1. When are tours available during the school day?

Tours are available by appointment.
We prefer to schedule tours between 9:00 and 11:00 am according to the following schedule:

October, November and December:  First Wednesday of the month

January during Catholic Schools Week (starts with the last Sunday in January):  Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am . 

February, March, April and May:  Every  Wednesday that school is in session.

2. What test do you give to prospective students? How long does it take? Who administers the test?

All students are given a Nationally normed entrance exam for admission into the school. PreK and Kindergarten students take a test, which is a developmentally appropriate screening device that assesses a child’s gross motor, fine motor, language, and conceptual skills. Both Kindergarten and 1st grade applicants are screened for language development and math concepts. Students in grades 2-8 are given an abbreviated entrance test and are asked to complete a writing sample. Testing for PreK and Kindergarten takes about 45 minutes. First grade takes 45 minutes to an hour and 2nd through 8th grades should allow 2 1/2 to 3 hours. On our testing date in March, certified teachers and assistants administer the test to students. Due to the large volume of students being tested, extended testing time may be necessary. After the testing date, our assistant principals, and at times a classroom assistant, will administer the test.

3. What happens after I complete the entire application?

After you complete the application process, you will be given a testing date and time. When the test is completed and all paperwork has been reviewed, families will receive a letter notifying you of your child's acceptance or non-acceptance.  Due to the volume of applicants in March, the school is not able to make personal phone calls regarding acceptance results.

4. What are your school hours?
 

5. Do the students wear uniforms and, if so where do you get them?

Students at John Paul II Catholic School are required to wear a uniform. Students are expected to be neat, clean, well-groomed and wearing school uniforms at all times. The official uniform can be purchased at MillsWear (our school code is 720). Other optional uniform items can be purchased through the school office in August, January and in June on the sales date.

6. What does it mean to be a Blue Ribbon School?

The purpose of the Blue Ribbon Schools Program is to identify and give national recognition to outstanding public and private schools across the United States. As a Blue Ribbon School, John Paul II Catholic School was recognized for offering instructional programs that meet the highest academic standards, having a supportive and learning-centered school environment, and scoring in the top 10 percent in the nation on standardized tests.

7. Why are the dates for Blue Ribbon only for 1996-1997 and 2008?

Schools may not apply for this award every year.  John Paul II has been recognized twice.

8. What are your class sizes?

Pre-Kindergarten      18 students per class, with full-time aide in each class

Kindergarten      22 students per class, with full-time aide in each class

1st - 5th      24 students per class, with an aide to help 1st and 2nd grades

Middle School       25 students

We strive to keep student counts at these levels

9. What textbooks are used at John Paul II?

Textbooks are chosen from the Texas state adopted list. Religion texts are chosen from a list of approved religion books from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

10. Tell me about your auxiliary classes or electives for students.

                PreK and Kindergarten:

PreK and Kindergarten students participate in weekly classes for Library/Storytime,  Music and Movement as well as Spanish.

During the second semester, Kindergarten students add weekly Computer classes to their schedule.

1st – 5th grades:

Students participate in the following classes each week:

Physical Education – three times per week

Music and Spanish – once or twice per week depending on the grade level.

Art, Computer, and Library – once a week

6th grade: Choice of one elective, either Beginning Band or Elective Wheel.

The wheel allows the student to ‘sample’ four of the following introductory courses, each of which is taken for a nine-week period: Art, Concert Choir, Computer Apps, Spanish and Journalism.

7th grade: Choice of one elective

Advanced Band, Art, Forensics, Journalism,  Advanced Computer, Chorale or Spanish

8th grade: Choice of two electives

Advanced Band, Art, Forensics, Journalism, Spanish, Chorale or Advanced Computer

11. Do students take the TAKS test? How do John Paul II Catholic School students score on their standardized test scores?

Our students take a nationally normed test every year. Beginning this year it will be the IOWA. The national average is 50%. JPII averages between 80% - 90% each year. For the last several years, over 60% of our 7^th graders have been selected by the Duke University talent search (based on SAT scores in 95^th percentile or above). Historically, at least 40% of earlier classes were selected every year.

12. What after-school activities do you offer?

Each year the activities that are offered after school vary, depending upon the interest of students and those that provide the activity. Currently, we offer Extended Day, Scouting, Happy Feet Gymnastics, Art Club, Chess Club, Robotics, Middle School Theatre and Choir.

13. What athletic programs do you offer

Our Elementary students play in the West Houston Christian Sports Association (WHCSA). Sports include soccer, basketball, softball and baseball, as well as volleyball for 5^th grade girls.

Our Middle School students participate in the Greater Houston Christian Athletic Association (GHCAA). Competitive athletic programs include soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track, softball and baseball. Football  began in August 2009.  6th grade students may participate in some WHCSA sports.

14. Do you have Extended Day?

Yes, our program is available only to JPII students. The Extended Day hours are:

• Mornings from 7:00 – 7:40 AM

• Afternoons from 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Registration papers for Extended Day will be available after a child is accepted at JPII. Please see Extended Day Handbook for fee schedule, sibling discounts and more information. 

15. Does JPII offer a tuition sibling discount?

Yes, we have discounts for multiple children.

16. Are parents required to volunteer a certain number of hours per year?

No, parents are not required to do a certain number of volunteer hours. However, in order to volunteer at the school, VIRTUS training is required and a background check must be completed. Ask for more details!

17. What are the fundraising requirements for parents? Explain Family Commitment to me. What fundraisers can be used to meet those dollars?

There are several fundraisers offered during the school year. All fundraisers are voluntary and four are specifically geared towards meeting Family Commitment. Family Commitment fundraisers for 2009-10 are: student directory ads and gift wrap/magazine sales in the fall, the annual auction gala in November, and the tuition raffle in the spring. Family commitment dollars can only be earned during the current school year.

18. Do you offer financial assistance?

The school provides limited tuition assistance to families who are committed to Catholic education and who have demonstrated financial need. Financial aid applications are available in January upon request to the admissions office. Award determinations are made by the Financial Aid Committee using an independent assessment of eligibility provided by the Private School Aid Service.

19. Where is the parish? What parishes come to your school?

We are not a parish school. We have students that come to us from the surrounding parishes. The majority of our students attend the Catholic parishes of St. John Vianney, St. Cyril of Alexandria, Epiphany of the Lord, St. Justin the Martyr, St. Bartholomew and St. Edith Stein.

20. Do you receive any subsidies from outside sources?

No

21. Do you have a cafeteria?

Yes, our cafeteria is located in the gym. We have a catering company that brings hot lunch on site for students. In addition, many students bring their lunch to eat in the cafeteria. You can view the lunch menu on our website.

22. Do you have buses?

No, all students are transported to school by car, or they walk to school.