?

    Decisions on awards are made at the Archdiocese and based on family need and availability of assistance.

  • Is the application lengthy?

    Completing the Archdiocesan tuition assistance application does take a little time. Financial information must be entered, and the application is audited by an independent evaluation team that sometimes sends follow-up questions for clarification. 

  • When is Archdiocesan tuition assistance awarded?

    Awards are announced in mid-March and made available directly to SJB on behalf of the student early in the following school year.

  • Does the parish offer assistance?

    About $20,000 in tuition assistance is available through the parish each year. It is our policy is that a family must apply for Archdiocesan tuition assistance to be eligible for parish tuition assistance.

  • How is parish assistance determined?

    The school asks all school families to verify that they are Catholic parishioners during re-registration from January to April. By verifying parish membership, a family becomes eligible for the lower Catholic tuition rate. By checking the request on the same form for the sibling-discount, a family with multiple children becomes eligible for the lower tuition rate for each child. There is also a place on the form where families may make a request for tuition assistance.

     

    The request for additional assistance is taken into consideration by the pastor and principal in several meetings in April and May. The following factors are considered:

    • completion of application for Archdiocesan assistance
    • availability of parish assistance
    • family need
    • unmet need 
    • particular circumstances, such as illness of a parent
    • temporary hardship
    • school/parish involvement
  • When is parish assistance awarded?

    We notify the families of grants, scholarships, and parish assistance over the following months —  May to July -- and the awards are applied in the form of tuition credit in the upcoming school year.

  • What is the source of parish assistance?

    Money is raised by the Home and School Association, and grants are established by individual parish and school supporters.

     

    REMINDER 1 -- Parents must apply for Archdiocese of Washington Tuition Assistance to be considered for parish assistance. Without the application, the parish cannot fairly determine need.


    REMINDER 2 -- The Parish Assistance and Verification Form must be completed and returned to the school office in order to be considered for parish assistance. 

  • Tuition Assistance for Preschool Students

    Go here for information on tuition assistance for families with children in licensed child care programs, which includes the SJB preschool. 

SJB After-Care

PLAN DAYS PER WEEK MONTHLY INDIVIDUAL MONTHLY SIBLING
V 5 $420 $314
IV 4 $383 $286
III 3 $360 $243

Early-Bird Plan: Five days per week with daily pickup before 4:30 pm. Cost is $311 monthly for 1st child, $277 monthly for each sibling.

An After-Care signup email will go out to all school families in July.

2024-25 After Care Contract

Billing and Use: Parents shall make 9 monthly payments from September through May.

After Care is an annual plan with an annual charge, which is divided into nine monthly charges. There is no month-to-month option. To enroll your child, complete the online After Care enrollment form with your electronic signature agreeing to the terms of this contract including the understanding that you have agreed to the plan for the entire school year. A $20 fee will be charged for late payment. A $1 per minute fee will be charged for late pickup. If a balance remains unpaid, a child may be denied permission to attend After Care, and an unpaid bill may result in denial of access to academic records. Parents are expected to inform the After Care director by 6 pm on Friday the days that their children in 3-day and 4-day plans will use After Care the following week. Contact: sabrina.klinger@sjbsilverspring.org.


After Care days must be used during the designated week, regardless of the reason for missed attendance. After Care days may not be saved. Holy Days, holidays, shortened school months, and missed school days have been considered and factored into the annual rates. After Care use may not be transferred to another child. 


Children in After Care are expected to follow the rules and policies of St. John the Baptist Catholic School, as explained in the SJB Parent Handbook. 

After-Care FAQ

  • What is After Care?

    SJB provides a safe, consistent, structured after-school program of play and study. 

  • What are the Hours of After Care?

    • 3 to 6 pm on regular school days
    • 12 to 4 pm on half days
  • Where is After Care?

    After Care is based in the Lyon Center, which contains the SJB preschool and a large After Care room for older students. The adult supervisors take the children to the playground or the gym to play. 

  • How do you sign up for After Care?

  • How are families billed for After Care?

    Families receive monthly invoices and make online payment through a Square account.

  • How do I contact the After Care Director?

    The email address of the AC director, Comfort Mingot, is comfortdavismingot@gmail.com

  • What are the rules of behavior in After Care?

