FAQ
See below and search for answers to The Franciscan School’s most Frequently Asked Catholic School Questions.
You have questions, and we have answers.
General
Are The Teachers Certified?
A classroom teacher in the Diocese of Raleigh is required to be licensed or in the process of being licensed. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction implements the school laws in NC. Teachers with less than three years of verifiable experience must participate in the Initial Licensing Process (ILP). The ILP is coordinated by the Catholic Schools Office ILP coordinator.
In maintaining a continuing license, all teachers are required to follow the guidelines. Those guidelines are from The Diocese of Raleigh License Plan, approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Is The Franciscan School Accredited?
The Franciscan School is accredited by Cognia. We are approved by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh. The Franciscan School is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association. Additionally, TFS complies with the North Carolina Guidelines for Non-Public Schools.
Can Parents Volunteer?
Volunteers are central to our success as a school and community. The school provides many opportunities for volunteerism. We appreciate the services of our dedicated stewards. Also, we recognize the invaluable benefits that come to our school community through their investment of talent and time. TFS encourages mothers, fathers, grandparents, and members of St. Francis of Assisi parish to volunteer. Each of you can offer your many skills to enrich our children and education programs.
Does The School Provide Transportation Or Bus Service To/From School?
No, please arrange a carpool or ensure that your student has an approved walking pass.
A commercial bus service will provide field trip transportation. The Franciscan School does not allow parents to transport students on field trips. We also cannot provide refunds, as reservations are based on the expected number of students.
What is the average class size?
The average class size for grades K-2 is 24 students and for grades 3-8 it is 25 students.
Do classrooms have teacher assistants?
There is an instructional teaching assistant (ITA) in every class for grades K-3. In grades 4 and 5, there is one ITA per grade.
Do students have to wear uniforms?
Yes, all students are required to wear uniforms. Uniforms can be purchased through Flynn O'Hara (School ID NC028) or Lands’ End (School ID 900085705)
Can I tour the campus?
Yes, we encourage prospective families to visit our campus. The best time to do so is when classes are in session. If you would like to schedule a tour, please email us at admissions@franciscanschool.org
Admissions
When Can I Apply For Next Year?
2024-25 Applications are still being accepted. Apply here
2025-26 Applications will open on October 1, 2024
Can I Attend The Franciscan School If I Am Not Catholic?
The Franciscan School does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religious background, or gender. We welcome families of all faiths who are seeking an excellent education
How Much Is Tuition? Is Tuition Assistance Available?
| St. Francis Steward | Out of Parish Catholic | Full | |
| K | $8,620 | $9,330 | $11,690 |
| 1-8 | $9,620 | $10,330 | $12,690 |
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Steward: Parishioners registered at St. Francis who support our community with their time, talent, and financial contributions
Click here for instructions to qualify for the St. Francis Parish Steward Tuition Rate.
Out of Parish Catholic: Catholic families registered in another parish in the Diocese of Raleigh, who have submitted a signed Pastor Recommendation Form
Full Cost: Non-Catholic families
Fees and Tuition Payment Options
Application Fee: $60 non-refundable
Enrollment Fee: $400 per child
Tuition Payment Options
Annual - payment made directly to TFS on or before July 20. A 1% discount applies to this option.Trimester - FACTS Tuition Management administers the trimester payment option. Payment draft dates are July 20, November 20, and February 20.
Monthly - FACTS Tuition Management administers the monthly payment option. The first payment is on July 20. The final payment is on April 20.
We are committed to serving all those in our parish who seek a Catholic education that’s rooted in a Franciscan dedication to helping others. The parish and The Franciscan School provide significant need-based financial aid for families. We strive to ensure that there are no parish students not afforded a Catholic educational opportunity because of limited financial means.
If tuition costs, changing family circumstances, or the enrollment of a second or third child strain the monthly budget, parents are encouraged to contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stfrancisraleigh.org.
