Academics
St. Peter’s School, which is fully accredited by the Minnesota Non-public School Accreditation Association, is committed to academic excellence. Its academic program includes the same subjects as the Delano Public School (reading, math, science, etc.), but also includes religion. To ensure a complete education for students, the school employs specialists for physical education and music. Teacher aides and volunteers help to ensure every child is allowed to learn, grow and develop at their own pace. If St. Peter’s students require special services, such as speech therapy, they are eligible for any and all supplementary educational and recreational services and programs offered through ISD #879 (Delano Public Schools).
Each year St. Peter’s students are tested in grades 2, 4 and 6 in several content areas, including Reading and Mathematics us a test called the Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition. This test describes the performance of each student compared to students in the same grade across the nation. Students tested during the 2009/10 school year scored well. The students in grades 2 and 4 scored in the middle range for the grade, which means that group performance was average. The students in grade 6 scored in the upper range for the grade, which means that group performance was above average.
Religion, Faith and Discipline
Religion, like other curriculum at St. Peter’s School, is developmentally appropriate. Lessons, worksheets and activities are targeted to the age and understanding of the children in the classrooms. Kindergarteners spend approximately 20 minutes per day and 1st – 6th grades spend approximately 30 minutes per day studying religion. St. Peter’s School offers formal instruction in faith and morals. Sacramental preparation is an important part of what the children prepare for and learn about in each grade. While St. Peter’s School provides a Christian environment and the Catholic faith is reflected in that, students do not have to be Catholic to attend.
Community
St. Peter’s School has a community atmosphere, featuring an extensive network of parents and volunteers who are dedicated to the education of each child. As a parent of a St. Peter’s student, you will have many opportunities to volunteer and be involved in your child’s education. The students at St. Peter’s School participate in community service activities throughout the year to reinforce Christian values. The service extends beyond the usual Christmas-time food shelf drives to include choral performance and luncheon to thank Veteran’s and regular interactions with pre-school children at Cherub Corner. The classes also collect toys for families at Christmas and sing carols at the local nursing home. As well as send phone cards to military service members through out the year. Each year the chorus performs their spring musical at the local community center for senior citizens and proud parents who may have missed the regular performance.
Tuition
For the 2011-12 school year, tuition for members of the churches of St. Peter and St. Joseph is $2,825 per full-time student. Half-day kindergarten is offered for $2,626 per student. Tuition for non-members is $3,825 for full-time students, and $3,625 for families choosing the half-day kindergarten option. The parish supports the families and students at the school by subsidizing tuition for parishioner’s children. The actual cost to educate a child at St. Peter’s School for the year 2011-12 is $7,617. The parish invests $2,147 per child. The balance is covered by fundraising and other income. Families are welcome to pay full tuition if they wish. Scholarships are available. Tuition assistance and a payment plan are offered.