    Children are expected to follow the Code of Behavior, outlined in the SJB Handbook, while in After Care or any activity at SJB.

  • Is After Care available on Saturdays or on weekdays during vacations?

    After Care is not available over the summer, during vacations, or on weekends. The purpose of After Care is to provide after-school supervision only.

  • Can I drop off my child for one day?

    After Care enrollment is by the year only. This is done for safety, so that the school can plan appropriate supervision for an expected number of children. There is no drop-in option. There is no month-to-month option.

  • Is there a fee for picking up our child after 6 pm?

    There is a fee for a late pickup -- $1 per minute. Please try to make arrangements to have your child picked up by 6 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Families

  • 1. What is unique about Saint John the Baptist Catholic School (SJB)?

    Saint John the Baptist Catholic School (SJB) is an ideal school for families looking for a small close-knit community that provides a sense of belonging, community support, Catholic-identity, personal development, and high academic standards.


    SJB provides traditional and holistic education to their families.  In a world where academics have become the primary focus in our society, SJB offers strong moral guidance while upholding rigorous academic standards and values. SJB incorporates activities that help shape our children beyond academics by providing recess, art, music, physical education, religion, and Spanish regularly each week. During class, children receive individual, focused attention from experienced teachers, some of whom have been part of the SJB community for years, and many of whom hold advanced degrees. Older grades are paired with younger grades so that older students can be role models and younger students feel connected and supported during reading, lunch and Mass services. Parents are encouraged to readily engage as active participants in their child(ren)’s education, and can influence SJB school initiatives, programs and activities. The community incorporates annual traditions that facilitate development of lifelong friendships among parents, students and others in the parish community, which include academic, cultural, and recreational activities.

    As a close-knit community, we are developing the future generation of leaders that are academically equipped for success, while maintaining a strong Catholic-identity, inner character and strong morals. 

  • 2. What can you tell us about SJB’s academics standards and curriculum?

    SJB has been designated as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Education Department because students in each class scored at the top 15% of our nation’s scores in reading and mathematics in 2010. This is not the only indicator of SJB’s academic excellence; SJB facilitates an environment that creates an intrinsic love of learning and desire for success. SJB has provided an advanced and accelerated learning program for students with a demonstrated aptitude for math in grades 4-8. In all classes, teachers make every effort to meet students on their level, appeal to their learning style, challenge them to meet their learning goals, and cheer on their progress. Spanish, art, computer lab, library hours, music and physical education are part of the regular week for all students as early as Kindergarten.


    The curriculum is driven by the learning standards of the Archdiocese of Washington. The learning standards in each subject and grade can be read here. The rigorous academic standards define what students should know at every grade level. The Archdiocese includes Washington, DC, and five Maryland counties. Studies have demonstrated success in using these standards, where i.e., 99% of Catholic high school graduates are accepted into college, compared to 44.1% of public school graduates (Source: NCEA). 


    SJB is annually accredited by Cognia, a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.


    Further, the school principal, Mr. Blomquist, is always open to parent and teacher feedback to find out new and innovative ways to enhance student learning.


    Last year, the 8th grade graduating class of 28 students were offered scholarships totaling over $390,000.


    Comparisons of test scores have shown that SJB 8th graders perform better than public school 8th graders in the High School Placement Test, according to ADW and HSPT data.

  • 3. How are Christian/Catholic practices incorporated into SJB?

    We strive to ensure that students graduate with an established Catholic identity while having a strong moral compass and being academically equipped for success. We seek to develop well-formed consciences, and to promote the desire to serve and inspire others like Jesus. Each year, we select an annual theme to help students focus on their relationship with God, and every quarter, our school gathers together to pray our Living Rosary for peace in our world. 


    SJB begins and ends each class day in prayer. Formal religion classes are taught daily. Children participate in Mass each week, and there are nine school wide Masses where each grade hosts one of the liturgies. Reconciliation is available throughout the school year for Grades 2- 8. Stations of the Cross are designated on Friday afternoons during the Lenten Season.  The school facilitates several community service projects, which can involve helping those in need locally and/or internationally. Some community service projects include food pantries, fundraisers, and other service projects. SJB supports the parish sacramental programs, and are encouraged to prepare for Sacraments with others of the parish outside of the regular school day by participating in parish evening classes.