In addition to our funds for tuition assistance, we encourage families to access Scholarship & Tuition Assistance available through the Diocese and outside agencies as well, including the:
North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship and Disabilities Grant Programs: The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children in Kindergarten through 12th grade. This program provides funding of up to $4,200 per year for children who choose to attend a participating nonpublic school. The open application period for the Opportunity Scholarship is February 1 through March 1. For more information regarding the program, please visit Opportunity Scholarships.The Diocese of Raleigh Office of African Ancestry Ministry & Evangelization (AAMEN) and Native American Catholic Community: The AAMEN office provides funds to the Catholic Schools of the Diocese. Funding for the awards come from the Black & Indian Missions. The open application period for the scholarship is January 28 – March 18. For more information on how to apply, contact Mrs. Lauren Green at green@raldioc.org.
Is There A Discount Offered If I Am An Active Member Of A Catholic Church?
Yes, as determined by a review by the pastor of annual family stewardship information or submission of a Parish Recommendation Form.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Steward Rate: Registered St. Francis parishioners who support our parish community with their time, talent, and with identifiable financial contributions at a level commensurate with their means. This discount is determined after a review by the pastor of the annual family stewardship information.
Click here for instructions to qualify for the St. Francis Parish Steward Tuition Rate.
Out of Parish Catholic Rate: Catholic families registered in a parish (other than St. Francis) who have submitted a Pastor Recommendation Form.
Full Cost: Non-Catholic families
Is There A Multi-Child Discount?
Families with more than one child enrolled at The Franciscan School receive a $200 sibling tuition discount per each child, including the first child.
What Age May Children Start Kindergarten?
Children entering Kindergarten must be five years old on or before August 31 to enroll in the current academic year. Children entering the 1st grade must be six years old on or before the same date.
Student Life
Do You Attend Mass Regularly During The School Year?
Students attend weekly Mass. They also attend student-led Holy Day community liturgies, religious classes, service projects, and activities that coincide with the Catholic teachings of social justice.
How Are Lunches Handled?
There are two options for lunch. A brown bag from home or a hot school lunch (which are pre-purchased online). Milk is available daily, using pre-purchased tickets. As the school cannot provide lunch if a student has no lunch, parents must make arrangements for food for their children at school. Repeated need for TFS to call a family regarding its failure to provide food will result in a parent-teacher conference. If your child has any food allergies, please notify the school nurse. Please note that The Franciscan School has peanut-free tables in the lunchroom. Lunch will conclude with a prayer after meals.
What Special Electives Are Available?
Academics
Do You Offer Special Needs Learning Programs?
The Franciscan School is committed to the success of all admitted students. A licensed psychologist may identify a student with a different learning style. If this is the case, the administrative team and teacher will collaborate with the parents/guardians to provide students with a holistic network of support.
Diagnosed Special Needs
In the event that a student has a diagnosed special need (documented by licensed medical personnel) accommodations may be offered. These accommodations must be reasonably made within the normal general education classes and when the school has the resources (academic/staff) available to accommodate the students’ needs. Additionally, we do assess whether the TFS Modified Program, utilizing modifications to our academic requirements or alterations in general course of studies, will provide the opportunity for the student to be successful in our program.
Additional Accommodations
Partnering with the parents and trying those programs we have available may not be enough. If a student cannot be accommodated within the school program, every effort is made to assist with placement in another school program beyond The Franciscan School.
Parents should contact the School Counselor, Laureen Wacenske, for additional information on testing. Ms. Wacenske can also provide a list of available accommodations, and referrals for psychologists, psychological services, tutors, and learning specialists.
Laureen Wacenske
School Counselor
919.534.4837 ext. 255
laureen.wacenske@stfrancisraleigh.org.
What Is The Maximum Class Size?
Grades K-5 – maximum of 27 students per class
Grades 6-8 – maximum of 29 students per class
What Standardized Test Do Students Take And When?
Students take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) test in the mid-fall semester.