SAINT HENRY SCHOOL
Educating for life in Christ
FAITH
As a parish school, Saint Henry School participates fully in the spiritual life of the Church. Daily, students join in prayer, both as a school and in the liturgical life of the Church by attending Mass every week. Students also participate in monthly adoration and learn about devotional prayer, such as the rosary. Through prayer, the students develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Forming persons of prayer is a vital mark of t the Saint Henry culture.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Saint Henry School provides quality academic programs that prepare for life-long learning. With a focus on academic excellence, Saint Henry offers a rigorous curriculum and dedicated teachers who provide personalized attention and support that recognizes different learning styles and needs. Honesty and responsibility are valued in all academic pursuits. Students learn the value of study, hard work, and the self-discipline needed for academic success.
SERVICE TO OTHERS
Saint Henry School strives to imitate its patron, Saint Henry, in service to others. Jesus said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31) This giving of self to those in need is vital in the development of Christian youth. Students participate in a variety of service projects, which helps them to think of others and serve their needs. 1 | Educating for Life in Christ
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
CORE CURRICULUM
Saint Henry School provides a vibrant Catholic school environment with a rich academic program. In every classroom students are challenged and supported to fulfill their highest potential. Guided by the Diocese of Nashville’s Catholic Schools Office, Saint Henry School teachers seek ways to make all academic areas come to life in a variety of developmentally appropriate ways. Students engage in the core subjects of Religion, Math, Science, Literature, English, and Social Studies in all grade levels, continually deepening their comprehension of fundamental concepts and skills.
Pre-Kindergarten 3 & 4
The primary goal is the formation of the whole childspiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and creative. Students experience developmentally appropriate Religion, Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies curricula, while
also allowing time to play and exercise. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd provides lessons and activities that explore the mysteries of the Catholic faith. In addition to these core curricular areas, students in the 4-year-old program also participate in Art, Music, Library, and Physical Education.
Kindergarten
Students excitedly explore all traditional curricular areas, with a heavy focus on phonics and literacy as each child strengthens their reading ability. Students also engage in a rigorous mathematics program designed to continue the strong number-sense begun in Pre-K for mathematics success. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum is continued, furthering the students’ curiosity and understanding of the mysteries of the Catholic faith. Students also begin to study Spanish and take a formal computer class in addition to Art, Music, Library, Computer/ STEM, and Physical Education.
Grades One Through Four
Emphasis is placed on reading ability and fluency, the language arts, and establishing solid basic skills in mathematics with strong number sense. Faith formation is continued, while introducing additional study on Catholic doctrine and scripture in preparation for the first sacraments in second grade. In Social Studies, students are challenged to understand and demonstrate the concepts of society and community, and utilize the study of world and United States history to understand these ideas at a nuanced level. Fundamental concepts of Earth and Life Science are studied, highlighting the scientific process including data collection and analysis. Beginning in fourth grade, the core subjects of Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies are departmentalized, exposing students to changing classrooms throughout the morning. In addition to the core curriculum, students also take courses in Spanish, Art, Music, Computer/ STEM, Library, and Physical Education.
Grades Five Through Eight
Attention is paid to ensuring students are well-prepared for success at the high school level in all subjects. The core curriculum of Religion, Mathematics, Science, Literature, Language Arts, and Social Studies are all continued. These core subjects are departmentalized, continuing to expose students to changing classrooms throughout each day and learning from teachers who are specialized in their subject area. Classes in Mathematics are also formally differentiated by ability, with students placed in advanced or grade-level classes. A heavy emphasis is placed on improving student writing in all grades to augment traditional English course. English, Computer, Art, Library, and Physical Education all continue to develop in complexity and new options are available for music, including Band, Handbells, and Choir.
SPECIAL SUBJECTS
In each grade level, beginning with 4-year-old PreKindergarten, students experience a variety of developmentally appropriate special subjects. These courses, like the core curriculum, are designed to chal-lenge and excite students to explore their God given gifts and talents, and expose them to the concepts, skills, and culture of each subject.
