School - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admissions process?

Open enrollment begins in November at the Fall Open House. The online 2024-25 New Student Application will be available on November 9, 2023. 

Your student's application is considered complete when the school receives all of the following items: 

1. Completed 24-25 Online Application
2. Non-Refundable Application FAMILY Fee of $280
3. Submitted Documents:

• Copy of Student's Birth Certificate
• Copy of Student's Baptismal Certificate, if applicable
• Parish Membership Letter from non-SLDM Catholic parish, if applicable (for tuition rate distinction) 

Please contact Erika Rowe, Administrative Assistant, at 317-842-1125 x391 or email with questions.

Notification of your child’s enrollment status will occur on or before the end of January.

How would we arrange for a tour?

Contact the school office at 317-842-1125 x391 to request a tour of the school.  You also may email your tour request to Erika Rowe. It is helpful to provide this information when inquiring.

Can we schedule a "shadow" experience for our child?

A prospective student may “shadow” from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. on certain days after the application process is complete and availability is confirmed. “Shadow mornings” are typically reserved for prospective students in grades three through eight.  Please email Erika Rowe to schedule a shadow morning.

When does open enrollment begin?

Open Enrollment begins in early November with the Fall Open House.
 

What is the tuition?

Tuition rates may be found here.
 

Do you offer an in-parish tuition rate?

Active parishioners are extended a SLDM Engaged Parishioner tuition rate. Details and qualifications can be found here. All families will be asked to complete an annual form detailing their involvement in the parish—subject to review by the Pastor. Families who do not qualify for parishioner rates will be notified. Loss of “active” parishioner status only affects the tuition rates and not enrollment for currently enrolled students

Non-SLDM parishioners who are active members of another Catholic parish are eligble for our Catholic Engaged Non-Parishioner tuition. A letter confirming parish membership in good standing provided by the parish and signed by the priest is required.

Please see the tuition and fees page for more information.

Do you offer a sibling discount?

Yes, please visit the tuition and fees page to see how sibiling discounts are applied.
 

My child has a 504 and/or an IEP, can you accommodate him/her?

SLDM employs two full-time and two part-time academic support teachers who are available to help children with learning exceptionalities.  Although our resources are more limited than most public schools, we hope to provide a Catholic education to families with special needs students if they desire one.  Admission to SLDM is decided on a case-by-case basis taking into account our ability to best serve the needs of the individual child with a learning exceptionality. We do request copies of the IEP or service plan when applying.
 

Do you offer academic support?

Yes, St. Louis de Montfort School employs two full-time and two part-time teachers who provide support for all students in all grade levels.  They work in small groups for students who need more individualized support and also offer support in the classrooms to help students with individual learning differences. SLDM supports all students including those with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as well as students who were tested, but do not qualify.
 

Do students have access to a school social worker?

Students have access to a social worker 3-4 times per week.  The school counselor works closely with teachers and academic support to determine where there is a need.    
 

How does SLDM celebrate its Catholic heritage?

While students receive daily, formal instruction in the Catholic faith and participate in weekly all-school Mass there are many additional opportunities for students to practice and enrich their faith.  Students participate in classroom Masses, monthly adoration, retreats, the Living Stations, May Crowning, and advent prayer services.  Regualr opportunities are provided for students to participate in the sacrament of confession.  We also celebrate Catholic Schools Week and Holy Days of Obligation. 
 

How often do students attend Mass?

Students attend weekly Mass as well as on Holy Days of Obligation.  Our priests also celebrate the Mass in each classroom throughout the year.
 

Do you offer extended care?

Extended care is available on regular school days from 3:15-6:00 p.m. through AYS, Inc., a not-for-profit agency.  AYS provides activities, such as homework time, arts & crafts, music time, supervised free play, cooperative games and nutritional snacks.

All staff members are drug tested, have background checks, are first aid certified and meet training requirements each year.  There is at least one CPR certified staff member present.  AYS maintain a staff to child ratio of no more than 1:15.

AYS is open on all regular school days. AYS is closed Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the last Friday before summer break begins.

Each child must be registered and payment received each year to attend AYS.  This includes a non-refundable registration fee. 

