Early Learning Programs at OLF

Our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs are fully licensed under the Washington State Department of Early Learning. This license allows us to offer extended hours to meet the needs of our working families and to promote enrichment opportunities for our early learners.

Our Approach to Early Learning

Our early learning programs seek to build a bridge to the kindergarten classroom. Integrating play with learning, each student has opportunities to develop their literacy and numeracy skills while also learning about the world around them. Both preschool and pre-kindergarten students attend art, library, music, and PE class each week.

To foster a responsive classroom, our teacher to student ratios do not exceed 1:10, with each class serving a maximum of 20 students. Each class is led by a certified early learning educator and an instructional aide that allows us to meet the diverse learning needs of our students. We believe this approach best equips our young learners with the social and academic readiness needed for the next steps on their educational journeys. The classroom also promotes the spiritual growth of our students, building in prayer throughout the school day.

Our early learning programs emphasize our school values of love, community, faith, stewardship, and joy. Students learn the importance of respect and how to collaborate with each other. They grow in responsibility as they care for their classroom and the world around them, and they do so in a spirit that fills them with an excitement to explore and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Our pre-kindergarten builds off this foundation with the goal of each child being ready for kindergarten.

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM ADMISSIONS

• Eligible students for the preschool program must be 3 years old by August 31.
• Eligible students for our pre-kindergarten program must be 4 years old by August 31.
• We do not accept any students for early admission.
• All students must be fully potty trained and independent in their ability to use the bathroom.

Applicants for admission to preschool and pre-kindergarten will be considered in the following order:

1. Children of active, participating parish members (see “Active Parish Participation” on the “Admissions & Enrollment Policies” tab), who have siblings who will attend OLF during the next academic year.
2. Children of active, participating parish members, as defined below, who do not have siblings in the school.
3. Other children with siblings who will be in the school in the next academic year.
4. Other Catholics.
5. All other children.

Please Note: Students enrolled in Our Lady of Fatima Parish School’s pre-kindergarten program receive priority for admission into the following year’s kindergarten class. Currently enrolled preschool students also receive priority for admission to pre-kindergarten the following year. Click on the “Admissions & Enrollment Policies” tab for more information.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School admits students of any race, sex, sexual orientation, faith traditions, color, national and ethnic origin, and disability to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, national and ethnic origin, age, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Although we do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, or national or ethnic origin, it remains our primary purpose and mission to serve Catholic members of the parish. Under some circumstances, medically justifiable limitations may be placed on the admission/retention of students with infectious diseases and/or life-threatening illnesses. Likewise, limitations may be placed on the admission/retention of students whose needs the school is unable to meet. Decisions regarding admission/retention of these students is decided on a case-by-case basis by the principal or his/her designee.

Please contact us at info@olfatima.org with questions or to request more information.

Kindergarten Readiness

It is exciting for both children and their parents when it comes time to look forward to kindergarten. At Our Lady of Fatima Parish School, children who are five years old on or before August 31 may apply for admission (we do not accept any students for early admission).

It is important for each child’s success when starting school that he or she is, and feels, ready to learn. Every kindergarten applicant meets one-on-one with the principal or a teacher for the Scholastic Kindergarten Readiness Screening, a fun, 30-minute assessment that includes conversation, drawing, and building blocks. There are no right or wrong answers on the Kindergarten Readiness Screening; you cannot prepare your child for it. It is a direct observation of a child’s growth and development.

A fee of $75 is payable at the time of the screening.

For more information about the Scholastic Kindergarten Readiness Screening, please click here.

Admissions and Enrollment Policies

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School (Seattle, WA) is a ministry of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. It is the school’s mission to assist parishioners in their duty to educate their children in the Catholic faith. The school fulfills this mission not only through the religion curriculum, but also through the teaching of the entire academic curriculum in the context of a faith community. Families of all faiths are welcome to apply.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School admits students of any race, sex, sexual orientation, faith traditions, color, national and ethnic origin, and disability to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, national and ethnic origin, age, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Although we do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, or national or ethnic origin, it remains our primary purpose and mission to serve Catholic members of the parish. Under some circumstances, medically justifiable limitations may be placed on the admission/retention of students with infectious diseases and/or life-threatening illnesses. Likewise, limitations may be placed on the admission/retention of students whose needs the school is unable to meet. Decisions regarding admission/retention of these students is decided on a case-by-case basis by the principal or his/her designee.

