Frequently Asked Questions

                    

Describe the application process.
New student applications for the upcoming school year are available in early November. Applications (which must include all required documentation and the application fee) are due in late February. Families will be contacted after applications are submitted regarding teacher recommendations, admission screening and family interviews.  Decision letters are mailed in mid-March. Please refer to the school calendar for specific deadlines.

Applications received after the February deadline are considered based on space availability.

According to the policy of the Diocese of Dallas, the school reserves the right to screen all students. The final decision for admission is the responsibility of the school's chief administrator or designee.

How much does St. Mark Catholic School cost?
Application Fee - $100 per student
Enrollment Fee and Tuition - Click here for a schedule of fees.
DPL Athletic Fees - Grades 5-8, varies by sport
Approximately $400 laptop fee for grades 6-8
Parents are responsible for uniforms and some specialty supplies.
There are no book or technology fees. 
 

What does it mean to be a “parishioner?"
Parishioner status, for the sake of tuition rates, is established for families who have fulfilled the following requirements: official registration in St. Mark parish with a minumum offering of $1,000, engaged in at least 1 activity of service within the parish/school, and participate in at least 20 Sunday Masses per year at St. Mark.

Fr. Jason Cargo's letter to school parents.
 

How is tuition paid?
Tuition can be paid annually or monthly. Payments are auto drafted from a bank account by FACTS Management Company. 
 

Does the school provide financial aid?
St. Mark offers limited financial aid. The FACTS Management Company, an independent third party company, processes the applications. Financial aid applications can only be considered once a student has been accepted to the school and the registration fee has been paid.
 

Do we have to be Catholic to attend St. Mark?
St. Mark welcomes all students regardless of background or faith. Non-Catholic students are required to actively participate in religion classes, religious celebrations, and liturgies while attending St. Mark.
 

How old does my child have to be to attend school?
Students entering must meet the following age requirements:

PK3 – Child must be 3 on or before September 1^st

PK4 – Child must be 4 on or before September 1^st

Transitional Kindergarten – Generally for children turning 5 between May-October

Kindergarten – Child must be 5 on or before September 1^st

1^st Grade – Child must be 6 on or before September 1^st

Is preference given to siblings and parishioners?
Yes. Students are accepted in the following priority:

• Siblings of students who currently attend St. Mark
• Children of St. Mark Catholic School alumni
• Families who qualify as parishioner
• Children relocating from an out-of-area Catholic school
• Non-parishioners
• Late applicants 

What are the qualifications of the teachers?
All teachers meet the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department qualifications for instruction. Many teachers hold advanced and specialized degrees.
 

How is St. Mark Catholic School accredited?
St. Mark is fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (recognized by the Texas Education Agency), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 

Tell me about the curriculum.
The curriculum is set by the Diocese of Dallas. The curriculum and instruction include sequential and constructive programs of learning in religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, music, art, drama, physical education, health, guidance, foreign language, computer literacy, and technology assisted activities. St. Mark enhances the curriculum by focusing on various learning styles and multiple intelligences through differentiated instruction, and incorporating hands-on, student centered activities.

Click here for detailed curriculum information. 

Where do St. Mark students attend high school?
The majority of St. Mark graduates attend local Catholic high schools – Bishop Lynch High School, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, John Paul II High School, and Ursuline Academy of Dallas. Some students attend other private high schools or local public high schools, many of whom are accepted into gifted/talented, honors, International Baccalaureate, and other accelerated programs.
 

Where do we purchase school uniforms?
Flynn O'Hara
St. Mark uses the services of Flynn O'Hara. 

Click HERE to shop the St. Mark uniform store. Enter your student's grade and gender to view the products that he or she is permitted to wear to school. 

Uniforms are to be worn the first day of school.

Do the students attend Mass?
Preschool, elementary and middle school students attend an All-School Mass each Friday at 8:30 AM. The younger students (TK, K, 1^st and 2^nd) have Middle School prayer partners. 5^th grade serves as the Friday morning choir. Classes take turns offering the Call to Worship, the Mass readings, and presenting the Communion gifts throughout the school year.
 

What is the student-teacher ratio?
Preschool - 8:1
Kindergarten - 10:1
Elementary and Middle School: 20:1