Frequently Asked Questions
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. 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 progress monitoring throughout the year with STAR Assessments and Terranova Next standardized testing each year to assess student progress and grade level equivalency. This information is used to differentiate, offer support, or accelerate the depth of knowledge and subject matter as needed for each student. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School’s “Child Study Team” includes a Student Services Director, several Resource Teachers, a Guidance Counselor, and a Gifted Teacher for our enrichment program called K.I.T.E. (Kids Inspired, Through Enrichment). We also offer free after-school tutoring support called ASP (Academic Support Program) for students needing additional assistance.
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 school teacher. Candidates must be certified and academically fit 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, STREAM, 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 Catholic faith into every aspect of our school curriculum and activities and integrate all STREAM subjects into what we teach and learn. We purposely invite our community partners in STREAM career fields to help inspire our students on the Space Coast to be the innovators of tomorrow. Our 8th graders are well known in high school for their excellence in academics and strong faith and character. The love and heartfelt welcome is always felt when you take a tour. Come visit and you will experience the difference immediately!
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. 25 volunteer hours are expected from each family each school year and many volunteer opportunities are offered throughout the year.
How can I afford tuition at HNJ?
Financial assistance and Florida state scholarships are available to many of our families. Please contact the school office manager: Karen Laird at klaird@hnj.org for more information and options.
Click here to apply to “Step-Up for Students” scholarships: https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/logins/
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 an important Catholic Social Teaching, and we believe that it is an integral part of any religious 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, boards which is attached to the teacher’s laptop allowing crisp, clear images and allowing limitless opportunities to expand the educational experiences of our students.
In 2024, Google Classroom apps are used by teachers and students, and 3D printers, drone technology, Minecraft Education, Lego Robotics, IMacs and Mac-minis have been added to our STREAM Lab.
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.