FAQs
What criteria is used to select applicants?
The selection process is a comprehensive one. Saint Lawrence Academy looks for the following characteristics in a student:
- grades of C or better in 7th and 8th grade
- good marks in homework, conduct and effort
- positive teacher and school recommendations
- involvement in extracurricular activities
- solid test scores on the High School Placement Test
- a positive interview.
In addition, priority is given to students who are Catholic and/or attend a Catholic elementary school.
Do I have to be Catholic to attend Saint Lawrence Academy?
No, approximately 30% of the student body is non-Catholic. Saint Lawrence Academy embraces and supports the religious beliefs of all students.
Do students typically come from certain feeder schools?
No, the typical freshman class has students who come from over 40 different junior high or middle schools.
What is the best way to learn about Saint Lawrence Academy?
We encourage all students to shadow; there is not a better way to get to know the school. For families, we invite you to attend our Open House and High School Information Nights.
Can the school help my family with tuition?
Saint Lawrence Academy does offer limited financial aid. To apply for financial aid, a family must complete the Private School Aid Service form and submit it by the given deadline. Based on the results of the family’s financial evaluation, a family may receive financial aid.
Do you accept transfer students?
Saint Lawrence Academy accepts transfer students entering the tenth and eleventh grade. All transfer students must be on track to graduate.
What are options for carpooling to the school?
Saint Lawrence Academy is conveniently located in Santa Clara between the 101 and 280 freeways. The school is also near Central Expressway and is located directly off the Lawrence Expressway. Students can conveniently travel to school by car, bus, or train. The school will provide carpool information to families upon request. For those students who take the train, the school runs a free shuttle from the train station each morning.
Does Saint Lawrence Academy have all the typical high school activities?
While we are a small school, we do offer all of the activities found in a traditional high school. We have a Homecoming Week and a Unity Week, both of which include special dress-up days and activities. Our Activities program hosts rallies, dances and a prom. There are over 22 clubs from which to choose. Some special Saint Lawrence activities include the Mr. Celtic Contest, Cardboard Box City, Junior Ring Ceremony, and Hush days.Important Dates
- August 15 Freshman Orientation from 9 am 3 pm in the Community Center and Academy
- August 15 New Parent Coffee at 10 am in the Parish Hall
- August 17 Uniform sales from 3 7 pm in the Academy Library
- August 19 First day of classes; school pictures taken
- August 19 Finance Council Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Rectory
- August 25 Chalk the Walk at lunch in the pavilion
- August 25 Magazine drive begins
- August 27 Welcome Back Rally at 1:15 pm in the Community Center
- August 27 Welcome Back Mixer from 7:30 10:30 pm in the Community Center
- August 30 Back-to-School Night beginning at 6:30 pm in the Church
- August 31 School theme day to include freshman elections
- September 1 Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated with the Elementary and Middle Schools at 8:30 am in the Church
- September 2 Pastoral Parish Council Meeting at 7 pm in the Rectory
- September 3 Minimum Day 12:15 dismissal
- September 6 LABOR DAY No school
- September 7 Parent Club Meeting at 7 pm in the Little Theater
- September 9 Education Council Meeting at 6:30 pm in SLEMS Faculty Lounge
- September 10 Mass at 8:30 am in the Church
- September 10 Freshman Zacchaeus Retreat from 8:30 am 2:30 pm
- September 11 Parent Club BBQ from 11 am 2 pm in the pavilion
- September 14 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at Most Holy Trinity School
- September 14 Mens Club Meeting at 6:30 pm in the pavilion
- September 15 Youth Advisory Board Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Rectory
- September 16 Finance Council Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Rectory
- September 16 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. Lucy School
- September 17 Trivia Game Night from 7 9 pm in the Parish Hall
- September 17 Student Council Lock-In from 7 pm until 8 am on September 18 in the Academy building
- September 20 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. Catherine School
- September 20 Toilet Paper Drive begins
- September 22 Magazine drive ends
- September 23 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. Clare School
- September 23 Senior Breakaway Day
- September 24 Celtic Pride Day
- September 24 Celebrity Sandwich Day at lunch in the pavilion
- September 24 Laps for Lyme and Lymphoma from 8 11 pm at Rollin Ice
- September 25 Campus Restoration Day from 9 am 4 pm
- September 26 Academy Sponsored Mass at 6 pm in the Church
- September 27 Make up Picture Day
- September 28 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at Holy Spirit School
- September 30 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. John Vianney School
- September 30 Class of 2011 College Night at 7 pm in the Church
School News
ACADEMY WELCOMES NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
As the Academy prepares for the arrival of new students and the reappearance of returning students, the Academy also welcomes some new faculty and staff. Joining the Academy for the 2010 – 2011 school year are:
Kelly DeBarr who will be joining the staff as a Spanish instructor, teaching levels 1 and 3. Additionally, Kelly is interested in coaching swimming, working in Campus Ministry and involving herself with activities dealing with foreign language.
Richard (Rick) Louie is our joining our science department. Rick will be teaching Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Physics and Honors Physics. Rick comes to St. Lawrence Academy with a wealth of experience in teaching at small Catholic high schools, having worked at both Bishop Garces High School in Bakersfield and St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School in Watsonville.
Kelly Schlernitzauer has joined our front office staff as school register. Having worked at Harker Academy for ten years, Kelly brings a wealth of front office experience to our campus.
And, Janet Yamada has stepped into the role of Development Director for the Education Center. Janet has been a volunteer at the Education Center for a number of years. She has a wealth of fundraising and event planning experience both here at Saint Lawrence and with her volunteer work with Girl Scouts (Troop 61331), San Jose Youth Community Service, and Suzume no Gakko, a Japanese culture program.
We welcome all of our new personnel and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming school year.
