Do I have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic School?

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School (HNJ) welcomes students and families of many faiths. We are a Catholic school. Our curriculum includes religion courses where we teach the Catholic faith, and we have regular school Masses that students are required to attend.

Do you have programs for students who are above level or those who need extra help?

We conduct standardized testing each year to assess student progress and grade level equivalency. This information is used to tailor the depth of knowledge and subject matter topics appropriately for each student. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School’s faculty includes a Student Service Director, a Resource Teacher, a Guidance Counselor, and a program K.I.T.E. (Kids Inspired, Through Enrichment.

Do you have programs for students on Individual Education Plans? 

Depending on the needs of the student and the school’s resources, our school is able to meet the needs of some student education plans. After assessment, collaboration with the parents, Student Services Director, teacher and current student population needs for a classroom, a determination is made as to whether the school can meet the needs of the applicant.

Are students in Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School eligible for State and/or Federal Programs?

HNJ does participate equitably with public schools for Title funding as well as the State’s Scholarship programs.

Do students participate in standardized testing?

Students participate in nationally normed standardized testing once a year in 2nd through 8th grade. Students in 5th and 8th grades also take the ACRE test. Results of testing are then shared with our families.

Is Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School & ELC accredited? 

Yes. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School is accredited under the Florida Catholic Conference. Our accreditation cycle for the school requires a physical visit every seven years to validate the school’s self-study and data. The Early Learning Center receives a physical visit each year and the compliances are DCF approved or higher. 

Are the teachers at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School certified?

Our entire teaching faculty is required to hold valid state licensure for the grade level and subject area that they are teaching. In addition, teachers are required to maintain professional development continuing education in both subject area and catechetical certification.

How does Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School select their teachers?

HNJ recruits and hires teachers based on their academic and spiritual preparedness to become a Catholic schoolteacher. Candidates must be academically fir for their subject area and grade level. Candidates must also provide authentic witness to the tenets of the Catholic faith.

Are walk-in tours available?

Walk-in tours are available. There are also scheduled Open House Dates with more information about HNJ. If you wish to set up a tour, simply call the school office at 321-773.1630 or email Karen Laird at klaird@hnj.org. 

Besides academics, what else can a student become involved in at HNJ?

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities including: sports, clubs, service based projects, parish based programs, out-reach services, MakerSpace and fine arts programs.

What is the connection between HNJ School and HNJ Parish?

The School is one of the many ministries that the Parish supports. Most importantly, the Parish provides spiritual guidance and supports religious education programs within the School. The Parish also provides physical and financial support to the School to keep tuition and expenses as low as possible.

What differentiates HNJ Catholic School from other private schools?

We purposefully blend our faith into every aspect of our school, curriculum, employees, and activities. We help students grow academically and in their faith lives. Come visit and you will experience the difference immediately! 

Why should I choose a Catholic Education?

For generations, Catholic schools have focused on values that so many parents seek in a quality education: faith formation, superior academic results, the building of character, and a safe, caring community where your child is accepted, respected, and never lost in the student body.

What is expected of HNJ Catholic school parents?

We view parents as the primary educators of their children. We are here to help provide structure and content to supplement the faith, values, and education that parents want for their children. HNJ provides the resources of a strong faith community to assist and support parents.

How can I afford tuition at HNJ?

Need-based financial assistance and Florida State scholarships are available to many of our families. Please contact the school office manager: Karen Laird klaird@hnj.org or Donna Lonski dlonski@hnj.org for more information and options.

My child is currently in a public school. Can I transfer him/her to HNJ?

Transfer students may be accepted. Please contact the school office manager: Karen Laird klaird@hnj.org 

Will my child be required to perform service projects?

Together as a class, group, or club, HNJ provides service opportunities for students. HNJ emphasizes service to others as a vital Christian teaching, and we believe that it is an important part of living witness to the Catholic faith. Requirements vary by grade level.

Does Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School keep up with technology?

During the 2018-2019 school year, all of the internal switches were replaced in order to provide better connectivity for students and teachers throughout the school. Teachers’ laptops have been updated and students have one-to-one devices (IPads K-2nd & Chromebooks 3rd-8th) available throughout the school. A complete computer lab exists on site and provides students the opportunity to research, code, use Microsoft programs, design art, power point and word documents to name a few. 

Each classroom is equipped with a Newline interactive touch screen, which is attached to the teacher’s laptop. Allowing crisp, clear images and allowing limitless opportunities to expand the educational experiences of our students.

Are there non-Catholic students at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School?

Our doors are open to families seeking an authentic Catholic education, regardless of their particular religious affiliation. We recognize school ministry as part of the overall evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church.