FAQ

Are your teachers state certified?

Absolutely! Furthermore, our teachers must earn six academic credits every five years.
In addition to their teaching certification, teachers at St. Katharine Drexel School must earn and maintain Religious Education Certification. Annually all teachers and administrators attend two Sustaining the Mission in-services which ensures that all educators attain the required religious certification.

Do you have before and after school care?

We offer an in-house Before and After School program for students 4K-8. Before School Care is available from 6:45-7:45 a.m. and after school from 3:15-6:00 p.m.; (see the Before and After School Care handbook found on the handbook page for more information); Safe and structured environment- opportunities for play, movement, and homework completion; Students may come before or after any school associated activities such as volleyball, basketball, etc.; Registration fee of $25; Flexible hours AND days of the week; Pay by the hour at the rate of $5 per hour; Fill out a weekly schedule the week prior to care; Students will bring their own snack; We will hold admission to 30 students to ensure a staffing ratio of 15 students to one adult supervisor.
 
For families in the 4K program and our 3 year old preschool program, we offer an Extend-A-Day program from 12:00 until 3:15 PM.

3K and 4K students may participate in the Extend-A-Day program one day a week, or up to five days a week. The rate for Extend-A-Day is $14 per half day plus $2.75 for school lunch (students may bring a cold lunch and purchase milk for .50). Schedules must be turned in on a weekly basis for each following week.

Our Extend-A-Day Coordinator works closely with our Early childhood teachers to reinforce, enrich, and expand the learning that occurs in those classes. There is also a rest period, recess, story time, etc. included in the daily schedule for Extend-A-Day.

Does St. Katharine Drexel School have a well developed curriculum?

It most certainly does! St. Katharine Drexel offers a standards-based curriculum. A new curriculum area is evaluated each year. We review the state and national standards, revise the areas in which revision is needed and choose materials accordingly. Our curriculum is a living, breathing document.

St. Katharine Drexel School Curriculum includes learning experiences designed to facilitate spiritual, intellectual, social, psychological, and psychomotor growth. Individual student needs, abilities, and interests are considered in shaping and implementing the curriculum, which will develop a student’s relationship with God, self, and world. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students are involved in developing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and revising the curriculum.

  1. SKDS curriculum reflects the stated Catholic mission, vision, philosophy, and goals of our school.
  2. SKDS curriculum takes account of the ideals, the realities, and the diversity of American culture as well as global awareness.
  3. SKDS curriculum reflects the fundamental principles of growth and development and best practices implemented by schools. It recognizes and makes provisions for faith formation, diverse cultures, special needs, and learning styles.
  4. SKDS continually evaluates and revises its curriculum. Annually, a different area is reviewed.
  5. The SKDS curriculum provides for a wide range of instructional strategies and assessment methods in the building of faith community and the development of all curricular areas.
    SKDS uses the exit expectation and alignment grids provided by the Office for Schools. SKDS staff has developed an on-going plan to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment in all content areas. Specific written curriculum includes philosophy, goals, grade level exit expectations, instructional strategies, and assessment methods which are aligned with state and national standards.
  6. SKDS is required to and follows the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Grade Specific Religion Curriculum.
  7. Technology is integrated into the SKDS curriculum. As a result teaching and learning are enhanced resulting in improved achievement.

In grades 3-8 we have one-to-one Chromebooks.  We are in the process of providing one-to-one personal devices for students in 5K-2.

What special resources and facilities does St. Katharine Drexel School have?

SKDS has two libraries geared to the age of the child. The Primary Library is located on the second floor in the Pre School – 5K wing and primarily serves the needs of children aged three years through third grade. The libraries contain a broad spectrum of supplementary instructional materials and equipment. 

SKDS has a full sized gym; a kitchen, which prepares and serves school lunch daily, art and music rooms, a church right next to the school building for weekly mass, and a stage for performances and special events.

Our school is also home to the only middle school band in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. See the Student Activities question below for more information.

Does St. Katharine Drexel School have a full-day Kindergarten?

Yes. We have a full day kindergarten program. Kindergarten hours go from 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Children who participate in the Kindergarten program will receive a well-rounded schedule of learning opportunities, including art class, gym class, and a complete day of learning centers and enrichment activities. Children will also have a rest time, recess, lunch, and story time during the day.

Is St. Katharine Drexel School accredited?

Accreditation of Catholic Elementary Schools (Policy 6181)
All elementary and secondary schools shall participate in an accreditation process. Elementary Schools shall be accredited by both the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA).

Schools shall be accredited through the Office for Schools and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA) upon demonstration that specific standards have been met. Both the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and WRISA accredit schools for a term of one year. The standards of the Office for Schools reflect the requirements for Catholic Schools as stated in the policies of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation.