For more information, please visit AYS at St. Louis de Montfort.
 

Do you offer bus service?

HSE Bus services are no longer offerred to our school.  

 

Are uniforms required?

Uniforms are required. The required items--logoed shirts and the plaid--as well as other approved optional items may be purchased through our vendors: Schoolbelles (Link) and Land's End (Link).

Our Preferred School number is S1640 for Schoolbelles and 900171034 for Land's End.

If you use the above link, it will take you directly to our custom site on which you can shop by gender/grade. They will show only the approved uniform dress code items for that gender/grade. The required logoed polo shirts can only be purchased through Schoolbelles and Land’s End.  The required plaid jumpers and skirts can only be purchased through Schoolbelles.  All other items (e.g., pants and shorts) can be purchased through Schoolbelles, Land’s End, or a local retail store as long as they meet the uniform guidelines as outlined in the family handbook (found here).

1. You may set up an account with each vendor which will allow you to save profiles/preferences of each of your children.  You will be able to view your order history and can also receive emails regarding various promotions and special offers.
2. You may also use SCRIP to purchase uniforms.  Both Schoolbelles and Land’’s End offer dicsounts.  Parents: for additional ShopWithScrip information, please login to our Parent Community. 

What specials classes are offered?

Enrichment classes offered are:

• Spanish
• Art
• Library
  • Library usage is weekly for grades Pre-K-4
  • periodic use for grades 5-6
  • scheduled basis for grades 7-8
• Music
• P.E.
• Technology

How is technology utilized in the classroom?

St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School, in collaboration with the parish community, provides a learning environment rich with diverse, contemporary technology that integrates with the curriculum and augments learning goals and Indiana Proficiency expectations. Our mission is to use technology in a competency-based curriculum for Kindergarten through 8th grade and to keep our staff trained in the use of new technology as it emerges.

Aside from formal technology classes, students have access to and are encouraged to utilize technology in the classroom. Classrooms are equipped with Smart Board technology in PreK through 8th grade and a dedicated unit in Library and Tech Lab. There are four portable iPad carts and laptop carts to be shared by classes as well as two computer labs.  Apple TV and a digital media connection are available in all classrooms.

Students are instructed as to how to utilize technology responsibly. The Technology Handbook may be accessed here.

What opportunities exist for students to serve as mentors/leaders?

Students in the upper school have many opportunities to serve in leadership roles including Mass Buddies or Book Buddies; students in grades seven and eight can participate in Service Corps (formerly Student Council), help lead Family Groups and sit among younger grades during Mass. Students in the upper school also practice leadership skills in the community when fulfilling their service hours.

All children have an opportunity to participate in student-led liturgies or prayer services. 

What extracurricular activities are offered?

Examples of some of the extracurricular activities offered are:

• Band (Explorer Band, Concert Band, Church Choir, Cardinal Voices)
• Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
• Chess Club
• Choir
• CYO Sports
• Math Bowl
• Safety Patrol
• Spell Bowl
• Student Council
• Yearbook Staff

Is service a requirement of the curriculum?

Yes, community service is required as part of the curriculum for middle school students. Students in 5th grade are expected to complete 12 hours of service per year; students in 6th grade are expected to complete 16 hours of service per year; students in 7th grade are expected to complete 20 hours of service per year; and students in 8th grade are expected to complete 24 hours of service per year.  

What safety measures are in place to protect the students?

Our goal as a Catholic school is to support your efforts to instill in our students a love for Jesus and a longing to follow Christ in His church. At the same time, our duty to keep your children safe while at school is just as important. Discipline, mental health awareness, interpersonal relationships, and school safety are all addressed through the lens of hope and healing as Catholics—rooted in respect for all individuals’ human dignity.  

Our school meets or exceeds state school safety guidelines. Six staff members are Indiana certified School Safety Specialists. Two staff members are A.L.I.C.E certified trainers. We maintain a positive and active relationship with the Fishers Police Department.  Building security follows current safety guidelines. We conduct monthly safety drills with students and additional training with staff according to state law and best practices. Our students and staff are trained in procedures for a variety of natural and man-made scenarios.