Frequently Asked Questions

What's the school's history?
Established in 1912, Saint Mark's School provides a solid academic program enriched by a variety of specially selected courses. Our curriculum is designed to teach our students fundamental skills in a cooperative learning environment with a liberal arts focus. We emphasize the importance of developing strong oral and written communication skills at all grade levels as well as how to think creatively and critically in all disciplines. The academic program offers classes in reading, language arts, science, mathematics, social science, religion, music, computer literacy and Spanish. This academic foundation is enhanced by selected studies in health and physical education, as well as an arts program that emphasizes visual and performing arts. Individual needs are addressed by a Tutor/Enrichment Coordinator.
What is the average classroom size? What is the total student enrollment?
Each class has an average of 21 students which allows our experienced staff to provide personalized attention to each child's development. Saint Mark's has 370 students in K through 8.
What are the daycare options?
Saint Mark's offers child care with a flexible learning structure on a variety of levels including a day care program, pre-school program and latch key/K-Plus program. Contact director Janis Ideson at 651-644-5030 for hours and rates.
What are the enrichment programs during school?
Artist in Residence, Band, Environmental Learning Center, Geography Bee, Math Club, Project Omnibus, Science Fair, Scrabble Club, and Special Education.
What are the after school enrichment programs?
Chess Club, Book Club, Mad Science, Quiz Bowl, Scouts, sports, and the 8th Grade Washington D.C. trip.
What's the cost of tuition for the next school year?
Our Tuition webpage details the tuition costs for the coming academic year.
Do you have your own hot lunch program?
We offer nutritional hot lunches for our students Monday through Friday. An account can be set up for each student or family and their daily meals can be debited to make it convenient for you to manage. One of the school-wide favorites is Italian Dunkers, ask any Marker for details.
What's the experience and size of the teaching staff and faculty?
We have 22 full-time teachers, a part time librarian, counselor, tutor and nurse. The average experience for the teaching staff is over 12 years; 62% of the them have earned their Master's degrees. The vast majority are also involved in extracurricular programs, coach sports teams or are taking courses and doing research to further their education and backgrounds. But their hallmark is the personal connection they make with students.
How do you communicate with parents?
We want you to feel informed and connected to what goes on with your child's education. That's why we offer a variety of communication vehicles to connect and update you with your child's progress and activities. There are formal and informal communication streams to parents. Teachers contact parents by phone, via email, or with notes as appropriate, and many provide classroom newsletters. Plus we have the Marker's Pride - a blog with school, classroom and student highlights. There are open houses, back to school nights, parent teacher conferences, quarterly report cards and a comprehensive parent handbook.
How can parents get more involved?
Parents can volunteer to be classroom aides, enrichment class leaders, playground/lunchroom aides and office aides. We have two parent committees: Home & School Association builds community at Saint Mark's as well as school spirit; our School Advisory Committee works with the pastor and principal on policy issues, communication, marketing, PR and finance. Both committes hold monthly meetings that are open forums for parents to share an idea, raise a concern, or start an initiative.