The following process is followed:
Every fall, by a date determined by the Office for Schools, all schools submit the annual report packet as found on the WRISA website (wrisa.net) and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee personnel report for elementary schools to the Archdiocesan Office for Schools. The complete packet includes:

  • Archdiocesan validation sheet with principal, pastor and board chairperson signature
  • WRISA validation sheet with principal signature
  • General Information Page
  • Archdiocese of Milwaukee personnel report for elementary schools
  • Student Enrollment Page
  • Standard Quality Indicator Checklist
  • Updated Long-Range Plan
  • Updated School Improvement Plan
  • Waivers (If applicable)
  • Substantive Change Form (If applicable)
  • WRISA Annual Membership Fee (Rates found at wrisa.net)

Annual Reports are reviewed by a team selected by the Archdiocese. This review team makes recommendations to the Office for Schools and to the WRISA Executive Board. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee and WRISA make their independent determination of the term of accreditation.

Schools follow a seven year cycle in the accreditation process. In year six of the process the school conducts an in-depth study and completes the Self-Study report. At the conclusion of the Self-Study process, the school completes a Long-Range plan which identifies specific ways schools will address full compliance with standards and a School Improvement Plan that outlines three key areas that the school will address to improve student learning.

In year seven the school submits a copy of the Self-Study, Long-Range Plan and School Improvement Plan to the Office for Schools by September 15. A team selected by the Office for Schools will conduct a site visit to validate the findings of the Self-Study. A representative from the Office for Schools will conduct a review of school personnel files previous to the visit. The visit and file review will provide data and make recommendations for a term of accreditation to both the Archdiocese and WRISA.

Schools in years five and six of the accreditation cycle are required to provide at least two teachers to serve as members of visiting teams at other schools.

Following the visit, the Visiting Team Report will be reviewed by both the Archdiocese and the WRISA Executive Board to determine a term of accreditation. Since these are two separate accrediting bodies, terms may differ. Possible terms are:

  1. Full accreditation
  2. Accreditation with provision School is given a short time period to address key issues that would make them eligible for full accreditation
  3. Accreditation with provision and a revisit in one year School demonstrates one more of the following areas:
    • A need for additional support in addressing key issues that would make them eligible for full accreditation
    • A need for additional support due to multiple changes in the school during recent years
    • A need for additional support due to major viability and/or school improvement issues that the school needs to address
  4. Denial of accreditation

Terms of accreditation by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will be granted during Catholic Schools Week annually. WRISA grants terms of accreditation for schools with site visits in fall of the year following the visit. Terms are published annually on the Archdiocesan website and/or other media.

Is tuition assistance available?

Yes. St. Katharine Drexel School has established a Tuition Assistance Fund for registered parish families who desire to send their children to a Catholic School but who need some financial assistance in order to do so. For this assistance program, please contact either the principal or the pastor.

What's the technology story?

St. Katharine Drexel School continually strives to meet the technological needs of today's world through its internet access for students and staff, and Chromebooks. Technology is an ongoing challenge and we are always striving to be on the cutting edge.

How can I get more information or tour the school?

We are always happy to share information about what we offer here at St. Katharine Drexel School. If you have questions, or would like to tour the campus, please contact the school office at (920) 885-5558.

What is the average class size?

Currently our classes range from 9-21 students. Our classes allow our students to receive the one-on-one attention they need to reach their learning potential. Flexible grouping allows teachers to meet the needs of students who need extra one on one attention as well as those needing enrichment or additional challenge. (See Learning Zone for more information.)

What activities are available for students?

St. Katharine Drexel School is home to the only middle school band in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Students may participate in Junior Band (5th Grade), Mezzo Band (6th Grade), Senior Band (7th and 8th Grade), Jazz Band (6th through 8th Grade), and Marching Band (4th through 8th Grade).
Other student activities include: Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Track, Forensics, Builders’ Club, Yearbook Staff, and Mass Servers.

What opportunities are available for parent involvement?

There are many ways to get involved at SKDS. Regardless of your talents, skills, or interests -- there is something for everyone! Parents may be involved in one of our many committees, including: Home and School Association, Band Guild, Athletic Association, Alumni Association, Development Committee, School Advisory Commission and its committees, and Parish Council.  Aside from joining a committee, parents may volunteer in the classroom, library, lunch room, or Scrip office. There are other countless ways a parent can help out from home or at the school.

How is religion incorporated into your program?

Our faith is incorporated into everything we do. For a comprehensive list of ways in which our faith is integrated into the curriculum, see the Faith In Education page.

When is registration?

Registration begins in February and continues throughout the school year and summer. A waiting list is established when classes are full.