Admissions Process

Saint Mary School is welcoming applications for the 2024-2025 school year beginning on October 16, 2023.  

Please review the steps outlined below, and if you need any assistance throughout the process, we would be happy to help.  Please call us at 203.438.7288 or email admissions@smsridgefield.org.

Steps

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Step 1 - Explore

By taking a look at our website, you are on your way to completing Step 1!  Spend some time here, review our mission and vision, and consider what is important to you and your family.  Read our Principal's Message, and get a sense of her philosophy and style.  Review our curriculum, read about student life, and learn about our Catholic Identity.  Take a look at our Portrait of a Graduate.  Another great window into our community is social media -- follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what is happening up to the minute.

Still have questions?  Please complete an Inquiry and we can chat at a convenient time for you.

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Step 2 - Visit

Ready for a closer look at our programs? 

We look forward to meeting you!

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Step 3 - Apply

Time for Step 3!  The process of applying begins when you set up an account on our admissions portal. Applying for more than one child?  You will only set up one account, which can manage multiple applications.

For students applying to Kindergarten-Grade 8, we encourage applications and all supporting documentation to be submitted by March 1, 2024.  Notification of acceptance will be received on or before March 18, 2024.  Any open spots will be handled on a rolling basis.

For students applying to Preschool, while we are still accepting applications, our classes are full for the 2024-2025 school year.  If you apply you will be added to the waitlist in the order of application date.

Priority for admissions is

  • Current SMS students
  • Siblings of current SMS students
  • Siblings of former SMS students
  • All other students

Consideration is given to the date the application is received and to St. Mary Parishioners.

Please note, that there is a $50 non-refundable application fee per child.

Apply Now

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Step 4 - Shadow Day

Once the application, transcripts, and recommendation forms have been received, applicants for Grades 1 and higher move to Step 4 - Shadow Day.  Students will spend the day with their current grade level, going to classes, meeting teachers and students, meeting with our principal, and taking an assessment administered by our Learning Specialist.  Students applying for Kindergarten may choose to visit for a shorter time period, and will take a readiness assessment administered by our Kindergarten Head Teacher.  There is no assessment for Preschool students.

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Step 5 - Screening (Kindergarten-Grade 8)
  • Kindergarten applicants will visit for a 20 minute screening administered by our Kindergarten teacher.
  • Grade 1 and Grade 2 applicants will be screened during the shadow day by our Learning Specialist.
  • Applicants in Grades 3-8 will attend a math/language arts screening scheduled separately from the shadow day.
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Step 6 - Financial Aid (Optional)

Those families in need of financial assistance may apply each year to the Bishop's Scholarship Fund.  The mission of the Bishop's Scholarship Fund (BSF) is to help families in need afford a Catholic education. Last year, BSF awarded $2,500,000 in aid to families at Diocesan elementary schools in Fairfield County.  The application process for the 2023-2024 school year will open in February 2023, and awards are will be announced in early May 2023.  More information is available about the Bishop's Scholarship Fund.

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Step 7 - Enroll

Once your student is accepted, you move onto the final step  - Enrollment.  Via the Admissions Portal, you will complete some additional information such as emergency contacts, provide current medical information, and manage the tuition contract.  There is a non-refundable $300 enrollment fee per student.  There is a discounted rate for current and returning families.

Congratulations!  We are delighted to welcome you to the Saint Mary Family!

 

 

 

What can we expect from Shadow Day?

When you schedule your shadow day, we will tell you which uniform students will be wearing, and suggest something that will make your student comfortable.  We ask that you arrive at 7:45 am and pick up at 2:00 pm.  Your student will fully participate in classes and specials that day.  For students applying to Kindergarten and Grade 1, our Learning Specialist will give your child an assessment during Shadow Day.