Frequently Asked Question's

Are there openings for next year?
Currently we have openings in all grades

Does HGCS have a before or after school program for students?
Families who need before or after school care may enroll in our Woody-Young Child Care Program.  The program is open from 6:45 – 7:50 AM and after school until 5:45 PM.  The qualified staff provides recreational experiences, arts and crafts activities, and homework-study time for students.  At 7:40 AM students are escorted by the Woody Young Staff to the elementary building; middle school students are dismissed to go to their lockers and homeroom.

How many students are in each class?
Our class size is determined by NM State regulations.  Students in the primary grades have fewer students while intermediate and middle classes have more students.  Middle school classrooms average 22-26 students.

How often do students attend mass?

Our students attend Mass each Friday, as well as all Holy Days of Obligation, Ash Wednesday and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Our day begins with a school-wide morning scripture and prayer service led by the 8th graders.  Students pray throughout the day.  There are many opportunities to enrich the prayer life of our students and their families.

How is admission determined?

Holy Ghost admission standards follow Archdiocesan policy.  Priority is given to students whose families are active, registered parishioners in Holy Ghost Parish.  Siblings of current students are also given priority.  Students whose families are active, practicing Catholics from other parishes are considered the next priority. 

What time does school begin and end?

School begins at 7:50 AM when the first bell rings.  Any student arriving before 7:40 AM must report to the Woody-Young Before School Program.  School dismisses at 3:20 PM.

Where can the school uniforms be purchased?
Uniforms may be purchased from Dennis Uniform.  The store has a complete listing of items needed.  Students in 3^rd – 8^th  grade also wear a P.E. uniform.  Red shorts, or P.E. shorts must also be worn at all times underneath skirts and jumpers and should not hang below the skirt or jumper.

What is the annual Parish Operational Subsidy and how is it paid?
Archbishop Emmeritus Michael Sheehan began the Parish Operational Subsidy as a means for all parishes to support Catholic education.  Any student whose family is registered in a parish for one year is eligible for payment of the Parish Operational Subsidy. 

If the parish does not pay the Parish Operational Subsidy, the family is required to pay the subsidy.  The parish subsidy is $500.00 per student and is determined by the Archbishop.

What are the tuition costs for next year?
Rates are as follows:

     Registration                 $300.00 per student

     Tuition
            1 student                       $ 5,300.00
            2 students                     $ 10,335.50
            3 students                     $15,105.00
            4 students                     $19,875.00

The above rates apply for Pre-K for 5 days/week.  Tuition for Pre-K for 4 days/week is $4,985.00. Tuition for Pre-K for 3 days/week is $4,030.00 annually.  Tuition for Pre-K for 2 days/week is $3,075.00 annually.

     Parish Operational Subsidy                 $500.00 per student.

How is tuition paid?

According to Holy Ghost Catholic School there are four different methods of payment:

• A family may pay the entire tuition balance by June 1^st and receive a $50.00 discount.            

• A family may pay in two equal payments on June 1^st and December 1^st.                     

• A family may pay monthly through the F.A.C.T.S. electronic transfer system.  Archdiocesan policy requires that all monthly payments be made electronically.  F.A.C.T.S. is similar to electronic payments that you might make for mortgages or cars or other monthly bills.  If you choose monthly payments, you will receive a F.A.C.T.S. form at registration.  Families may choose between a 10 or 12 month payment schedule.                      

• A family may pay tuition through F.A.C.T.S. using a credit card, setting up the agreement directly with F.A.C.T.S. An extra 2.5% fee is added to the total and can be paid monthly over 10 months.                    

Do you have any fundraisers?
Holy Ghost has four major required fundraisers: a Blue Ribbon Raffle, a gift product sale, a Walkathon and a $10,000 Raffle during the Mardi Gras.  Families are required to participate in fundraising activities or the fundraising obligation is added to the annual tuition.  If a family chooses to not assist with either the Fall Festival and/or annual Fiesta, then the family is assessed a non-participation fee for these two events.  The fundraising obligation is as follows: one child - $650; two children - $850.00; three children - $950.00; and four or more children - $1,050.00.