    The SJB community is welcoming to non-Catholic students and families.  Our lessons are applicable to real life because we teach moral values, integrity, and stewardship.  We ask that non-Catholic students be respectful and participate with their fellow classmates. 

  • 4. What is the school day like?

    The school day begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm. Before and aftercare programs are available at additional cost, allowing full-time working families to drop off their children by 7 am and pick their children up as late as 6:00 pm each day. Aftercare allocates designated time for students to complete their homework and also includes outdoor free play.


    During the day for kindergarteners and elementary students, children are buddied with older students for reading, lunch and mass.  Students have a morning and afternoon recess each day.  They receive Music, Spanish, Art, and Library each week. Physical education is offered twice a week. Religious education is part of everyday learning.  Children receive responsibilities appropriate to their level, and are taught early to contribute and help others in the school and beyond school walls.


    For middle school students, students are grouped into smaller groups for better focused learning. State of the art technology is integrated into class activities. Small art classes are provided by an award-winning art teacher. Spanish is offered three times a week so that students will be prepared for higher levels of Spanish by high school.  SJB’s exceptional writing program prepares students reading and writing high school challenges. Additional math courses are offered beyond the regular math class so that students have the opportunity to focus on specific foundational theories. 


    Students also have annual traditions that they prepare for and look forward to outside of school hours.  SJB annual traditions are listed here on the SJB website.

  • 5. How does SJB leverage information technology?

    SJB readily integrates technology into the school environment, where students are taught necessary real-world skills, including how to present, write reports, publish, and create graphics using computers.  State of the art technology is available for students. Each K-8 student is provided a school Chromebook. Each classroom is equipped with a Promethean interactive learning board.


    SJB also recognizes that technology, while a potential tool for learning, can also be aa distraction from learning.  SJB promotes a socially safe school culture, free of cyberbullying and other threats in our community through restricting cellphone usage, and use of online social media during school hours. Parent volunteers undergo background checks compliant with the Archdiocese policies, and training is provided to increase awareness of online threats.

  • 6. Does SJB offer any special learning or language programs?

    SJB has an outstanding Title III ELL (English Language Learners) program.  ELL programs are designed to ensure that children with limited English proficiency, including immigrant children, meet the same challenging academic content standards as native speakers.  SJB provides non-native speakers with certified ELL-teacher support to master academic English in order to better thrive in school and everyday life in America.


    We have a designated Resource Teacher who works with children as early as Kindergarten who need additional assistance in specific subject areas. Students are provided time to work one-on-one with our Resource Teacher during school hours, as needed.


    SJB also provides Spanish classes beginning in Kindergarten, who receive 2 classes each week from K-4th grade, and 3 classes each week from 5th through 8th grade.  SJB strives for Spanish to be the primary language spoken by 7th and 8th grade, so that students entering high school can begin at higher Spanish levels.

  • 7. Can you tell us more about SJB teachers?

    Our teachers choose to teach at SJB because of their love of learning and desire to influence the next generation of children. Teaching certification is a requirement of Catholic school teachers. 


    SJB Staff By Numbers 

    • 23 - Number of Teachers 
    • 5 – Number of Educational Aides 
    • 3 – Number of Academic Support Specialists 
    • 3 – Number of Administration Staff 
    • 2 – Number of Operations Staff 
    • 5 - Number of After Care Staff 
    • 41 – Number of Staff & Support at SJB 
    • 265 - Number of Students 
    • 11.5 to 1 - Student to Teacher Ratio 
    • 8.8 to 1 – Student to Classroom Staff (Teachers and Aides) Ratio 
    • 9.5 Years – Experience of SJB Teachers on Average 
    • 8.6 Years – Experience of SJB Aides on Average 
    • 4 – Teachers in the First Year at SJB 
    • 8 – Teachers with 2-5 Years of Experience at SJB 
    • 0 – Teachers with 6-10 Years of Experience at SJB 
    • 4 – Teachers with 10-15 Years of Experience at SJB 
    • 7 – Teachers with 16-20 Years of Experience at SJB 
    • 2 – Teachers with more than 20 Years of Experience at SJB 

    Details on SJB faculty, including the principal, can be found on the Faculty and Staff Page.