Art
The mission of the art department at Saint Henry School is to provide a positive, nurturing, creative environment in which students can uncover and cultivate their artistic talent. Students will have the opportunity to explore numerous media and techniques, and to sharpen perception of aesthetic qualities by studying characteristics of visual forms from a variety of cultures and time periods.
Music
As students advance, music instruction changes to match their developmental maturity. In early grades (Pre-K4 through third grade), students focus on the fundamentals of music with the primary goal of learning simple rhythms. Progressing into fourth grade, all students learn to play the ukulele. Students are presented with the options of Band or Handbells entering fifth grade with the addition of Choir in sixth grade. Seventh and eighth grade students come together to form the Advanced Band and the Advanced Choir.
Spanish
Beginning in kindergarten and first grade, students are focused on listening and speaking the Spanish language. Students in second through fourth grade expand their skills to include reading and writing. The program expands further in fifth through eighth grade exposing students to a full Spanish course, augmented to meet the maturity level of the students, and spread across multiple years.
Technology
Saint Henry School students are introduced to computers and technology beginning in kindergarten and build their knowledge through eighth grade. Kindergarten through third grade students have 1:1 access to Apple iPads in their homeroom classrooms, and students in grade four through eight have 1:1 access to Chromebooks. Throughout the building, Promethean ActivPanel interactive boards are installed in all classrooms, including specialty classrooms, further augmenting the students’ interaction with and understanding of technology.
Library
The library supports the educational program and the students by developing research skills, including how to best utilize library materials and find high-quality information. Students are challenged beyond their reading level through the Accelerated Reader program.
Physical Education
In earlier grades, there is an emphasis on the safety, teamwork, and care of equipment in addition to skill building and fun. Later, in grades five through eight, the program promotes fitness and instills self-confidence in each student, teaching them various ways to be healthy in their adult years.
Student Support Team
The student support team coordinates all necessary accommodations for students with learning differences and works to ensure a smooth transition from one grade to the next. Students are provided with individualized support to become self-sufficient in preparation for the next level of education after Saint Henry School.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAM
Saint Henry School believes learning is not limited to the classroom and offers students a wide array of opportunities to explore, learn, and showcase their talents outside of the classroom in both academic and non-academic arenas.
Academic - Supplemental
Students are presented with opportunities to participate in academic contests in almost every academic discipline. Teachers moderate and help students prepare for each event during after-school practices. Students are also encouraged to practice at home and some events require additional meetings. The time commitment varies based on the event. Students of every academic ability are encouraged to participate and supported to do their personal best.
Social Studies: National History Bee
English & Literature: National Spelling Bee, Battle of the Books, and Nashville Writing Contests
Mathematics: Math Olympiad and the Catholic Math League
Science/STEM: FIRST LEGO League, Science Fair, MTSU Invention Convention
Arts: Middle Tennessee Vocal Association Contests, Tennessee Mid-State Band, Nashville Art Shows and Contests
Non-Academic
Saint Henry School believes students have a wide array of interests and are imbued with many God-given talents. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities sponsored by the school or Saint Henry Church. Some of the activities include:
• Student Council (grade 8, by student election)
• Spring Drama Production (grades 6-8)
• Forensics (grades 3-8)
• Children of Mary (grades 6-8)
• Tiger, Cub, and Boy Scouts (grades 1-8)
• Daisy, Brownie, and Girl Scouts (grade K-8)
• Student Ambassadors (grade 8)
• Altar Servers (grades 5-8)
• Chess (grades K-8)
Athletics
One of the primary non-academic areas for student involvement is the Saint Henry School athletic program. Saint Henry School athletic teams are self-sustaining and participate as part of the Diocesan Athletic Council which offers the following sports:
• Boys & Girls Cross Country (grades K-8)
• Boys & Girls Basketball (grades 3-8)
• Co-Ed Fall Flag Football (grades 5-8)
• Co-Ed Spring Flag Football (grades 1-4)
• Co-Ed Golf (grades 6-8)
• Co-Ed Soccer (grades 5-8)
• Girls Volleyball (grades 5-8)
• Girls Cheerleading (grade 8)
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Lunch Program
Students have a scheduled lunch period each full day of school. They may bring a lunch from home or purchase a hot lunch and/ or milk in our school cafeteria. The cafeteria is cashless and all items are billed through FACTS.
