Enrollment Options
Join the Alphonsus Community
At Alphonsus Academy, we are committed to providing a welcoming, engaging, and enriching environment for our students. We welcome students and families eager to contribute to our community and grow with us.
We embrace diversity and celebrate all of our students. We invite any interested student to apply and do not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race/ethnicity, or faith.
Please read on to learn more about our unique programming and complete this Admissions Inquiry Form/Open House Registration. It is an important first step in expressing your interest in joining the Alphonsus family.
You are also always welcome to contact Madeleine Durkin, Director of Admissions, by email or schedule a private tour that works best for your schedule.
Explore Our Unique Programming
Tots
Tots provides a unique opportunity for young children to grow in confidence alongside their parents/caregivers as they first experience a school environment. Our play-based program includes small group instruction, gross motor, and socialization to orient two year olds to a school environment.
Tots is offered three days a week from 8am-10am. Students are welcome to attend one day or two days in a row. Alternating days is not an option at this time.
Preschool
Our play-based preschool curriculum incorporates early literacy and math foundations for three and four year olds. We offer a 5 day, full day program as well as a 4 day, half day option for 3 and 4 year olds. The 4 day class meets Monday through Thursday from 8-11am where the 5 day class meets every day and follows the same schedule as K-8.
All preschoolers participate in specials like Spanish, PE, drama and art, but only full day classes have lunch and rest time. After the new year, we invite four year olds in full day preschool to participate in Kindergarten readiness groups with our Director of Early Childhood Education. Here they work together to ensure a seamless transition to Kindergarten.
Specific enrollment options are:
- One 4 day morning class for 3 and 4 year olds which meets from 8-11am each day. This class has a maximum of 18 students.
- Four 5 day, full day classes for 3 and 4 year olds which meets each day from 8am-3pm with an abbreviated day on Wednesday from 8-1:45pm. Each class has a maximum of 18 students.
- Admission follows a strict September 1 birthday cutoff and requires toilet training.
Kindergarten through Eighth Grade
Admission for early elementary grades is more straightforward than that of our older students. Kindergartners must be 5 years old before September 1 per state of Illinois requirements. Fourth through eighth grade applicants must attend a shadow day and interview with our admissions team.
If you are transferring from another school, we will ask for a teacher recommendation letter and an overview of any individualized learning plans that may be in place. We want to be best prepared to meet your student’s unique needs and plan for success.
Before + After Care
Morning care begins at 7am and runs until classrooms open at 7:45am when students are dismissed to their homeroom teachers.
After school care begins at dismissal and runs until 6pm. Students receive a snack, time for homework, and play time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.
Extended Day Care is staffed by school teachers and offered most days. Exceptions are before long weekends/holidays, and those are communicated at the beginning of the school year to participating families.
Should you want your child to participate in Extended Day Care or inquire about pricing, please reach out to Kim Wallett who manages the program.
Extracurricular Opportunities
In order to provide additional opportunities for student growth and development, we offer extracurricular classes after school. Opportunities vary by student age/interest and throughout the year. In the past, we have offered:
- Board Game Club
- Lego Club
- Coding classes
- Art Explorers Club
- Cooking classes
- Storytime Adventures
- School Newspaper (The Rocket Times)
- and more!
That said, there are circumstances in which admission priority is given:
Returning Students
Siblings of Current Students
Tots Program participants
Parishioners of St. Alphonsus Church
All other applicants
Priority within each of these categories is given by application date and availability in that grade.
Annual registration of current students takes place each January, and all current students are assured a place in the following grade assuming good standing and fulfillment of the tuition deposit.
Take a Private Tour
We are so grateful for your interest in joining the Alphonsus Academy family! Join our Director of Admissions for an informative 1:1 school tour with an opportunity to answer any questions you may have.