  • 8. Can you tell us more about the student and families attending SJB?

    SJB has about 170 families in the school. There are several annual traditions that have a 90%+ turnout.  Many families volunteer to make these annual traditions a success.


    Our student population has been about 265 for the past two years. Classrooms in K-8 have 25 to 29 students. 


    The student-to-teacher ratio is 11.5 to 1.


    About 70% of our population is Roman Catholic.  The demographic composition of our school is 38% White, 33% Black, 14% Asian American, 14% Latino, 15% two or more races. 

  • 9. What extracurricular activities are offered at SJB?

    SJB participates in Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sport teams and intramurals sports including:


    • Soccer (Intramurals for grades K-2, and CYO for grades 3 – 8)
    • Basketball (Intramurals for grades K-2, intramurals for grades 3-6, and CYO for grades 3-8)
    • T-ball  (Intramurals for grades K-2, and CYO for grades 3-8)
    • Volleyball (Intramurals for grades 6-8)
    • Baseball (CYO for grades 3-8)
    • Flag football

    SJB also provides a several kinds of extracurricular activities beyond sports (e.g. STEM, music, miscellaneous activities) including:

    • Chess club (K-8)
    • Robotics club (K-8)
    • Coding club (Grades 2 – 8)
    • Altar servers (Grades 4 – 8)
    • Student Council (Grades 3 – 8)
    • Band (Grades 4-8)
    • Choir (Grades 3-8)
    • Patrols (Grade 6)
    • Boy Scouts (All grades)
    • Girl Scouts (All grades)
    • Yearbook (Grades 7-8)

    Note: Some extracurricular activities may have additional fees for registration.

  • 10. I am a new family with a soon-to-be kindergartener. Can you tell me about the admission process for us?

    Applications are submitted on TADS when, in  November, an "Apply Now" link is first posted on the SJB News page. Birth certificates, records release forms, and immunization forms must be submitted in the application. 

  • 11. How do I apply to SJB?

    The Apply Now link is posted in November on the website under SJB News. 

  • 12. What opportunities are available for me to visit and learn about the school?

    SJB has at least three Open House dates each year. Plus, each Wednesday morning in February, the principal leads a tour of the school starting at 8:30 am. SJB encourages shadow visits for students applying for grades 3-8. For younger children, half-day shadow visits can be arranged.


    Families coming to SJB will find a welcoming community. Parents may send new families invitations for their children to come out for sports like T-ball or soccer. New families are invited to the SJB Arts and Academics exhibition in March, the Spring Play in May, and the band concert in May. Each new family is designated a Buddy Family to help with transition.

  • 13. What costs and commitments can I expect for my child(ren) to attend SJB?

    Updated costs of tuition, fees, and After Care are posted on the website under Enrollment. 

  • 14. What financial assistance is available to my family?

    The Tuition Assistance section has information about financial aid opportunities through the church, parish, state, and county.


    Families are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance through the Archdiocese of Washington to be eligible for parish assistance. Archdiocesan assistance is available to non-Catholics as well as Catholics.


    All families seeking assistance in the form of the reduced Catholic tuition rate must complete, sign, and send in a parish verification form during registratoin. 


    Multiple-child assistance is provided to any family with more than one child in the school.


    We encourage all families requiring financial assistance to first apply through the Archdiocese of Washington Tuition Assistance Program. The Archdiocese offers tuition assistance programs for Pre-K through 12th grade.  Financial aid, which is supported by initiatives such as the Annual Appeal and Catholic church contributions, is awarded based on available funds and applicants' financial needs. Designated assistance is available for minority students through the Archdiocese of Washington.


    On a case-by-case basis, SJB can provide additional assistance (funded through the parish) for families who could not obtain sufficient assistance from the Archdiocese of Washington.  These funds are limited and are supported from parish contributions and school fundraisers throughout the year.  SJB only considers these cases for families who have first applied through the Archdiocese. Further, we also offer tuition assistance to contributing parish families who have multiple children attending SJB. Tuition assistance and family assistance rates are provided on the Enrollment Page.

  • 15. What does the National Blue Ribbon designation really mean?