GENERAL INFORMATION

It is understood that Our Lady of Fatima Parish School exists to support the parents/guardians in their role as the primary educator of their children in the Catholic faith and to educate those parish children whose families are committed to the Catholic faith and a Catholic education. It is also understood that much of a child’s faith formation and moral foundation comes from their experiences at home. All parents and legal guardians are expected to respect and support the Church’s teachings and moral authority as administered through the pastoral leader of their Catholic parish.

All parents and guardians must also be aware of their obligation to model Christ and the Church’s teachings, and that their own conduct can impact whether a student is admitted or remains enrolled, at the discretion of Our Lady of Fatima Parish School. Our Lady of Fatima Parish School reserves the right to dismiss any student, or to deny re-enrollment to any student who, in the sole judgment of the principal, is not making satisfactory progress, has engaged in conduct which is detrimental to the school, or whose parent/guardian has engaged in conduct which is detrimental to the school.

ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School admits qualified students of any race, sex, sexual orientation, color, national and ethnic origin, and disability and makes no distinction among such students in the administration of its educational policies and scholarships. Students possessing physical or emotional disabilities will not be denied admission solely by reason of the disability (see NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY above).

Prior to entry, attendance, or transfer to a Level 1 or 1b Catholic pre-school through high school in the Archdiocese of Seattle, students must present proof of having had the immunizations as required by Washington State law. Every student enrolled in a Level 1 or 1b Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Seattle shall be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases caused by infectious agents in accordance with the immunization schedule adopted by the Washington State Department of Health Services. The only exception to the foregoing requirements for students in our Catholic schools is a medical exemption signed by a licensed professional (M.D., N.D., D.O., ARNP, or PA) authorized to practice in the State of Washington, including the physician’s license number. Failure to obtain required immunizations prior to admission or to maintain required immunizations during enrollment may result in a denial of attendance. The completion of application forms, the approval of a tuition contract, a determination of available space, and a finding that the school has the ability to meet the needs of the individual student are also required.

Final admission of students is dependent upon the results of an interview with the principal and review of current school records and/or academic assessments as applicable. Final acceptance will be submitted in writing to all new families admitted for the following school year.

A child must be 5 years of age for kindergarten, 4 years old for pre-kindergarten, and 3 years old for preschool by August 31st immediately preceding the school year for which the student seeks to enroll. There are no exceptions made to this requirement.

A copy of a Baptismal certificate (required if Roman Catholic, both for students baptized at Our Lady of Fatima Parish and elsewhere, and requested if non-Catholic), birth certificate, and immunization form MUST be submitted by all new students before they are allowed to attend.

All new students are accepted on a probationary basis (see Academic Trial Period under ACADEMIC POLICIES). Students must meet and maintain academic standards and expectations.

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM ADMISSIONS

• Eligible students for the preschool program must be 3 years old by August 31.
• Eligible students for our pre-kindergarten program must be 4 years old by August 31.
• We do not accept any students for early admission.
• All students must be fully potty trained and independent in their ability to use the bathroom.

Applicants for admission to preschool and pre-kindergarten will be considered in the following order:

1. Children of active, participating parish members (see “Active Parish Participation” below), who have siblings who will attend OLF during the next academic year or who have graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Parish School.
2. Children of active, participating parish members (see “Active Parish Participation” below), who do not have siblings in the school.
3. Other children with siblings who will be in the school in the next academic year.
4. Other Catholics.
5. All other children.

Currently enrolled preschool students receive priority for admission to pre-kindergarten the following year.

KINDERGARTEN ADMISSIONS

• Eligible students for our kindergarten program must be 5 years old by August 31.
• We do not accept any students for early admission.
• All students must be fully potty trained and independent in their ability to use the bathroom.