Before Care, Late Pick-Up, and Aftercare
Saint Henry School provides extended supervision for students prior to arrival and following dismissal for an additional fee. The Before care program supervises students in grades kindergarten through eighth who need early morning arrival between 6:45 and 7:15am. Pre-Kindergarten students may arrive during normal drop-off, between 7:20 and 7:55am. Students who are not picked up at regular dismissal will enter the Late Pickup service, which is available until 3:15 for Pre-K and 4:00 for K-8.
Any student needing further extended care will need to be enrolled in our aftercare program, Tigers After Hours, which is open every day school is in session until 6:00pm.
Clinic
Students have access to a comprehensive and well-equipped clinic at Saint Henry School. Needs are met whether students need medications or assessment and treatment due to illness or injury. The clinic is equipped to handle common daily needs as well as potential emergencies. A certified pediatric nurse practitioner is present in the clinic and always available to the students during their school day. In addition to the clinic, the campus is equipped with AEDs and anaphylaxis kits. All faculty are CPR certified and receive annual training for emergency medical care.
ADMISSIONS
We are excited for your interest in Saint Henry School, and we look forward to meeting you and your children. Saint Henry School is a welcoming community of families, and we want you to experience who we are from the start.
The admissions policy for Saint Henry School adheres to the laws of the State of Tennessee and the Department of Catholic Education, which determines the age for admittance, as well as health and academic records required for admittance. The following documents are required:
• Copy of birth certificate
• Baptismal certificate
• Immunization and other Health Records
• Academic and all other pertinent school records
• Special Education Records
The family must provide evidence that the student is in good standing at their prior school, showing satisfactory achievement in conduct, effort, and academic subjects. Saint Henry School adheres to a non-discrimination policy of admission. Saint Henry School welcomes families of other faith traditions who are interested in the Catholic school environment. The Catholic faith is the center of Saint Henry School. Students will learn about the Catholic faith, take religion classes and be a part of our Catholic family through prayer, service and learning. Families who choose Saint Henry School will find a diverse community with 13 percent minorities and both Catholic and non-Catholic families.
Although Saint Henry School attempts to meet the academic needs of students, it is not equipped to serve students with severe disabilities. Parents are asked to supply all pertinent information having an impact on the school’s ability to provide for the child’s needs. All admissions are subject to the approval of the principal. Students with academic or other needs, which cannot be reasonably accommodated by the school, may be denied admission.
Readiness testing is used to determine the developmentally appropriate placement in the Kindergarten and Pre-K programs. To apply, please visit sthenryschool.org/apply.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tuition
As a parish school, Saint Henry School has a vital relationship with Saint Henry Church. The school exists as a ministry of the parish. Parish financial support of the school is essential to maintaining the budget. Families that participate in parish life receive a reduced tuition rate.
Registration Fee
A non-refundable registration fee per family is due upon acceptance and registration.
Payment Options
All tuition payments and other incidental fees are processed through FACTS, an online tuition management system. All Saint Henry School families are required to setup an account with FACTS. Families may elect one of the following options for tuition payment:
• Payment in full by July 15
• Biannual payments due in July and January
• Eleven monthly payments made through an electronic banking agreement
Financial Aid
Information can be found on our website: www.sthenryschool.org.
Parish Subsidy Policy
Part of the registration process for families who are registered members of a Catholic parish includes:
• Attending Sunday Mass faithfully in the parish
• Having an established pattern of giving to the church
New members of Saint Henry Church, or those just moving to the area, should register online with the church and have a previous pastor write a letter of introduction certifying they were an active/contributing member of their previous parish. This letter should be addressed to the Principal or Pastor.
