FAQs

Why St. Giles?

Why should I consider a Catholic education for my child?

At St. Giles School, our core tenants of Academic Excellence, Nurturing Community, Lifelong Leadership and Faith Formation are values that so many parents seek in a quality and complete education for their children. We are privileged to teach these values explicitly, incorporating lessons of kindness and compassion while encouraging students to reach their fullest potential as children of God. Furthermore, St. Giles students benefit from the close and connected nature of our school community. At St. Giles School, your child will be known and loved -- and that will make all the difference.

Why is the Preschool through 8th grade model significant?

Educating students from preschool to preteen is complex, but worth it. Studies continually show that students in K-8 environments feel safer and thrive academically and emotionally. Our middle school students stay younger longer and serve as role models and leaders for our littlest Lions, while families with multiple children have the gift of more years together in the same place. Students make connections and learn from each other across grade levels; they’re known by faculty and staff school-wide.

What high schools do St. Giles graduates attend?

Does my child have to be Catholic to attend St. Giles?

Is St. Giles School accredited? Are the teachers all certified?

What is it like to transfer in to St. Giles, for students and for parents?

People often refer to our community as our “X factor.” New families frequently speak to the warm welcome they receive at St. Giles School, as well as the fact that their children make friends and feel at home quickly. We hold an August welcoming event, typically an ice cream social, for families, as well as adults-only parent events so that our newest parents can get to know others and feel a part of things at St. Giles from the beginning.

Admissions

How do I let SGS know I’m interested in enrolling my child?

Please submit an inquiry form to show your interest in St. Giles School. A member of the St. Giles community will reach out to you after your inquiry form is received. Once a family knows they want to enroll at St. Giles, they should complete an application for enrollment.

Is there a waitlist at St. Giles School?

Some grades do fill up and a waitlist of interested families is created once a grade is full. Classroom size differs by grade. Families who hope to enroll their child in St. Giles School should apply for admission early; applications for new students are available late January. Several factors are considered when determining a student’s acceptance, including date of application and whether the student has a sibling at St. Giles School, whether the family is active St. Giles parishioners, and if the family is considering St. Giles School long term.

When will I know my child has been accepted?

Tuition and Financial Aid

How is tuition set every year?

Each year, the school receives guidance from the Archdiocese regarding expected changes in salaries for teachers and staff and anticipated increases in insurance costs. The School Finance Committee takes that guidance and combines it with other data points, such as school deficit or surplus and current and expected enrollment, to determine a recommended tuition for the next school year. The recommendation is then discussed with the administration, Fr. Carl, our pastor, and the parish finance committee. Once finalized, the recommendation is shared with the school board for review and approval.

What does tuition cover?

How do I make tuition payments?

What are my payment options?

What if I don't think I can afford tuition at St. Giles?

How much financial aid does one student usually receive?

Do you have to make less than a certain amount to qualify for financial aid?

Who reviews my financial aid application?

Does everyone who qualifies for financial aid receive it?

We are able to award financial aid to qualifying families until our allocated funds are depleted. The application process is open January through April 15 each year. After April 15, the application period is closed and all applications are reviewed equally (it is not based on first come, first served). If there is any money remaining after our first allocation, the process will be opened up for further applications to be reviewed.

Curriculum

To what standards does St. Giles School align and follow?

St. Giles School meets or exceeds the standards put forth by the state of Illinois, Common Core and the Archdiocese of Chicago. We go above and beyond these expectations, including such programs as bullying prevention and social emotional wellness.

How often are students tested?

What specials classes do you offer?

School Day Basics

When does the school day start and end?

Our school day begins every day at 8:15 a.m. Students are dismissed at 3:10 p.m., except on Wednesdays when dismissal is 2 p.m. to allow for faculty professional development.

Do all grades wear uniforms?

Do you serve hot lunch?

Where do students eat lunch?

How long is lunch and recess?

What is your food allergy policy?

Do you have an electronics policy?

How is the outdoor classroom used?

Do students attend Mass?

Do all students prepare for Sacraments as part of the curriculum?

At St. Giles School, our Roman Catholic faith is omnipresent in every aspect of what it means to be a St. Giles student from the curriculum to the community, the classroom to the athletics court.

We work closely with the parish on Sacramental preparation. Our second-grade and eighth-grade students prepare for Holy Sacraments as part of their religious education experience at St. Giles School. In religion class, students and their teachers discuss key tenets of our faith—including belonging to a Christian community, listening to the Word of God through Bible stories and living a Christian life through the Sacraments.

Kids Klub (Before/After Care)

What will my child do during Kids Klub?

Students will participate in a variety of activities, including outdoor play and exercise, arts and crafts, homework time and small group games like chess.

Do I need to register my child each year for Kids Klub or only once?

How and when can I register my child for Kids Klub?

How do I pay for Kids Klub?

What if my schedule changes day-to-day? Am I locked in to a schedule for my child?

What if I need to change my child’s Kids Klub plan for the day? Who should I contact?

While our program is flexible, it is helpful to know when your child will be in attendance in advance. At the beginning of the school year, parents should email the homeroom teacher with the likely Kids Klub schedule for their child/children. Any time there is a change to that schedule, the parents should inform the teacher by email. If a last minute change occurs, parents should call the school office, who will notify the teacher and child of the change.

Do I need to notify anyone that my child is coming in the morning if they usually only attend in the afternoon? Is the office open that early?

How do I make sure that my child gets to Kids Klub after school?

Parental Involvement

Is there a PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)?

Every school parent is a member of the St. Giles School PTO, which supports our parents, principal and educators through community building, enriching experiences and curriculum funding for libraries and the outdoor classroom. PTO-led activities include monthly wellness initiatives, diversity and inclusion programming, Catholic Schools Week celebrations, Book Fair and the annual student variety show.

How can parents get involved?

We believe strongly in the value of parental involvement in our school and, in a typical year, offer frequent opportunities to participate in our community. This includes serving as room parents, volunteering to staff events or programs, joining a school board committee such as athletics or marketing or serving as part of a PTO committee.

Traditionally, parents are asked to volunteer at least 8 hours per family during the school year.

Frequently Asked Questions