Applicants for admission to kindergarten will be considered in the following order:

1. Currently enrolled Our Lady of Fatima Pre-K students.
2. Children of active, participating parish members (see “Active Parish Participation” below), who have siblings who will attend OLF during the next academic year or who have graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Parish School.
3. Children of active, participating parish members (see “Active Parish Participation” below), who do not have siblings in the school and who have been members of the parish for at least two years.
4. Other children with siblings who will be in the school in the next academic year or who have graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Parish School.
5. Other Catholics.
6. All other children.

If the number of qualified kindergarten applicants exceeds the number set by the School Commission, the final determination of admission will be made by the principal and pastor using the above as a guideline.

TRANSFER ADMISSIONS

• Our Lady of Fatima Parish School students who have successfully completed their current grade level will have priority for admission to the next grade level.
• To be considered for admission, a transfer student must have successfully completed the preceding grade level and give evidence of ability to succeed at Our Lady of Fatima Parish School. Transfer student admissions will be considered using the order of admissions set out below.
• Transfer students in grades six, seven, or eight will be accepted on a discretionary basis contingent upon a review of the student’s satisfactory school progress at the end of the previous year. There must be sufficient evidence of good behavioral and academic effort as well as a spirit of cooperation.

TRANSFER ORDER OF ADMISSIONS

Applications and registrations will be considered on the following priority basis:

1. Current students presently enrolled at Our Lady of Fatima Parish School.
2. Children of active, participating parish members (see “Active Parish Family Criteria” below), who have siblings who will attend Our Lady of Fatima Parish School during the next academic year or who have graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Parish School.
3. Other children with siblings who will be in the school in the next academic year or who have graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Parish School.
4. Children of active, participating parish members (see “Active Parish Participation” below), who do not have siblings in the school.
5. Children of families who are registered in and supporting other Catholic parishes with first priority given to parish-subsidized families.
6. Baptized Catholics who are not covered by the above qualifications.
7. Non-Catholic students.
8. When the applicants are equal, the following will be taken into consideration:
   1. Longevity in Our Lady of Fatima Parish;
   2. Children/siblings of alumni of Our Lady of Fatima Parish School;
   3. Grandchildren of long-time parishioners; and
   4. Results of any interviews deemed necessary by the principal.
9. As in all school policies, the final decision is made by the principal and pastoral leader of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

ACTIVE PARISH FAMILY CRITERIA

An active Our Lady of Fatima Parish family is one in which at least one parent or guardian is baptized Catholic, children in the family are baptized Catholic, and the family actively participates in the life of the parish. Active participation involves a sustained commitment on the part of the family to the larger family that is Our Lady of Fatima Parish and includes being registered as parish members, being active participants in the Eucharistic celebrations of the parish, having a sacrificial giving card on file each year, and participating in the Annual Catholic Appeal each year. To be considered active parish members, the family must have been active and participating members of the parish for at least six months prior to school application and must meet the following criteria:

1. At least one parent/guardian is baptized Catholic. One parent/guardian must have a baptismal certificate on file either at the OLF parish office or at the school office.
2. Student(s) are baptized Catholic and baptismal certificate(s) are on file in the school office (for those baptized at OLF or elsewhere).
3. Family has completed a registration card at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish office.
4. Family files a Sacrificial Giving Card each year reflecting a minimum annual contribution of $1,560 per year ($30 per week) to support Our Lady of Fatima Parish.
5. Family files an Annual Catholic Appeal pledge card each year and fulfills the pledge to support the Archdiocese of Seattle.
6. Family regularly attends weekly Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish.
7. Family is involved in Our Lady of Fatima Parish life.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students who are not permanent residents of the United States will be admitted in accordance with the requirements of the United States Department of State and/or the United States Department of Homeland Security.  Any foreign student who is not a permanent resident of the United States who desires to enroll in Our Lady of Fatima Parish School must have complete legal documentation required by the United States government in order to do so.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES

