FAQs about Catholic academies and schools
What is the difference between a school and an
academy in Brooklyn and Queens?
A Catholic school is governed by the parish, so the
pastor is directly in charge.
An academy is governed by a two-tiered board that
consists of a board of directors and a board of members.
The board of directors is composed of lay people
who work with the principal, and the board of members
is composed of clergy and safeguards the Catholic
identity of the academy. In some cases the “board of
members” oversee multiple academies.
Every school within the Diocese of Brooklyn and
Queens will become an academy by the year 2017. A
more detailed description of the school and academy
structure is also available on the diocese website; additionally,
you will find parent information should your
school be transitioning to an academy.
What is Preserving the Vision?
Preserving the Vision is the name of the strategic
planning process that will insure the future of Catholic
education in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The process
involves essential goals such as fostering Catholic
identity and expanding development. To learn more
about these goals, please visit the Preserving the Vision
page on the diocese website.
What is the Offi ce of the Superintendent ~ Catholic
School Support Services?
The Office of the Superintendent is the diocesan
office dedicated to providing support services and
guidance to Catholic elementary schools/academies
within the diocese. The Office of the Superintendent
also provides limited services to Catholic high schools
in Brooklyn and Queens.
Where do I obtain my transcript record if the school I
once attended has closed?
Contact the diocesan archives office for more information.
How can I fi nd out what the schools/academies near
me have to offer?
The diocese website provides general information
regarding schools/academies within the diocese. The
best way to find out specific offerings of the schools/
academies near you is to ask them. Although many
provide descriptions on their websites that can give
you a great starting point, a phone call or a visit is the
best way to get the most updated and accurate information.
What should I ask when I visit a school/academy?
Visiting a school/academy is the best way to get a
sense of it. It gives you the opportunity to speak with
the staff and to move through the environment to see
if it feels right for your children and your family. In
addition to experiencing the school/academy, you can
learn about it. Some things you might ask about are
as follows:
• Class size and school size
• Composition of the faculty and staff
• Religious formation programs
• Academic programs
• Enrichment programs
• Remediation programs
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.22 COM | JAN. 29-FEB. 4, 2021
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• Special services
• School nutrition program
• Transportation services
• Tuition
• Registration requirements
• Uniforms
• Early drop-off program
• After-school program
• Extra-curricular activities and school hours
• Sports
• Clubs
• Facilities (gym, outdoor playground, computer lab, etc.)
• Technology
• High school and college partnerships
• Scholarships and Tuition Assistance
Can my child attend a Catholic school/academy even
though we are not Catholic?
Yes, our Catholic schools/academies welcome children
of all faiths, and you will find that some are very
diverse. All can benefit from the education provided in
our schools/academies.
What types of scholarship opportunities are available
for Catholic school?
For families experiencing economic hardship, Futures
in Education and the Diocese of Brooklyn offer
tuition assistance for elementary students (pre-K to
eighth grade) through two partial-scholarship programs,
and the Be an Angel Program. Visit the scholarships
and tuition assistance page on the diocese
website for more information.
Can you provide the New York State test results of a
particular school/academy?
Although the Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic
School Support Services does publish the aggregated
test results for Catholic schools/academies within
Brooklyn and Queens, the decision to publish test
scores of individual schools is a local decision. If you
would like to know the overall test scores for a particular
school/academy, you must call to ask if they can
provide you with the information.
My child attends Catholic school, but I do not have his/
her New York state test results. How do I obtain this
information?
Because only the individual school/academy is
provided with its student test results, only the principal
at that school/academy has access to state test
results. The schools/academies send student results
home once they are released by the state. If you have
not received this information, please call the school/
academy to obtain the results.
My child attends Catholic school, but I do not have
his/her Terra Nova test results. How do I obtain this
information?
Parents of each student in grades 3-8 will receive a
Home Report from their school/academy. If you have
not received the information, please call the school/
academy to obtain the results.
My child attends Catholic school, but I do not have
his/her TACHS test results. How do I obtain this
information?
If your child took the TACHS test in November, you
will receive a Home Report either from your Catholic
school/academy or in the mail from Riverside at the
end of January. If you do not receive your TACHS results,
you should contact Riverside Publishing before
March at 866-618-2247.
What test scores do my children need to be admitted
into Catholic High School?
Each high school has its own admissions requirements.
To find out more, you should contact the high
schools and attend open houses for schools that your
child may want to apply to. Please view the High
School Guide (PDF) on the diocese website for information
on admissions and open houses.
— Courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK