FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the school’s philosophy, vision?
Our philosophy flows from the Christian belief that each child is created in God’s
image and redeemed in Christ. We therefore partner with parents (the primary
educators) as an extension of the family. We believe it is the responsibility of
our entire community to prepare our students (morally, spiritually, socially, and
intellectually) for future success in high school and beyond.
2. Does the school have a code of conduct?
Nazareth Academy strives to be an environment for students to grow morally,
spiritually, socially, and intellectually. Each student and staff member contributes to
creating such a learning environment. The following behaviors are expected:
- To act with respect to all authority, teachers, students
- To respect school and personal property
- To speak and act honestly and truthfully at all times
- To develop good study habits by consistent effort and completion of assigned work
- To extend courtesy to members of the school community and to visitors
- To observe all rules of the Nazareth Academy Handbook
Consequences for rule infractions may include: warning, detention, parent-teacher
conference, student-conference with principal, loss of privileges, removal from
extra-curricular activities, suspension, probation, expulsion (dismissal).
3. What is the school’s approach to discipline?
Nazareth Academy strives to create
an atmosphere of Christian charity and respect for all students and faculty and staff. Teachers provide many opportunities for student success in developing good self-image. While Nazareth has developmentally appropriate elementary and middle school discipline policies, positive reinforcement is viewed as very important to helping students grow in self-discipline and personal responsibility.
**Please also see #2 above**
4. Is there a uniform policy?
A neat and well-groomed appearance is expected of every NA student.
Uniforms are required of all students PreK4 – 8. Uniforms must be sized appropriately, clean, and shirts tucked in at all times. More details are available with the enrollment packet and on the website. PreK3 students are not required to wear the
school uniform.
5. What kind of leadership and governance does the school have?
Nazareth Academy is owned and operated by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and
Blessed Sacrament (IWBS). The school’s policy making body consists of:
a. The Corporate Board - comprised of the Sisters of IWBS.
b. The Advisory Council – counsels and advises school administration.
c. The Diocesan School Council – recommends policy.
The Principal of the school is the chief administrator and administers policy set
by the Corporate Board and Advisory Council. The Assistant Principal assists the
Principal in administration and leadership.
6. What curriculum does the school use?
Nazareth Academy follows the Diocese of Victoria Catholic Schools Curriculum.
Nazareth Academy is fully accredited through the Texas Catholic Conference
Education Department (TCCED), which is recognized by the Texas Education Agency
(TEA). This guarantees that students’ transcripts and grade level standings will be
accepted by public schools.
Nazareth Academy students are challenged to develop academic and physical skills,
pursue knowledge and critically study and analyze the world in which they live.
Fundamental skills are emphasized in all grades. Core subjects at all levels include
religion, math, language arts (English and literature), science, and social studies.
Spanish is also a core course for Jr. High (6th-8th grade) Each student participates in
enrichment or elective classes. For elementary students, these classes include: art,
Spanish, physical education, library, music and technology. Enrichment/elective
classes in middle school include technology, theatre, art, music, home economics,
MathCounts, speech, band, character development, and physical education.
Due to the school’s innovative use of technology, Nazareth Academy is recognized
nationally as a Catholic School for Tomorrow. This honor, sponsored by Today’s
Catholic Teacher Magazine, is bestowed upon only 12 Catholic schools annually.
7. Is there Religious education?
Religion is taught formally every day and Catholic values are integrated into all
subjects. Students attend, and actively participate in, weekly Mass. Second grade
students prepare for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and, along with their
parish, the First Eucharist.
8. What if my family is not Catholic?
While Nazareth Academy is a Catholic school, students of all faiths are welcome.
For the 2016-2017 school year, approximately three-fourths of Nazareth Academy
students are Catholic. All students attend weekly Mass and participate in religion
class as a part of the regular schedule of classes.
9. Are there community service requirements?
All Nazareth Academy students are taught that service is an important part of
academic and spiritual life. Fifth through eighth grade students are required to
complete service outside of the classroom and regular school hours. The service tracking sheet is available on the website.
10.What is the student – teacher ratio?