Students with special needs shall be given the same consideration as all applicants. However, prior to admitting a student with diagnosed learning differences, Our Lady of Fatima Parish School shall make a determination as to whether it can provide an appropriate education for that child in light of the school’s resources and staff/support capacity. Each child will be considered on an individual basis. Our Lady of Fatima Parish School will consider:

1. the severity and degree of the disability;
2. the level of support needed from special services and any special equipment or related services the student may require;
3. the school’s resources, such as available support personnel, class size, and accessibility of school facilities;
4. the accommodations, if any are necessary, and the school’s ability to provide those accommodations;
5. the child’s Student Support Plan (SSP) if one exists, and/or the school’s ability to meet a current IEP/IFSP or behavioral plan; and
6. Any other considerations that may apply to the particular situation.

Parents/guardians and/or the public school district in which the student resides shall be responsible for any additional special education services that a student may require.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School will accept any child for whom an appropriate program can be designed and implemented. Each child is to be considered for admission based upon his/her emotional, academic, and physical needs; the school’s ability to support the student in adhering to all health/medical requirements; and the resources available to the school in meeting those needs. Our Lady of Fatima Parish School continued enrollment based on these factors.

There is a limit to what schools have the capacity to do. However, Our Lady of Fatima Parish School will not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of disability if, with reasonable accommodations, school staff can assist a student in meeting the requirements of the school program.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School honors the following procedures in trying to serve students with special needs:

Phase 1: Identification – Identification of the specific area of concern(s), documentation of concern, consultation with the student’s family.

Phase 2: Assessment – Comprehensive assessment through the local public school or through private, professional consultants.

Phase 3: Planning and Placement – Determining the most appropriate and affirming long-term educational plan for the student. A modified plan would be created to match the needs of each individual student with on-going communication and assessment.

**For the complete procedural plans for serving students with special needs, please contact the school office.

 ADMISSION FOR RE-REGISTRATION

Students who are enrolled for the current year may be re-registered for the next school year through the following process:

1. Parents/Guardians must return an intent to return form, typically distributed in mid-January, stating their desire to re-enroll. If this form is not returned to the school office by the designated date, the student may be removed from the class list for the next school year.
2. After review of the family’s current tuition contract/covenant compliance a contract/covenant for the next school year will be offered provided that all current contract/covenant obligations have been met. This review will include current tuition payments, fundraising obligation, current active parish status (including but not limited to financial responsibility, participation in parish life, and current service hours recorded) and health/medical compliance. The registration fee is non-refundable and due with the tuition contract.
3. Non-compliance could result in a change of tuition contract status.

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS

In the event students are withdrawn from school, parents/guardians are asked to follow this procedure:

1. Notify Our Lady of Fatima Parish School of the withdrawal via an email to the school office with a copy sent to the principal.
2. All financial obligations must be met before a student’s education records will be released.
3. Student’s records will be sent at the request of the student’s new school

WITHDRAWAL REGARDING FINANCIAL MATTERS

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School enters into covenants or contracts with faculty and staff and incurs financial obligations for the entire school year. In order for Our Lady of Fatima Parish School to meet these financial obligations, when a student is enrolled, the parent/guardian assumes the obligation to pay the tuition/fees in full.

In order to receive a full refund of tuition paid, the parent/guardian must advise the principal and registrar by May 15th, if the student will be withdrawing. The registration and student fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

• If a student is withdrawn by the first day of school, 90% of the tuition is refundable.
• If a student is withdrawn between the first day of school and the end of the first trimester, 50% of the tuition is refundable.
• If a student is withdrawn after the end of the first trimester, 100% of the tuition is owed.

Extenuating circumstances regarding the withdrawal of a student will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

The school reserves the right, if any tuition payment is past due, to remove the student(s) from the school.  The school has the further right to refuse re-enrollment for the following school year until financial commitments have been met. No transcripts of grades or school records of any child enrolled in the school shall be provided without prior payment of tuition due to the school.

