Frequently Asked Questions

Sacred Heart Catholic takes pride in educating students about Jesus Christ and provides a strong spiritual foundation built upon Catholic values.  Our school staff ministers to the whole child in a developmentally appropriate setting, provides a family-centered educational environment that values each child and his or her family, and is committed to excellence in academics. We have excellent instructional teachers and an outstanding support staff. Sacred Heart Catholic is an authentic Christian community of believers.

Sacred Heart Catholic welcomes children of all faith traditions and no faith traditions.

Sacred Heart Catholic strives for a class capacity of twenty-five students in grades K-8, and smaller class sizes for age appropriate preschool students. With one class per grade, we are a small school where every student is cared for by several teachers and support staff.

Sacred Heart Catholic has 15 full-time and 3 part-time licensed teachers and a professional staff that includes teacher assistants, special education teachers, a school counselor that is also a RN, and a speech specialist. Twelve staff members have earned a Master degree in education or counseling.

Our students consistently score higher on state tests than local public schools and exceed the state average by more than 15%. Additionally, our students show academic growth each year on formative and norm-referenced assessments. We are very proud of our “A” grade given to us by the State Department of Education, the highest ranking possible for the last five years.

Sacred Heart tests students regularly and reports achievement to parents as follows:

• Teacher-made and textbook tests – weekly, monthly, and quarterly for grades 1-8
• STAR reading and math assessments given quarterly to measure growth
• Progress reports – including diagnostic testing throughout the year
• Report cards – quarterly for grades K-8
• One parent/student/teacher conference in the fall (additionally by request)
• ISTEP+ - State testing program in Math, Language Arts, and Science
• ISTEP+ scores published and compared to Indiana public schools, local public schools, Archdiocese of Indianapolis schools, local Catholic schools

Sacred Heart Catholic provides individualized instruction that is adapted to each student’s needs.  Students who are performing at or above grade level are challenged to expand their learning and are given opportunities to participate in projects and activities that develop their academic gifts.  

Sacred Heart Catholic also has a Resource Department who provide extra academic support or tutoring throughout the day for students who need it. Also, junior high students tutor after school hours and teachers are willing to tutor after school hours on an as-needed-basis. 

Sacred Heart Catholic has a computer lab that has 28 networked computers and shared printers.  Each classroom also has multiple computers, a printer, and Smartboard technology.  LCD projectors and a digital camera are also integrated into the educational curriculum.  A technology committee, including the technology teacher and volunteers, is in place to maintain all computers and plan for future needs.  Students attend computer classes weekly under the instruction of the school technologist.  Students use the computer lab regularly and learn how to use various applications, including  Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, the Internet, and educational software that enhance the classroom curriculum. Students are also instructed in Keyboarding, Programming and Digital Citizenship. 

Grades K – 8 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.   Daily 

5 Day Preschool 7:45 a.m. – 2:35 p.m. Daily 4 year olds 

Beginners Full Day Preschool 7:45 a.m. – 2:35 p.m. Daily 3 year olds 

Beginners Full Day Preschool 7:45 a.m. – 2:35 p.m. MWF 3 year olds 

Beginners Morning Preschool 7:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Daily 3 year olds 

Child Care Ministry Full Day   7:45 a.m. – 2:35 p.m. Daily 2 year olds 

Child Care Ministry Full Day 7:45 a.m. – 2:35 p.m. MWF 2 year olds 

Child Care Ministry Full Day 7:45 a.m. – 2:35 p.m. TTh 2 year olds 

Child Care Ministry Mornings 7:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Daily 2 year olds 

Child Care Ministry Mornings 7:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. MWF 2 year olds 

Sacred Heart Catholic requires high standards of dress, grooming, and uniform apparel for K – 8 for 3 reasons.  1) Uniforms are more economical than the purchase of youth apparel.  2) Dressing uniformly helps to reduce inappropriateness of apparel, distractions, preoccupation, and competition with appearances during school hours.  3) The dress code instills a sense of belonging and promotes school spirit. 

Navy blue uniform, dress pants and dress shorts are worn by boys and girls.  Grades 6, 7 and 8 may also wear khaki uniform pants/shorts.  Girls may wear Sacred Heart Catholic’s uniform plaid skirts/jumpers.  Students wear short sleeved, polo shirts that are solid navy blue or red with the Sacred Heart Catholic logo.  Students may wear approved Sacred Heart Catholic sweaters and sweatshirts. See the Family Handbook for complete details. 

Yes, homework is required of all students.  The purpose of homework is to help students master work already presented in class.  Repetition and reflection improve understanding and retention.  The time allotments vary by grades and by individual ability and rate of performance.  The following suggests how much time, on average, students should spend on homework nightly: 

Pre school & Kindergarten = occasional                    Grades 4 – 5 = up to 60 minutes 

Grades 1 – 3 = up to 30 minutes                                     Grades 6 – 8 = up to 90 minutes 

Sacred Heart School has three dedicated staff members who work to prepare delicious meals in our cafeteria each day.  They cook hot lunches and provide nutritional choices to students that include an entrée, two side items, fruit, and milk.  Parents are always welcome to visit or arrange to eat lunch with their child. 

Sacred Heart School does not have a bus, but many parents work together to organize carpools. The principal or secretary can relay transportation needs of new parents and help work out a safe solution for children.  All parents must have on file a written document stating who is and who is not permitted to pick up their children. 

The possibilities are endless!  Monitors are needed daily to help students with lunch and to supervise recess periods.  Parents are invited to help teachers in various ways, from tutoring to making copies or helping with holiday celebrations.  Office help is also appreciated.   Parents Supporting the School (PSTS) sponsors various events during the year and help is always appreciative of help with these various activities and fundraisers.  A parent, relative, or friend can be as involved in Sacred Heart School community as much and as often as one wishes! 

• Every Friday of the school year students attend Mass in the church.
• Once a week, students gather in church to pray in Eucharistic Adoration
• Daily, students pray in their classrooms and before and after meals.
• Daily, students attend religion classes.
• During Advent (before Christmas), students may gather to light an Advent Wreath or participate in a prayer service.
• During Lent (before Easter), students gather for a prayer service or Stations of the Cross.
• In May students gather to celebrate Mary, the Mother of God.
• Regularly, students are involved in service projects; middle school students are required to perform service hours.
• Regularly, students are offered the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Our Catholic second grade students prepare for the Intiation Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion.
• The tone, attitude, and atmosphere of Sacred Heart School are Christian and focused on Jesus Christ.
• Sacred Heart School continues to embrace values nearly 2000 years old, where Christ is the unseen but ever-present Teacher, the Model of the faculty and staff, and the Inspiration of the students.