F.A.Q.
TOPEKA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Serving students of all faiths in a Catholic atmosphere of academic excellence
The mission of Catholic Schools is to bring our students closer to heaven while providing an excellent faith-based education. Students of all faiths benefit from this virtue-based approach to learning. Please find below a series of questions and answers related to students of other faiths attending the Topeka Catholic Schools.
Question 1: Are students of different faiths encouraged to attend a Topeka Catholic School?
Answer: Yes! Students of all ability levels, ethnicities, and religious beliefs are welcomed and encouraged to attend Topeka Catholic Schools.
Q2: Are students of other faiths well accepted by Catholic students?
A: Absolutely. Respect for religious beliefs is very important in our schools. Many students will not know that a classmate is of another faith, especially if they do not attend religion class together.
Q3: How does the academic quality of Topeka Catholic Schools compare with public schools?
A: All of the Topeka Catholic Schools are fully accredited by the State of Kansas and the North Central Accreditation Association. We participate in many state and federal programs, including the Kansas State Assessments. Our schools routinely earn Standards of Excellence in multiple areas and at multiple grade levels. Grade school students score well above the local and national averages on the Iowa Basic Tests and high school students routinely lead the area in college entrance exam scores, like the ACT and SAT.
Q4: Are students of other faiths required to take the religion classes at the Topeka Catholic Schools?
A: Yes, the primary mission of our schools is to pass on the Catholic Faith to our children. Students of other faiths find remarkable similarities in the values taught in these religion classes and in their own faith. Students can also identify the important differences.
Q5: Are students of other faiths academically successful in the religion classes?
A: Yes, it has been our experience that students who are successful in other classes will be successful in our religion classes.
Q6: Are students of other faiths at an academic disadvantage in the religion classes.
A: Prior exposure to academic material is usually helpful in any classroom setting. However, even Catholic students come to each of our religion classes with differing levels of knowledge and sophistication. Again, students who are successful in other academic areas are generally successful in our religion classes.
Q7: Are students of other faiths required to attend all-school or class religious services?
A: Yes, all students at our Catholic Schools attend these services. Students of other faiths do not participate in the Catholic Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion that are a part of these services.
Q8: What are the costs of attending a Topeka Catholic School?
A: The current costs are slightly different for each of the grade schools and for Hayden High School. Charges per year for students who are not members of one of the Topeka Catholic Parishes are approximately $2,500 to $3,500 for elementary school and $5,300 for Hayden High School.
Q9: How do I find out more about the programs at the Topeka Catholic Schools and potential enrollment?
A: You are encouraged to visit our website, www.topekacatholicschools.org, which provides contact information for each of our five Catholic Elementary Schools and Hayden High School. Please contact the principal for more information.
Christ the King Catholic School 5973 SW 25th 272-2220
www.ctkparish.net
Holy Family Catholic School 1725 SE Seward 234-8980
www.archkckcs.org/holyfamilytopeka
Mater Dei Catholic School 1114 SW 10th 233-1727
www.materdeischool.org
Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School 1800 SW Stone 272-4313
www.mphm.com click on school
Saint Matthews Catholic School 1000 SE 28th St 235-2188
www.saintmatthews.org click on school