    The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program represents a trademark of excellence and symbol of quality recognized by parents, policymakers and others across the nation.


    It is important to clarify that the National Blue Ribbon designation can recognize schools on either exemplary high performance, or in closing the achievement gap among disadvantaged schools. However, private schools are not eligible for obtaining the National Blue Ribbon designation for closing achievement gaps and can only be nominated if they are an exemplary high performing school.


    To fulfill this criteria, private school students must place in the top 15% of the nation in reading/language arts and mathematics as measured by a nationally normed test or in the top 15 percent of its state on a state test for the year they are tested. Subgroups, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds must also score similarly. If the school administers both state and nationally normed tests, they must score in the top 15% in both. Details on public and private eligibility requirements are found here. 


    Once a school receives their designation, they are considered a National Blue Ribbon school, and are not required to reapply. The year the school sought nomination must be listed, and schools can choose to reapply for the designation. There is no required renewal process to maintain the National Blue Ribbon designation

  • 16. What food options are offered to the students for lunch?

    Families may have children bring their own lunches to school.  We also offer a daily lunch option, catered by Main and Market, as well as a monthly Third Thursday Pizza Lunch. Parents can select from an online menu the month prior to purchase lunches from Main and Market. The lunches are delivered to the school each day at lunchtime.

  • 17. My child is transferring from another school. What opportunities are available for him/her to meet fellow classmates?

    We are open to having your child shadow the school for a day.  If you are interested, please contact the school office for assistance.


    We also invite prospective families to participate in our annual traditions that occur year round.  For students interested in intramurals, T-ball for younger children is offered in the Spring, and soccer is offered in the Fall. Pre-K students can participate.


    There are also some specific annual activities that you may attend.  We recommend considering:


    Arts and Academics (Art and science fair program for Grades 5 – 8 occurring in March)

    Spring Band concert

    Annual Spring Sing Show (A musical play performed by Grades 5—8 )

    Annual Christmas Show (A musical of the Christmas Story presented by the entire student body for school families.)

    A Parent Ambassador can meet with you if you choose to attend one of SJB annual traditions.  Contact the school for more details.

  • 18. Where do SJB students go after they graduate?

    About 75 percent of SJB graduates go to private or Catholic high schools. 


     Catholic High Schools Applied-Accepted 2023


    Our Lady of Good Counsel 15-14 

    St. John’s College High School 15-10 

    DeMatha 6-6

    Gonzaga  4-3

    Academy of the Holy Cross 3-3

    Elizabeth Seton 3-3

    Georgetown Visitation  2-2

    Stone Ridge 2-1

    Georgetown Prep  2-0

    St. Vincent Pallotti  5-5


    It is important to note that the Catholic high school admissions process is uniquely competitive and can vary depending on the high school of interest.  In general, students complete a high school assessment, which is a standardized placement test required for Archdiocese high schools.  This score, the student’s grades and in some cases, an interview, make up the admission process. Some Catholic high schools may have a separate admissions process described on their website.

  • 19. Is the School Budget Separate from the Parish Budget?

    Did you know the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) establishes the accounting practice for the parishes?  The parish and school are separate funds.  Each fund has its own budget with income and expense accounts.  The principal prepares and oversee the school budget in consultation with the pastor and approves all school expenses.  Income comes from tuition and fees.  At no time are school funds used for parish expenses.  The Catholic Schools Office reviews our budget.


    Offertory is the primary source of income for the parish.  A yearly budget is set based on prior years’ activity, guidelines from the ADW and projected expenses for the new fiscal year.  The ADW does not allow deficit budgets.  At the end of the fiscal year (June 30th) a report is compiled for the ADW’s review.  This Annual Report contains addendums regarding: capital improvements, bank accounts, questionnaires, etc. for both the church and school.  The Finance Committee reviews monthly reports and meets periodically throughout the year to discuss financial matters.  Prior to submitting the Annual Report, the Finance Committee meets to review and sign the report.


    In the Fall, the Parish Annual Report is published for the parishioner review.  The format and content of the parish report is determined by the ADW.  A semi-annual report is published in February.  The Parish Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report are sent to the ADW for review. 


    To insure compliance with ADW policies and procedures and proper accounting practices are being followed, an audit is performed every three years.

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