SCHOOL HOURS/SCHEDULE
The school year runs from August to June. School begins at 8:00 a.m., with an arrival time beginning at 7:45 a.m. School ends at 2:55 p.m. for students in K-8th grade, and dismissal concludes at 3:15p.m. Pre-Kindergarten half day students dismiss at 12:00 p.m., and Pre-Kindergarten full day students may begin dismissal at 2:30 p.m. There will be early dismissal days scheduled throughout the year for faculty meetings and professional development.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Pre-kindergarten classes for 3-year-old and 4-year-old children are offered. Children must be 3 years of age for Pre-K3 (Early Learners) and 4 years of age for Pre-K4 (Junior Kindergarten) on or before the first day of school (August 21st). The Pre-K3 program (Early Learners) will be available on a four-day ( Monday-Thursday) or five-day (Monday-Friday) basis with a half day or full day option. Students must be fully toilet trained for three months (able to use the restroom independently) upon entering our Pre-K programs.
FuLL DAY KINDERGARTEN
A full-day kindergarten program is offered for children who are 5 years old on or before September 30th of the enrolling school year, with a preference of turning five before September 1st.
EXTENDED CARE
Before School Care (BSC) is provided from 7:00-7:45 a.m. After School Care (ASC) hours begin following dismissal until 5:30p.m.
UNIFORMS
Uniforms are purchased from Flynn-O’Hara Uniform Company. There is a local store in Virginia Beach or orders can be online through mail order. Occasionally, used uniform items can be purchased at a reduced rate from the uniform closet. For more detailed information, please see our Uniform Policy document.
PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
The PTO is an active and integral part of the Saint Mary Star of the Sea School operation. It provides a wide variety of auxiliary services to the school. The PTO sponsors various social and fundraising events each year. The PTO lends substantial support to the professional staff throughout the year. In order to keep the cost of tuition down, all parents are expected to volunteer at least ten hours each year.
SPORTS
Saint Mary Star of the Sea School is a member of the Peninsula Independent Athletic League (PIAL). The purpose of the PIAL is to promote the athletic program of the member schools through cooperative planning, scheduling, and coordination of mutual athletic interest. Students in grades 5 through 8 may participate in soccer, cross country, basketball, and volleyball.