Dear Parents & Guardians,

I trust this letter finds you and your family in good health and high spirits as we step into the New Year. I am reaching out to you to initiate the enrollment process for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

Starting the process at this time is crucial for two significant reasons. Firstly, we need to ascertain our enrollment numbers in the coming weeks as our 2024-2025 budget is due in March. Secondly, understanding the number of students enrolled in each grade is essential for determining available space for new families.

For those who attended our State of the School presentation last week, or viewed the slides, you know that the success of our school is intricately tied to our dedicated teachers and supportive families. Over the years, we have witnessed substantial and strategic growth since I assumed the role of Principal. Despite this growth, some of our teachers are still earning compensation that effectively falls below the minimum wage. This is a legacy issue from the time when Monsignor Clarke School faced enrollment and financial challenges, and teacher compensation was held in check to meet budgetary constraints. Our teachers, out of their love for teaching in a Catholic school setting, accepted this situation. It is imperative that we now work towards adjusting their compensation to a more competitive range, albeit still below the public sector. This process will span several years, and we are committed to keeping any increases as reasonable as possible. Even with the planned increases for the next school year, Monsignor Clarke School remains more affordable than other Catholic schools of its kind in Rhode Island. Our objective is to maintain this affordability while ensuring the highest quality education.

We understand the financial sacrifices you make to provide your children with a Catholic education. I assure you that my team and I take our responsibility to deliver this education with the utmost seriousness. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality education at the lowest cost compatible with the excellence your children deserve.

Your prompt response to our re-enrollment program is greatly appreciated. Monsignor Clarke School continues to innovate while upholding the best in traditional educational practices. Our goal is to prepare students for life through a challenging curriculum that balances academics with social and emotional learning, all while instilling our core values. This approach is resonating positively in the community and our school is thriving. We invite you to be a part of one of the most exciting and nurturing schools in southern Rhode Island.



Thank you once again for your unwavering support and belief in the work we are doing. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or Sara Marshall, our Director of Admissions and Development.

God bless,

Arthur W. Lisi, PhD

Principal

We thank you for your continued interest in Monsignor Clarke School, and we are thrilled that you will be re-enrolling your child (or children!) in our school for the 2024-2025 school year.

Re-Enrolling Your Child/Children

We are asking all families to complete the accompanying form indicating your intent to re-enroll your child/children for the upcoming school year. The re-enrollment fee helps defray the administrative costs and reserves your child’s place in their classroom. 

• Please return your paperwork along with the $225 re-enrollment fee per child, max $500 for families of 3 or more, no later than January 26, 2024. We cannot guarantee space for your child If your forms are received after January 26, 2024.  

• For families with three or more students, the fee is capped at $500.

• Please understand that we will be opening up registration to the public on February 1, and your child’s place cannot be guaranteed for the upcoming school year if your child’s re-enrollment paperwork is not received by January 26. In some grades, we do anticipate limited availability.

Applications for new siblings (Early Application Period)

• The application will open on January 29, 2024 for MCS families who wish to apply for new siblings. Please note this includes Little Angels (18 mos-3yrs) who will be 18 months by October 1, 2024 to 8th Grade.

• You will be able to access this application on our school website on January 29, 2024.

• The application process for the general public opens on February 1, 2024.

Tuition Assistance and FACTS

• Tuition assistance is available for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade through the Diocese of Providence as well as our Catholic parishes for registered parishioners. 

• Families must submit an online application through FACTS, our online financial program, in order to be eligible. The accompanying application materials provide more information, and you are invited to visit the web site to apply https://monsignorclarkeschool.org/admissions/application-process/

• The application process is now open and requires you to upload your most recent W-2 forms and last year’s taxes. You do not need to wait for your taxes to be done before applying. 

• The deadline for completing and submitting an application for tuition assistance in anticipation of the upcoming school year is February 15, 2024. Schools will be notified of Diocesan awards in the spring. Preference is given to those who submit their applications early.