Academics
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
St. Elizabeth’s is committed to maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio. To achieve this, we cap our classroom size at 20 students. With a lead teacher and a co-teacher in each classroom in grades K-5, the student-to-teacher ratio is never higher than 10:1 and in most of our classes, it is 7:1.
What support is available for both struggling and gifted students in the classroom?
Homeroom teachers at St. Elizabeth’s continuously assess their students' progress. Learning support is available by grade level for students identified as needing additional assistance, with separate rooms for lower and middle school providing support four days a week. Additionally, the school employs counselors for both lower and middle school students, offering support two days a week at no cost. Partnerships with organizations like CCPLD and Developmental FX provide occupational therapy, speech therapy, and specialized reading support during school hours.
While St. Elizabeth’s offers accommodations in the classroom, it does not specialize in individual learning support or provide modified curricula. However, the small class sizes and presence of qualified assistants allow for individualized learning experiences. Students of varying abilities are supported within the classroom, enabling gifted students to engage in more challenging work without leaving their homeroom.
Policies and Procedures
What are school hours?
Drop-off begins at 8am, and the school day begins at 8:15am. Afternoon pick-up begins at 3:15pm. At 3:30pm, any students who have not been picked up are taken to the Extended Day program.
Do you have before or after-care programs?
The Extended Day Program is available until 6pm, for a reasonable fee on a sliding scale. It is available full-time, or on a drop-in basis. Children are given healthy snacks, engage in outdoor/indoor play, and have homework/reading time. After-school enrichments are also offered each semester, such as Cooking and Crafts, Choir, Soccer, Dance, STEM Club, Chess Club, Newspaper, Yearbook, Student Council, etc… We partner with families on before-care options.
Are students required to wear uniforms to school?
Students in grades K-5 have a uniform. It consists of khaki or navy pants, shorts, or skorts, and solid colored knit polo shirts. Approved colors for shirts are red, dark or light blue, and white. Uniforms can be purchased anywhere, and we do not require students to have a St. Elizabeth’s School emblem on their shirts. Students are also given a St. Elizabeth’s School t-shirt each year that can be worn in lieu of the knit polo shirt. Middle School students do not have a uniform, but they do have a dress code. Crew or collared shirts must not have graphics, unless they are high school or college related. Pants need to be in good condition with no holes or intentionally stressed fabric. If leggings are worn, shirts must be thigh-length. Click here for the Middle School dress code.
Do you provide bus transportation?
We do not provide bus transportation to and from school. We are proactive about partnering families for carpool opportunities, and we do have families who drive from all over the Denver Metro area. We do have a 15-passenger van and a school bus that are used for off campus activities.
Does the school provide hot lunch?
Hot lunch is provided by a catering company every day of the week, for a small fee on a sliding scale. We will work with families who qualify for free or reduced lunch and breakfast to honor that for their child(ren). Families have the option of signing up for every day, or on an a-la-carte basis. Children who do not sign up for hot lunch bring lunches from home. We are a nut-free based school.
What are school’s discipline procedures?
Behavior and social virtues are addressed as unified school values from day one of the school year. Faculty and staff model appropriate and respectful behavior, and they are able to assist students in learning the skills of de-escalation and self-advocacy. There is a policy in place to address behavior issues progressing from the teacher to the parent to the principal and to the head-of-school.
Does your calendar follow the DPS calendar?
The St. Elizabeth’s School calendar does not match DPS exactly. Our major holidays are carefully scheduled to align with the majority of Denver area schools, but they may not be an exact match. In-service and conference days are not scheduled in alignment with DPS, as they are based on our own internal grading schedule.
What does it mean to be accredited by ACIS?
The Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) accredits, supports, and promotes independent schools in Colorado in a way that respects each school's mission and fosters excellence in teaching and learning. Member schools in ACIS make a commitment to continual school improvement when they join the association. A ten-year evaluation cycle holds them accountable for complying with the association’s high accreditation standards. The evaluation cycle begins with a rigorous self-study process in which the school community conducts an honest and comprehensive analysis of its strengths and challenges in every area of the school.
Community Life
What if we aren’t Episcopalian?
Episcopal schools are esteemed for their academic excellence and commitment to a comprehensive Liberal Arts education. What sets most Episcopal Schools apart from other faith-based institutions is their independence from specific churches or parishes. Governed by a Board of Directors, these schools empower their Head of School, along with faculty and administration, to make daily operational decisions autonomously.
Chapel and Faith Studies play a pivotal role in the weekly routine, providing each grade with opportunities for spiritual reflection and exploration of many diverse religious traditions. Throughout the year, guest speakers from various backgrounds share their spiritual journeys, fostering an inclusive and contemplative atmosphere. This environment encourages students to contemplate their own beliefs, Episcopalian or otherwise, nurturing a deeper understanding of spirituality's significance in their lives.
How can parents and caregivers get involved?
The St. Elizabeth's School Parent Association (SESPA) serves as a vital support system for the diverse school community, organizing fundraising initiatives and social events to foster a sense of unity. SESPA collaborates with the Head of School to address the evolving financial needs of the institution. Over the years, SESPA has successfully raised funds to implement various enhancements, including a new science curriculum, a computerized library cataloging system, and additional support for various in-school and extracurricular activities.
What do you mean when you say "intentionally inclusive?"
St. Elizabeth’s School is committed to enrolling a truly inclusive and diverse school community. Essential to this policy is our individualized tuition system or sliding scale that eliminates the categories of “scholarship” or “financial aid.” We act with grace, generosity, and humility to center equity, access, and inclusion in our tuition model. St. Elizabeth’s is just one of two private schools nationwide using a sliding-scale tuition model to ensure socio-economic balance in every grade.
