Saint Clement School FAQ
Academics
What does it mean to be a National Blue Ribbon School?
Saint Clement’s National Blue Ribbon achievement underscores the school’s commitment to academic excellence. This award recognizes those schools who demonstrate overall academic achievement and places Saint Clement among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. With a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, a rigorous academic curriculum, and a focus on building character through a faith-based community, Saint Clement strives to be the best Catholic elementary school in Chicago.
Learn more about what makes Saint Clement one of the top elementary schools in Chicago.
What does a “faith-based” education entail?
In addition to academic excellence, faith formation is critical to the Saint Clement student experience. Guided by our five anchors: Belong, Learn, Pray, Serve, & Share, we focus on character development as well as intellectual curiosity. Our school community celebrates mass together each Wednesday. We welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds, with numerous opportunities for students to participate in service opportunities, including serving lunches to the homeless, participating in our annual Saint Clement Service Day, celebrating Catholic Schools Week, and raising funds for student-chosen charities through our monthly Friday Anchor Days. For our Catholic students, we engage in diligent preparation and celebration for the sacraments of First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation.
Learn more about Saint Clements commitment to a faith-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition.
How does Saint Clement prepare students for high school?
Due to extensive preparation in mind and spirit, Saint Clement graduates go on to attend and thrive at the top Catholic, private, and public schools in the area, with 99% of students attending their first-choice high school. Our dedicated high school leadership team helps families navigate the high school application process, empowering our students to graduate confident and prepared to embark on their next chapter. At Saint Clement, our 8th graders end on a high note with treasured traditions, including organizing our school community’s amazing Halloween party and traveling to Washington, D.C. for a week-long field trip.
Whole-Child Education
What special programs does Saint Clement offer?
Investing in our teachers and administrators is a strategic imperative at Saint Clement. Through extensive professional development programs and unique offerings, including the Notre Dame collaboration our faculty and staff are the key ingredient of what makes Saint Clement special, as well as a leading Chicago Catholic elementary school. From Math Fairs, Science Fairs, public speaking opportunities, and more, Saint Clement helps students build the real-world analytical and communication skills that prepare them for life beyond elementary school. We are serious about community. Each child is part of an “Anchor Family,” a group of students outside of their grade level with whom they engage in activities such as field day, Wednesday mass, and Clement March Madness. And two mornings a week, all students attend school-wide morning assembly to gather, receive announcements, and on Fridays- have fun (and dance)!
Learn more about what makes the Saint Clement community unique.
What support programs does Saint Clement offer?
At St. Clement, we know that each child is unique in their approach to learning. That is why we have a dedicated and experienced child-first team who works with students who need extra support - whether it be reading and math intervention for those students who need extra assistance, or accelerated programs for those students who are performing above grade levels.
We also know that social emotional intelligence is critical in helping our students grow into their whole selves. That is why we’ve invested in full-time staff members including a school counselor, school social worker, dean of students, and two vice principals who help ensure our students have the tools they need to thrive, academically and socially/emotionally.
What are the extra-curricular, enrichment, and athletic options available?
With 25+ extra-curricular, enrichment, and athletic programs available to our students- there is one word that does not describe our student body- bored! From Model U.N., to volleyball, to chess, to tumbling, there are many opportunities for students to grow in their passions and talents.
Learn more about Saint Clement’s diverse student activities.
Saint Clement Community
What are the opportunities to get involved at Saint Clement School?
There’s a good chance that if you ask someone about Saint Clement, the first word they would say is “community.” The Saint Clement community is an active and welcoming group of 280+ families from all over the Chicago area. While situated in the heart of Lincoln Park, our families come from all over, with bus services serving the Northside neighborhoods. Our active SPCA organizes activities throughout the year, including new family welcome events, Anchor Day lunches, the Father Daughter dance, the Mother Son event, grade-level parent socials, and more.
Learn more about the Saint Clement community.
How is Saint Clement School associated with Saint Clement Parish?
We are thrilled to have our St. Clement School community in close partnership with Chicago’s fastest-growing Catholic church community, Saint Clement Parish. Not only do we celebrate mass together, but we celebrate community events including our Saint Nick Bazaar, and bi-annual Anchor Ball. In addition, school families who are active parishioners at St Clement, attending mass every Sunday and committing to 20 hours of service each year, receive an “Engaged Parishioner” tuition discount.
Learn more about the Saint Clement parish.
Admissions Process
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is January 15th. While we do accept applications after the deadline, please note that we typically receive more applications than we are able to accept. As a result, late applicants may be placed on a waitlist.
How can I visit the school?
We offer four Admissions Coffees each year in October, November, January, and April. The dates are posted on our website under the Admissions section, where you can also sign up to attend. Each event runs from 8:45 AM to 10:15 AM.
If you’re interested in learning more about our school but are unable to attend an Admissions Coffee, please contact Noreen Valle for more information.
What is the tuition? Is Financial Aid available?
Here is the link to our tuition information. We do offer financial aid; if you’re interested in applying, please click here.