Tuition, Fees & Financial Assistance

Standard Tuition vs Subsidized Tuition

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School has two tuition tiers, standard and subsidized, both of which are lower than our true cost to educate each child. The standard rate reflects our dedication to making a Catholic education accessible to all, and the other rate incorporates a subsidy provided by Our Lady of Fatima Parish which translates into a tuition break for active parish families. Active participation involves a sustained commitment on the part of the family to the larger family that is Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Standard Tuition Rate

This rate applies to:

1. Catholic students who have been baptized in the Catholic Church, but are not currently active members of a parish, and who are not eligible for the parish-subsidized (in-parish) tuition rate.
2. A non-Catholic student is one who has not been baptized into the Catholic Church and does not receive parish-subsidized (in-parish) tuition.

In-Parish Subsidized Tuition Rate

This rate applies to families who have completed the In-Parish Tuition Subsidy Application, which is included within the tuition contract each year, verifying all the following criteria are met for at least six months prior to school enrollment:

1. At least one parent/guardian is baptized Catholic, and the baptismal certificate(s) is(are) on file in the parish or school office.
2. Student(s) is(are) baptized Catholic and baptismal certificate(s) are on file in the school office (both for those baptized at OLF or elsewhere).
3. Family has completed a registration card at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish office.
   1. If relocating to this area from another Catholic school, a letter from the former parish expressing active parish family status would be acceptable.
   2. If coming from another parish that does not have a school, a letter from the pastoral leader expressing active parish status would be acceptable.
4. Family files a Sacrificial Giving Card with the parish office and is meeting the minimum support of the Parish, preferably via EFT, of $30 per week ($1,560/year) and files a Sacrificial Giving Card with the parish office. To support the parish financial needs, parents are strongly encouraged to use the parish giving portal to set up their automated EFT donations. Once on the site, locate the box, “Online Giving,” select “Donate,” then under “Contribution” select “Give Now.” Choose the frequency you’d like to have your automatic donations made either monthly or weekly. Make sure your donations total at least the minimum required $1,560/year. If parents would like to make other donation arrangements than this EFT process, please contact our business manager who will coordinate with the parish office.
5. Family files an Annual Catholic Appeal pledge card and fulfills the pledge to support the Archdiocese of Seattle. Note: This pledge must be completed by early May each year. Our business manager will notify families each year when it is time to make this contribution.
6. Family participates in the sacramental life of the parish by regularly attending weekly Mass.
7. Family is involved in Our Lady of Fatima Parish life including any of the opportunities described on the Our Lady of Fatima parish website under the tab, “Parish Life.”

The in-parish tuition subsidy will be granted once the In-Parish Tuition Subsidy Application is verified and approved. Annual sacrificial Giving and participation in the Annual Catholic Appeal are both monitored through the school office.

Tuition Payment Options

Tuition may be paid in one payment, in 10 monthly installments from June through March, or in 12 monthly installments from June through May each year (an annual administrative fee is charged for monthly plans by Finalsite, the tuition management system vendor). Parents select which payment option they prefer on the annual registration agreement. Student fees are due each year in March with the family’s annual tuition contract. See above for current tuition rates and student fees.

Withdrawal Regarding Financial Matters

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School enters into covenants or contracts with faculty and staff and incurs financial obligations for the entire school year. In order for Our Lady of Fatima Parish School to meet these financial obligations, when a student is enrolled, the parent/guardian assumes the obligation to pay the tuition/fees in full. Extenuating circumstances regarding the withdrawal of a student will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Fees due at the time of registration are non-refundable under any circumstance. If a family withdraws after May 15 for the upcoming academic school year, they will be charged a withdrawal fee equivalent to 1/10 of the year’s tuition.

• If a student is withdrawn by the first day of school, 90% of the tuition is refundable.
• If a student is withdrawn between the first day of school and the end of the first trimester, 50% of the tuition is refundable.
• If a student is withdrawn after the end of the first trimester, 100% of the tuition is owed.

Extenuating circumstances regarding the withdrawal of a student will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

The school reserves the right, if any tuition payment is past due, to remove the student(s) from the school. The school has the further right to refuse re-enrollment for the following school year until financial commitments have been met. No transcripts of grades or school records of any child enrolled in the school shall be provided without prior payment of tuition due to the school.

