Q: Is Saint Francis a licensed nursery school?
A: Yes, the Pennsylvania Board of Private Academic Schools licenses Saint Francis
Nursery School. This license ensures that our school meets the academic and facility
requirements of the State of Pennsylvania. The State requires certain instructional
programs, the teachers to be certified and facility standards, such as, ample indoor
floor space, restrooms and safe outdoor playground areas. There are a number of other pre-schools
in the area that are church-based and
do not meet these requirements to secure learning.
Q: Does Saint Francis maintain certain pupil to teacher ratios?
A: Yes, as a licensed pre-school in the State of Pennsylvania, Saint Francis must maintain
specific students to teacher ratios. In fact, Saint Francis maintains these ratios
below the state
maximum requirements, as follows:
No more than 17 students to a teacher and aide in its three-year old classes
No more than 20 students to a teacher and aide in its 4/5 year old classes
Q: Is there an academic program at Saint Francis ? Will my child learn the alphabet ?
A: Children learn through Play at Saint Francis using a hands-on approach, including
Thematic Units that integrate all areas of development --- Social/Emotional,
Physical, Language Arts, Creative Arts, Math and Science. The curriculum encourages
learning through the activities offered.
Our 3-4 year old classes focuses on Social/Emotional development along with
integrating all areas of developmental learning.
Our 4-5 year old classes prepare the children for entry into kindergarten. The activities
for this age group include: the alphabet people, numbers, learning to write their name,
etc.
Q: Does Saint Francis have teacher aides in its classrooms?
A: Yes, Saint Francis always has at least one teacher aide assigned to each classroom
to help the teacher and work with the children. This ensures a safe and supervised environment for
the children's well being. In addition, all outdoor playground areas are always under the supervision
of the teacher and teacher aide while in use.
Q: What school does Saint Francis graduates go to ? Is Saint Francis a feeder school ?
A: No, Saint Francis is not a feeder school. Saint Francis graduates go to a number of
different schools in variety of locations, both public and private schools.
Q: Do children need to be potty trained to attend Saint Francis ?
A: Yes. However, we do understand that accidents happen so we encourage you to send
in an extra set of clothing for your child clearly marked with their full name.
Q: What about immunizations and illnesses?
A: Students are required to have immunization shots. Illnesses and absences should be
reported to the school by 9:00 AM. Parents will be notified if their child has been exposed
to a contagious disease, such as, chicken pox.
Q: What if it snows?
A:
We will follow the school closing decisions of the Great Valley School
and the West Chester School District. If either school district is closed or
delayed, then we will be closed or delayed as well. If either district is
delayed 1 or 2 hours, we will start 1 hour late and your child is
welcome to stay for a free lunch bunch by just sending in a lunch with your
child. If you do not want your child to stay until 1:00 PM, you are welcome
to pick up your child at 11:45 AM. Just let us know that morning.
Great Valley School District's number is 855.
West Chester School District’s closing number is 851.
Also, school closing information will be posted on our website at
www.StFNS.com and announced on NBC10 and KYW1060
newsradio.
Q: May I enroll my child at mid-semester at Saint Francis ?
A: Yes, but it depends on space availability and your child's age. All classes are
limited in size at Saint Francis.
