Q: How much does the school cost?

A: While expenses vary depending on individual students, the average annual cost which families pay for everything combined is approximately $20,000 without financial assistance. St. Michael’s does, however, award approximately $250,000.00 annually in scholarships and tuition assistance.

Q: Is financial aid available?

A: The priests at St. Michael’s are devoted to helping families afford a Catholic education for their sons. The school offers financial aid to families with demonstrated need whose sons have proven academic merit and good moral character. There are two steps parents should take if they need help with tuition. They are: 1) Review the requirements for a Merit Scholarship which can equate to as much as $20,000 over four years and 2) send an application for financial assistance to PSAS before February 1st each year. The greater a family’s need for help, the larger the offer of help will be. All scholarships are renewed annually.

Q: Is it boarding only?

A: Yes. The priests of St. Michael’s believe that a boarding setting is the most advantageous to mature with good values and beliefs. Part of the advantage is that our boarding setting minimizes distractions; part of the advantage is that the entire school community focuses on the same noble goals. St. Michael’s offers a solid Christian environment which challenges and teaches teens to stand on their own two feet and prepare themselves for the rest of their life. The unique five-day boarding setting keeps family ties strong.

Q: How can can I stay involved with my son’s life even while he’s at school?

A: There are many ways to stay connected with your son. In addition to email and cell phone contact, there are ample ways to volunteer. Additionally, there is weekly drive time to and from school when parent and son are together in conversation and prayer.

Q: Can I communicate with my son while he’s at school?

A: Students have time to use their cell phones in the evening from 6:00 pm to 10:00 p.m. While it is preferable to have parents communicate with their sons in the evening on their cell phones, if there is an emergency that can’t wait until evening, a voice-mail message may be left in the school office at (949) 858-0222 extension 237.

Q: Can students use email and cell phones?

A: Students may bring cell phones to school. Students on the First Honor Roll have earned the privilege of bringing their personal computer to school. Cell phones and computers are stored in the Headmaster’s Office until after dinner (6:00 p.m.) each evening. Students may keep their computers and phones until 10:00 p.m. when they are once again stored in the office.

Q: How should I leave messages at the office?

A: The preferred method is by emailing the school secretary who makes every attempt to check the email several times daily.

Q: Do students have to be Roman Catholic?

A: No. Non-Catholic students are welcome and participate in the religious celebrations and rites of the school within the guidelines established by the Roman Catholic Church. All students follow the same four years of religious studies in the classroom.

Q: How do I get the uniform?

A: After being accepted to St. Michael’s, the school sends a list of necessary clothing. All articles of clothing which comprise the uniform at St. Michael’s can be found in most major department stores. The school emblem and tie are furnished by the school office.

Q: What sports are available?

A: St. Michael’s plays four CIF sports: eight-man football, cross country, soccer, and baseball. Intramural basketball is available year round.

Q: How does my son continue his outside interests?

A: We strive to educate the whole child at St. Michael’s so we understand the importance of outside interests in a young man’s development. While it is best if outside interests are scheduled for the weekends when at home, there are occassions when this may not be possible. These exceptions may be easily arranged simply by giving us some advance notice. Parents may pick up their son after school, take him off campus for the special event, then return him to school. These arrangements may be handled by emailing our school secretary.

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