2024-2025 Preschool Schedule Options and Tuition

3 Half Days
M/W/F
8:30am-
12:30pm

4 Half Days
M/T/Th/F
8:30am-
12:30pm

5 Half Days
M-F
8:30am-
12:30pm

Combination
3 Full Days
(M/T/Th)
8:30am-3:15pm
+
2 Half Days
(W/F)
8:30am-12:30pm

3 Full Days
M/W/F
8:30am-3:15pm
(2:15pm Wed)

4 Full Days
M/T/Th/F
8:30am-
3:15pm

5 Full Days
M-F
8:30am-3:15pm
(2:15pm Wed)

1 child at OLF

$6,651/yr

$7,733/yr

$8,841/yr

$11,632/yr

$9,306/yr

$11,168/yr

$12,796/yr

2+ children
at OLF*

$6,076/yr

$7,123/yr

$8,225/yr

 $10,883/yr

$8,689/yr

$10,364/yr

$11,930/yr

Amounts above cover tuition costs for the 2024-2025 school year from late August 2024 through mid-June 2025.

*Applies to active parish families as defined above

2024-2025 Pre-Kindergarten Schedule Options and Tuition

5 Half Days
M-F
8:30am-12:30pm

Combination
3 Full Days (M/T/Th)
8:30am-3:15pm
+
2 Half Days
(W/F)
8:30am-12:30pm

5 Full Days 
M-F
8:30am-3:15pm
(2:15pm Wed)

1 child at OLF

$8,841/yr

$11,632/yr

$12,796/yr

2+ children
at OLF*

$8,225/yr

$10,883/yr

$11,930/yr

Amounts above cover tuition costs for the 2024-2025 school year from late August 2024 through mid-June 2025.

*Applies to active parish families as defined above

2024-2025 K-8 Tuition

Amounts above cover tuition costs for the 2024-2025 school year from late August 2024 through mid-June 2025.

*Applies to active parish families as defined above

2024-2025 Non-Refundable Fees (Preschool-8th Grade)

Per Family:
Annual Family Parent-Teacher Club Membership Fee: $35

Per Student:
Annual Registration Fee: $100
Student Fees (health checks, archdiocesan per-student taxes): $140
School Program Fee (books, field trips, technology support): $290
PTC Auction Fee (auction art projects): $25

VOLUNTEERING REQUIREMENT

As part of the Our Lady of Fatima Parish School community, each school family is required to volunteer annually at the school and parish. Per the Volunteer Agreement each family signs as part of their annual Tuition Contract:

• Each K-8 family commits to volunteer a minimum of 30 hours per year to the school and parish, 8 of which must be dedicated to fundraising at the Fall Festival and/or the Auction, and 3 of which must be dedicated specifically to the parish.
• Preschool/Pre-K families without older children in the school commit to volunteer a minimum of 15 volunteer hours to the school and parish, 4 of which must be dedicated to the Fall Festival and/or Auction fundraising events, and 1.5 of which must be dedicated specifically to the parish.
• Volunteer hours are due each year on May 15. Hours not completed will be billed at a rate of $50.00 for each unfilled hour ($100.00 for each unfulfilled fundraising hour).
• Parent volunteer hours are tracked from May 16 through May 15 each year.

All volunteers are required to maintain current background checks attend Safe Environment training per the Archdiocese of Seattle. Please refer to the School Life menu/Volunteering & Service page for more information.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Fulcrum Foundation Tuition Assistance

The Fulcrum Tuition Assistance Grant Program is designed for families and students currently enrolled or applying for the next school year in any Catholic school, grades K-12, in the Archdiocese of Seattle. A family must apply each year through the FACTS Grant & Aid Financial Needs Assessment to qualify for a grant—all awards are made based on financial need.

