frequently asked questions
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- What is the location of the school?
St. Peter’s central location at 6220 La Salette St. is close to downtown, The University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and the Texas Medical Center which accommodates students and families throughout Houston. In addition to the school, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, established in 1941, is one of Houston’s oldest churches in the revitalized 3rd Ward neighborhood.- What is the purpose of the school?
St. Peter Catholic A Career and Technical High School was designed by the Archdiocese and community partners to be affordable to ALL students and families who are seeking a Catholic secondary education high school. The school will not only serve Houston’s Catholic community students but will be available to all students and families seeking an alternative to public high-school, high-cost private school, or charter school. The curriculum for SPC was developed using several guiding principles. SPC has built in ‘life-skills’ into the curriculum which includes personal finance, resume development, personal marketing, and additional critical life components that will further prepare students who seek to become independent and begin their careers immediately following high school. These life lessons, which are often not formally introduced to students, will help them navigate life after school and better prepare them for a career or continuing education.- How is the school governed?
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and the President/Principal reports to the Board.
- Is the school accredited?
As a school within the Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston, SPC will go through the accreditation process under the direction of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops’ Education Department (TCCB ED). A school can be provisionally accredited within the first three years of existence, and it can be fully accredited after five years of operation. Once accredited by TCCB ED, the school will also be accredited by Cognia.
- Is there a cost to attend the school?
Yes, the school has a tuition scale based on family income, and scholarships are available to families that qualify.
- Should students have taken any special courses in middle school to be considered for admittance?
No.
- Will there be a lottery for acceptance at SPC?
No
- How do students apply to attend SPC?
Students will complete the application that is available and then the family will be interviewed as a part of the admissions process.
- What does the ideal applicant look like?
The ideal applicant looks like a Catholic young person, willing to work hard and achieve their goals. The ideal applicant has completed through grade 8 with good grades and conduct. The ideal applicant has superior conduct and takes initiative to get things done well. The ideal applicant loves their Catholic faith and wants to serve their community with zeal.- How will students know if they have been selected to attend SPC?
Students will be sent an acceptance letter via email.
- What are the expectations of students attending SPC?
Students attending SPC will be expected to be present, be on time, study hard, work diligently, serve others, and be honest and kind.
- What type of diploma or certificate could you receive from SPC?
Students will receive a high school diploma, recognized by the state of Texas.
- Will transportation be provided?
No.
- Will the students be able to earn dual credit while attending SPC?
Yes, students will have the opportunity to earn dual credit.
- Are students allowed to change their program of study at SPC?
Students will pick a program of study and depending on how far in they are to their path for graduation will depend on whether or not it is in the students best interest to change their program.
- What kind of extracurricular activities are offered at SPC?
SPC will offer clubs related to the program offerings and those that focus on Catholic identity, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. The school will have a Student Council, National Honor Society, Beta Club and others directly related to areas of programming.- Does the school have athletics or sports teams?
Not at the start. As the school grows, we will look at adding organized team sports.
- Does the school have a dress code?
Yes, students will wear a uniform that reflects school colors. Depending on the program of study, students may need to change clothes if participating in an internship or certification program.
- What programs of study will be offered at SPC?
- Will students work outside the school at internships in their career field?
For certain programs of study, students may have opportunities to intern through local business partnerships.
- Will students receive licenses in their field?
For certain programs of study, students may have opportunities to earn certifications and/or licenses in a particular area.
- Is there a cost to fill out the application?
Yes, there will be an application fee of $150.
- Why choose a religious-based trade school?
The advisory committee carefully considered what students and parents would want and expect from a premier Catholic technical high school. With that objective in mind, the committee sought to develop a curriculum and programming that encompassed all essential principles that would meet and hopefully exceed student expectations while delivering all the components of a Catholic education.- Are there any other Catholic CTE high schools in the area?
No, SPC is the first career and technical school with a Catholic focus in the Houston area.- Are any fine arts programs offered at SPC?
The Fine Arts courses taken are dependent upon a student’s program of study.- Do you accept non-Catholic students?
All qualified students are welcome at St. Peter Catholic regardless of religious affiliation. Because we are a Catholic school, all students must take Catholic Theology classes, attend class retreats and worship with the St. Peter Catholic community at liturgies and prayer services.- Is there a service requirement?
Every St. Peter Catholic student participates in service. Freshmen have a 20-hour service requirement, and all Sophomores complete 25 hours of service. Juniors and Seniors are expected to perform a minimum of 30 hours of service in each of those two years. All students have served over 100 hours by the time they graduate. Service opportunities are also available throughout the school year for all students.- When should I apply?
St. Peter’s begins to accept applications in the Fall of each year.- What are the school’s hours?
Classes are held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Buildings and offices are open from 7 to 4 on most weekdays. Please call ahead to confirm hours for any specific office or day.- How is tuition paid?
Tuition can be paid in three ways. All payments are made directly to FACTS Tuition:- One annual payment made on July 1st for the full amount.
- Semi-annual payments made on July 1st and December 1st.
- Ten monthly payments made between July 1st through April 1st.
- What is the average class size?
The average class size is 20-25 students.- What are the qualifications for acceptance into SPC?
Students must have successfully completed the previous grade level for admittance to St. Peter. Report cards, previous assessments, and conduct will be reviewed, and an admissions screening process will be completed.
Priority admittance is given to students that have graduated from Catholic grade schools.- What if I decline a place at SPC and decide to reapply?
If you decline a place at SPC and decide to reapply, your application will only be considered if spots remain open after all other applicants have been reviewed and admissions decisions are made.- What support services do you offer?
SPC welcomes students of varying abilities, and the school handles support services for students on an individualized basis. Please contact the school’s President/Principal to discuss your student’s unique needs.
- Is there any tuition assitance available?
Yes
- Who can I contact for more information?
You may contact a member of the Board of Trustees, or the President/Principal. -