Frequently Asked Questions

Each classroom is outfitted with SMART Boards for interactive learning, enabling teachers to design lessons to target all learning styles. Additionally, the school uses over 150 iPads on a regular basis throughout the grade levels from prek-8. Students in grades 6-8 have 1:1 access for iPads.

Enrichment opportunities are peppered throughout both the curriculum and the life of the school. The development of our robotics program has been successful in adding lessons on coding, programming and robotics in a hands-on, engaging environment for grades 1-8. Students also attend one to two field trips either in house or off site, particularly to support our service program.

Also enriching the core curriculum are weekly specials including Art, Music, P.E., Computers, Spanish, and Library (with an AR – accelerated reader program). Throughout their time at SVdP students may choose to participate in the Archdiocesan Art Show and Spelling Bee, the Jr. Great Books Program and Academic Decathlon.

SVdP follows the Archdiocese of Denver Curriculum core classes for grades 1-8 which consist of Theology, Math, Language Arts, Literature, Science and History. Grades 1-3 focus heavily on skills in both reading and math while grades 4-8 continue to develop math and reading literacy as well as deepen mastery of content areas.

We have 32 teachers dedicated to the education and formation of our students. Forty-one percent of the faculty hold advanced degrees with an average of over 10 years teaching experience. Our teachers are committed to the field of education by on-going professional development. Daily execution of curriculum and school operation is supported by a team of 8 instructional support staff and 10 administrative staff members.

Students in grades K-3 work within an RtI (response to intervention) model, receiving daily small groups and individual attention from a team of teachers, ensuring that each student is mastering reading skills. Students in grades 4-8 with identified learning needs have access to a learning specialist who provides support to students and teachers to make sure proper interventions are being used to support student learning. We also have invested in Claro Pro, C-pens and other technology-based assistive technologies for students.

SVdP School is committed to providing a Catholic environment which forms children as disciples of Christ. This drives the principles of formation and discipline in the school with the expectation that children are learning to embrace the difficult but rewarding path of Christian discipleship. The counseling program is designed to be forward-looking in shaping both individual character and group dynamic to empower students to avoid and/or handle conflict and bullying in a healthy and effective way, and to grow and develop their gifts and talents within a community setting. We have a licensed counselor on campus three days a week to support our students.

Our Middle School enjoys age-appropriate social development and leadership opportunities through our counseling program and student leadership program. In the sixth grade year, students receive support to develop executive functioning skills that support learning. In the seventh grade year, students explore their own personal natural and God-given gifts through a variety of inventories. Building on the understanding that everyone belongs in the community, students are challenged to accept, appreciate, and embrace the different gifts that each child in the community brings. In the eighth grade year, the hallmark year at SVdP, students develop age-appropriate leadership skills, learning to seek ways to use their gifts for the common good, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Our Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in Student Leadership Team, Jr. Great Books, Jr. Beta Club, Academic Decathlon and competitive sports.

The teacher/student body participate in a variety of spiritual and religious activities according to the rhythm of the year. All school Mass is held weekly on Thursday mornings and classes attend adoration once a month. An all school Faith Rally is held once a year. Students attend theology class daily and are re-directed and formed to consider the actions, forgiveness, and love of Jesus Christ as they reflect on their own behaviors. Students in grades pk-1 participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) which is a special way of teaching that engages the imagination and heart of the child to put them directly in relationship to God through their work and prayer. This is held in a special place called the “atrium”. Students attend off campus retreats in the 7 th and 8 th grade years. Grades K through 8 also receive age-appropriate instruction in the teachings of Theology of the Body - reinforcing how each person is made in God’s image and likeness. A beloved addition to SVdP School is a very robust school wide service program called SVdP Serves. Each grade level is associated with a charitable need either on the campus, in the neighborhood, or in the wider community.

SVdP hosts in the fall, cross country for grades 5-8 and flag football for students in grades 5-8, basketball and futsal(indoor soccer) in the winter for students in grades 5-8, and volleyball in the spring for students in grades 5-8.

The Widget League is available for both boys and girls in the 3 rd and 4 th grades. The league is run through CSAL with Parents volunteer coaches and team practice 1-2 days a week. Games are typically held on Friday evenings or Saturdays at other HOST Catholic schools/gyms. Uniforms are included in the registration fee.

Students enter the building beginning at 7:45am and prayers begin the school day at 7:55am. The day ends with prayers at 2:55pm followed by dismissal. Preschool start and stop time may vary by a few minutes.

Open registration will be during the last week in January. This is also our Open House during Catholic Schools week.

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October 1 st is the cut-off date for students entering our Preschool and Kindergarten programs. PS3 students must be 3 by that time, PS4 students must be 4 by that time and Kindergarten students must be 5.

Traditional Preschool: 4 year old’s - M through F - ½ day - 7:55 am – 12 Noon and full day - 7:55 am - 3:00 pm

Montessori Preschool: mixed 3 year old’s and 4 year old’s - M through F, full day program with half day option (noon dismissal). For this program only, full day seats are given priority in the registration process.

Kindergarten full day program with half day option (noon dismissal).

As staffing permits, Extended Care is offered and begins at dismissal and is offered each afternoon until 5:00pm. Due to licensing requirements, there is a strict adult to student ratio that is maintained and limited by staffing. Extended Care is not offered during school breaks or half day dismissals.

Safety is a top priority at SVdP. Well-trained and regularly practiced teacher supervision is the greatest asset of student safety. Drills are practiced on a scheduled basis to ensure proficiency at responding to the most common dangers. Recent upgrades to safety include changes to our front reception area to include a more secure process for entry, additional cameras and reinforced glass. Multiple cameras are installed at entrances as well as in various hallways. Perimeter doors are always locked and staff enter the building with key fobs.

Needs-based financial assistance is offered through several funding sources including ACE Scholarships, the Schmitz Foundation, and SVdP School. Up to half of tuition can be covered by these sources. SVdP also participates in the Denver Preschool Program. This applies for any family with a 4-year old preschool student living in Denver County. Awards vary based on income but every applicant does receive an award.

Registration and General fees are collected at the time of registration. They are required of all families, including those receiving tuition assistance and are non-refundable. Additional fees would apply to extra-curricular/non-required items such as participation in sports, clubs, Extended Care, etc.

Parents are expected/required to volunteer according to their capability. Parent time, talent, and treasure are important for the success of our school community. Volunteer opportunities abound from serving as room parent, volunteering in the classrooms, driving on field trips, assisting with our annual Gala.

The school operates on a tuition-based model meaning that ¾ of the revenue for operating the school comes from tuition and fees. The second source of income derives from events and fundraising, particularly our annual school gala.

Given the above breakdown of funding, families are expected to financially support the school as their situations allow. The largest fundraiser for the school is our annual Gala Auction and Dinner held in the Spring. All parents are asked to participate in some way either by volunteering time, donation of items for the auction or providing other financial support and attending the auction.