Those seeking financial assistance must apply each January for the next school year. Applications are available online.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School Financial Aid

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School is committed to the belief that children of any active parish family may attend school (space permitting) regardless of their ability to pay tuition. By completing the online FACTS Grant & Aid Financial Needs Assessment, families are also automatically considered for financial aid provided directly by Our Lady of Fatima Parish School. All confidential information is processed by the school principal and tuition coordinator. Awards are based on financial need only. Each new school year, the applicant must reapply for the Fulcrum Tuition Assistance Grant by completing the online FACTS Assessment. Any special circumstances will be handled confidentially by the principal and pastoral leader.

The principal will determine the process and amount of tuition assistance based on specific criteria. Tuition assistance grants will be determined by the principal and pastor after parish families have completed the necessary online FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Application (see below for instructions). Families who receive tuition assistance are generally required to pay some portion of their tuition obligation – full tuition assistance grants are rarely awarded.

Families who receive tuition assistance grants are still required to fulfill their other annual financial obligations to the school and to the parish (including but not limited to the following: registration fee, book fee, fundraising contributions, activity fees, and church stewardship commitment). Families applying for tuition assistance must complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Financial Needs Assessment application online, pay the FACTS application fee, and upload or fax the required supporting documentation.

The 2025-2026 financial aid application will open October 1, 2024.  To apply, please follow the instructions below. PLEASE NOTE: Financial aid applications for prospective families are due by December 31, 2024. For current school families, applications are due by December 15, 2024.

Families who complete the FACTS assessment and submit the required supporting documentation on time will be considered for two grants:

1. Fulcrum Foundation Tuition Assistance Grant
2. Our Lady of Fatima Parish School Tuition Assistance Grant

Families will be notified at the time of acceptance or re-registration if they have been awarded an OLF tuition assistance grant.

Click here to apply for tuition assistance, and follow these instructions:

1. If you are a new FACTS user, please select “Create a username & password” to begin. If you are a returning user, please sign in.
2. Once signed in, click on the “Grant Aid” tab on the blue bar located on the top of the page.
3. Select the respective school year.
4. Complete the steps as prompted. It is essential that this application is filled out completely, leave no shaded boxes blank.

You will be required to upload or fax (866-315-9264) the following financial documents:

• Federal Tax Return
• W-2’s (both parents)
• Most recent pay stub (both parents – pay stubs are a requirement for OLF School)
• All supporting documentation for Social Security income, Welfare, Child Support, Food Stamps, Workers’ Compensation & TANF

NOTE: All supporting documentation can be uploaded in PDF format online. If you choose to fax the required documents, please be sure to include the applicant ID on all correspondence. Whichever method you choose to send in the required documentation, it must be submitted by the January deadline. Missing information and/or documents will deem the application as incomplete, and it will not be included in the pool of applicants when deciding award amounts.

Other Family Obligations

• You must be a registered member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.
• Student(s) baptismal certificate(s) must be on file in the school office (those baptized at OLF or elsewhere).
• You must attend Mass regularly and receive the sacraments and actively participate in parish life.
• Family files a Sacrificial Giving Card each year reflecting a minimum yearly contribution of $30 per week to support Our Lady of Fatima Parish.
• Family participates in the Annual Catholic Appeal each year.
• K-8 families must fulfill the required 30 parent volunteer hours each year (8 of which must be dedicated to volunteering at our two biggest annual fundraisers, the Fall Festival and the Auction, and 3 of which must be dedicated specifically to the parish). Preschool/Pre-K families without older children in the school must fulfill the required 15 parent volunteer hours each year (4 of which must be dedicated to volunteering at our two biggest annual fundraisers, the Fall Festival and the Auction and 1.5 of which must be dedicated specifically to the parish).

If you have questions or concerns about the application process, you may speak with a FACTS Customer Care Representative at 866.441.4637, and/or contact the Fulcrum Foundation at info@fulcrumfoundation.org and/or contact the school tuition coordinator.

Some neighboring parishes give financial assistance to their registered families. Families are expected to complete the “Tuition Assistance Application” and submit it to their pastoral leader for his signature. When it is signed, it should be returned to the school along with the completed contract/covenant.