While actual class sizes may vary, 2015-2016 professional teacher to student ratio
is approximately 1:15 (this includes professional teachers only, including Art, Music,
Computer Lit, and the Librarian).
11.How diverse is Nazareth Academy?
49% Caucasian
30% Hispanic
21% Multi-Racial & Other
Nazareth Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to
all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at this school. The school does not discriminate on basis of race, color,
national or ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admission
policies, programs, or other school-administered programs.
12.What are the teachers’ qualifications?
All teachers are certified to teach in the state of Texas. And are technologically
proficient and have knowledge of using a SMART board in class. All classrooms
Kinder through 8th grade have SMART board installed an innovation that allows creative and active learning (as opposed to passive learning) for the students.
13.What professional development are teachers offered?
Teachers receive seven days of inservice training each year, and are required to
obtain an additional eight clock hours annually of professional growth training in
their subject areas.
14.What is the school’s homework policy?
Homework is seen as an important part of the child’s development academically
(allowing students additional practice on the skills taught in the classroom) as
well as personally (developing the important character trait of responsibility).
Homework assignments vary with the teacher and grade level.
15.Is there homework help?
Most of the teachers remain on campus daily until 4:00 pm for children who are in
need of extra help/tutoring.
16.What are the school hours?
Classes begin at 8:00am and dismiss at 3:25pm. Parents are strongly encouraged
to have their children at school by 7:45am so that classes may begin promptly at
8:00am.
17.Does the school have extended hours?
The school opens at 7:15am and students are supervised as follows:
PreK3 – in the PreK3 auditorium
PreK4 through 8th grade – in the school cafeteria
Students are directed to the classrooms at 7:45am.
After school students are supervised until 5:30pm.
Please contact the school office for more information.
18.Where do the school’s graduates go?
Nazareth Academy graduates attend St. Joseph High School, as well as the area
public high schools.
19.How does technology fit into the curriculum?
Technology is utilized daily in the classroom. Each class Kinder through 8
features a SMART board. A 25-station computer lab is also available and utilized by
PreK4 – 8th grade classes and individual students on a "as needed" basis. Nazareth Academy is proud to offer Robotics Elective to 8th grade students for the 2nd year.
20.How willing is the school to involve parents?
Parents are strongly encouraged to play a role in their children’s academic lives by serving as volunteer aids, coaches, field trip chaperones, eating lunch with their
children, serving at school functions. Any parents actively participating with the
school are required to complete the Diocesan Safe Environment Program prior to
their taking part in school-related activities.
21.How much parental involvement is expected?
Parents are strongly encouraged to be involved with their children in school. Family
involvement in such activities as the Fall Festival as well as other school functions is
essential to the school’s operation and helps keep tuition reasonable.
22.Is there a parent council?
Nazareth Academy has an Advisory Council that consists of interested parents. This
Council serves the important purpose of advising school administration.
23.What are registration fees & requirements?
Nazareth Academy’s enrollment fee is $550 per student. In addition, a $250 per
student down payment toward tuition is also required at registration for new
students. These are non-refundable fees.
24.What does tuition cost?
Nazareth strives to offer an excellent education at affordable, competitive tuition
rates. Tuition and fees contribute to the actual cost of educating a child; however,
the remaining amount must be generated through fund-raising efforts that include
the Fall Festival and Annual Giving donations. All school families are asked to
support the Annual Giving Fund to the extent they are financially able.
25.Is there an endowment fund?
Nazareth Academy has an endowment fund that helps contribute to the operation
of the school. Donations to the fund are encouraged and highly appreciated. Contact
the school office for information on how to donate to the school’s endowment fund.
26.To what extent does the school support families in need?
A limited amount of financial aid is available for families in need. There is also an application available on the website for free and reduced lunch.
27.What extracurricular activities are offered for students?
Choir of Angels(2)
Junior High Choir (5-8)
Beginner Band (5)
Advanced Band (6)
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
Student Council
Athletics: Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Track, Softball
Cheerleading
Reading Club
MathCounts Team
PSIA (Private School Interscholastic Association) Academic Team
Robotics (8th grade elective)
28.What type of student is the school looking for?
The Nazareth Academy student is one who places God first, and who strives to live
by gospel values in all of his or her daily endeavors.
