FAQs
How long has the school been here?
The school was established in 1913. The original part of the present building was built in 1952. A classroom, library, audiovisual room and school offices were added in 1979. The computer lab was updated in 1998. In 2009, a major school construction project included the addition of a new Kindergarten, cafeteria, preschool, science lab, Middle School classroom and state-of–the art gymnasium.
The school was established in 1913. The original part of the present building was built in 1952. A classroom, library, audiovisual room and school offices were added in 1979. The computer lab was updated in 1998. In 2009, a major school construction project included the addition of a new Kindergarten, cafeteria, preschool, science lab, Middle School classroom and state-of–the art gymnasium.
Is St. Cecilia School accredited?
St. Cecilia was first accredited in 1996 and has maintained this status since that time. The accrediting agencies are the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) and Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA). Every visit the school has received a full accreditation term (6 years). For additional information on accreditation, please consult the Parent/Student Handbook or check our website.
Do you have to be Catholic to attend St. Cecilia School?
No. The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Portland admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available at all schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
No. The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Portland admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available at all schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
Are before care and after care available on site?
There is not any before care available. There is after care available daily from 3-6pm. Vermont Hills Family Life Program supervises our after care program within the school building. It closes at 6PM each school day. Vermont Hills Program information is available both online and in the school office.
Is there a music program?
Yes! St. Cecilia School has a dedicated Music/Band Instructor. Children in Pre-School through 5th grade have regular Music class. In 5th grade, the children can choose to play an instrument and join Beginning Band. There is also Advanced Band and Jazz Band for the more proficient students in Middle School. The 5th grade class leads the Christmas play with grades K through 4 singing in class groups as part of that production. Grades 3rd-5th are also able to participate in Mass Choir. The Middle School Choir is an option for students who enjoy singing. They have performed at the Grotto and Washington Square at Christmas time and middle schoolers also perform a spring musical each year.
What physical activity do the students get during the day?
The lower and intermediate grades have multiple outdoor recess periods. With the addition of our new gym, students can enjoy their recess periods even on rainy days. The Middle School students have a morning break and an outdoor break after lunch daily. All students in grades K-2 have PE three times a week and grades 3-8 report to the gym for PE two times a week. Students in grades 3-8 also have health class weekly. Students in grades 3 through 8 are encouraged to join the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports program and represent the school in basketball, volleyball, cross country and track and field. For grades 1 and 2 there is Hot Shots Basketball available too. St. Cecilia students can also participate in swimming through our partner school Valley Catholic. The CYO Board oversees the administration for these sports.
What other enrichment programs are available at the school?
In addition to Art, Beginning, Advanced and Jazz Bands, Middle School Choir, CYO Sports, Spanish, LEGO Robotics and computer literacy, there are also opportunities through special providers. The overnight science camps are coordinated through OMSI. Field trips are funded through the school operating budget. Parents with special interests or talents are encouraged to share their knowledge through class presentations and activities.
What is the class size?
There is one classroom per grade from Pre-School through 8th grade. We try to have an optimum number of students in each classroom, and the class sizes generally run from 25 to 30 students. Preschool and TK classes are 20 students per session. Teacher instructional assistants are assigned to help in grades Pre-School-5th grade.
Do the Middle School students change classes during the day?
Yes. Middle School students’ schedules allow for movement among the classrooms to include the disciplines of: Mathematics, Science, Technology, Religion, Health, P.E., Language Arts, World History (6th), Geography (7th), and US History (8th).
Yes. Middle School students’ schedules allow for movement among the classrooms to include the disciplines of: Mathematics, Science, Technology, Religion, Health, P.E., Language Arts, World History (6th), Geography (7th), and US History (8th).
Is there a tuition assistance program?
Tuition assistance is available through the Student Tuition Assistance Resource (STAR) Program. Applications for STAR are evaluated by a third party firm with recommendations provided to the Pastor & Principal. Families can apply online at www.factstuitionaid.com
Tuition assistance is available through the Student Tuition Assistance Resource (STAR) Program. Applications for STAR are evaluated by a third party firm with recommendations provided to the Pastor & Principal. Families can apply online at www.factstuitionaid.com
To which schools do graduating 8th grade students matriculate?
Over the last several years, most of our students chose to attend Catholic high schools with the majority of them attending Jesuit. Valley Catholic, St Mary’s Academy, and Central Catholic are also among the schools our graduates have attended. A few attend public high schools as well as the School of Science & Technology, Arts & Communications Magnet Academy, and the International School.