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St. Ambrose School offers its students:
Mission StatementSt. Ambrose Catholic School is committed to academic excellence and is rooted in the traditions and ideals of our Catholic faith. The mission of Saint Ambrose Catholic School is to provide an educational environment in which each student will be motivated to reach his/her full academic and spiritual potential in an atmosphere that strongly encourages following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our Catholic faith is an essential part of life at Saint Ambrose Catholic School. The call to worship, witness, and serve is manifested throughout the school day. The school community gathers for prayer and liturgical celebrations. The many service projects, including food and clothing drives, and fundraisers to aid the victims of natural disasters, instill in the students a sense of mission and concern for others. The staff, parents, and students work together to promote an atmosphere of respect and responsibility. AcademicsThe faculty and staff are committed to providing an academic environment which fosters in each student an appreciation for life-long learning. This is accomplished through emphasis on effective study skill strategies, integration of curriculum, and comprehensive instruction in the sciences, math, language arts, literature, social studies, and Spanish. The students' test scores on the Terra Nova, the standardized test taken each spring, reflect the effectiveness of the academic program. The student test scores are consistently above the 75th percentile nationally. Parent InvolvementThe enthusiasm and dedication of parent volunteers is an important part of the success of Saint Ambrose Catholic School. Parents help in the classrooms, library, office, clinic, and cafeteria. They also coach sports teams and lead the various clubs such as the Chess Club, Scouts, and other activities. The school is blessed with a very active PTO, which supports the school through fund raising activities and through grant and development committees. Parents are kept informed through the school website. Faculty and StaffIn partnership with the parents, as the primary educators, the dedicated faculty and staff work together to develop critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, so the students will be enthusiastic, life-long, learners. Nine full-time teachers and eight part-time teachers make up the St. Ambrose faculty. They are assisted by several part time aides. Faculty members enjoy working with students and parents, take pride in their work, and regularly take courses to advance their teaching skills and knowledge. Over half of the faculty have advanced degrees. Extended DayBefore and after school care is available from 7:00-8:00 A.M and from 3:00-6:00 P.M. Students in Extended Day enjoy active play, crafts, and games. In the afternoon, a snack is provided, and time is allotted for homework and study. School HistorySt. Ambrose Catholic School opened its doors to 165 students in August 1995. In the summer of 1996, the construction of a library, computer lab and additional classroom was completed. The school received accreditation from the Virginia Catholic Education Association in November 1999, and was re-accredited in April, 2006. Curriculum and Faith FormationOur Catholic faith is an essential part of St. Ambrose School life. As the school day begins, students join together in community prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Each morning in the classrooms, students listen to readings from a children's lectionary, offer their intentions, and pray together. Lunch begins and ends with grace, and classes pray again before dismissal. Students and teachers attend Mass each Friday and on Holy Days of Obligation. In addition, the Stations of the Cross are prayed once a week during Lent. The parish priests supplement students' religious instruction. The curriculum includes religion, reading, language arts (English, spelling and handwriting), mathematics, science and social studies. Specialists in the areas of computer, library, music, physical education and Spanish (grades 1-8) provide instruction in these subjects. Diocese of Arlington guidelines are implemented, and students follow a daily schedule that meets or exceeds the requirements for each curriculum area. Beginning at the sixth grade level, students are taught by a team of teachers with expertise in different subject areas. AdmissionsSt. Ambrose Catholic School welcomes students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Preference in admissions is given to children of parishioners and siblings of current students. Registration of new students begins in February. To be eligible for St. Ambrose parishioner tuition rates, a family must be parish members and be active in the parish by attending Mass and using their offering envelopes regularly. Student Activities
UniformsThe dress code provides a standard for our students that fosters an environment conducive to learning and respectful behavior. Final decisions regarding the school uniform rest with the principal/administration. School uniforms must be purchased from the Dress Code, 125 Church Street, Vienna, VA 22180, (703-242-3929), or from Flynn and O'Hara, 9650 Main Street, Fairfax (703-503-5966). Orders should be placed in spring or early summer so that students have the complete uniform when school begins. All students must wear the uniform. School Schedule
The school year in the Diocese of Arlington begins the week before Labor Day, and ends in mid-June. Typical School DayOur school day begins as the students line up by class outside the school for prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Next, they proceed to their classrooms and organize their materials for the day. An upper grade student welcomes the students to a new day by reading (over the public address system) a selection from a children’s lectionary, ending with prayer. Students follow a daily schedule that meets or exceeds Diocesan requirements for each curriculum area. Specialists in the areas of computer, library, music, art, physical education, and Spanish provide instruction in these subjects. The Friday morning Mass is a special part of each week. The children's choir leads the students and parishioners in singing hymns and parts of the Mass. There are three twenty minute recess periods (outdoors, weather permitting); each is followed by a twenty minute lunch period. Students bring their lunch from home, and can buy milk or juice at school. Hot lunches can be purchased on Wednesdays and Thursdays. After dismissal, students remaining at school are busy with games, physical activities, crafts and homework in the Extended Day Program. Other after school activities include preparing for It’s Academic competition, band and choir practice, Battle of the Books, and practicing for CYO sports teams. Throughout the day, parent and parish volunteers help the school in many ways: in the lunchroom, on the playground, in the art and music programs, the library, the office, the health room, tutoring and assisting classroom teachers. Tuition: 2008-2009 School YearParent/Student Handbook: August 2007 |