Information for Non-Catholic Students and Families
ACES Xavier Educational System serves students of all faiths in a Catholic atmosphere of academic excellence. Our mission is to engage families in a life of leadership and learning through faith and service. Students of all religious backgrounds benefit from this virtue-based approach to learning. Please find below a series of questions and answers related to students and families of other faiths attending ACES Xavier Educational System.
Are students of different faiths encouraged to attend an ACES Xavier Educational System school?
Yes! Students of all ability levels, ethnicities, and religious beliefs are welcomed and encouraged to attend any of our six campuses.
How many non-Catholic students are enrolled?
We currently have over 50 families from diverse faith traditions. While the substantial majority of students come from the Catholic faith tradition, our schools are enriched by the presence of students from diverse faith traditions. To the fullest extent possible, ACES Xavier Educational System is committed to helping each student grow and develop in faith. If you would like to be contacted by a current ACES Xavier non-Catholic family, ACES Xavier (920)735-9380
Are students of other faiths well accepted?
Respect for religious beliefs is very important in our schools. We make no distinction based on religious beliefs and all students enjoy equal opportunity to enroll in all instances of school life.
How does the academic quality of ACES Xavier Educational System compare to other schools?
All of the ACES Xavier Educational System campuses are fully accredited by the North Central Association, a division of AdvanceEd, the largest school accrediting agency in the world. All of our teachers are licensed by the State of Wisconsin. We participate in many state and federal programs. Grade school and middle school students score well above the local and national averages on the Measures of Academic Progress tests. Xavier's 2012 graduates scored an average 24.4 on the ACT. The ACT average is tied for the top average ACT score in the Fox Valley. Xavier distinguishes itself further by having 100% student participation in the ACT testing compared to the 82% participation from the school sharing the 24.4 ACT average.
Are students of other faiths required to take the religion classes at ACES Xavier Educational System schools?
Yes, teaching the Catholic faith to our children is an important part of our system’s mission. However students of other faiths, particularly other Christian traditions, find remarkable similarities in the values taught in these religion classes and their own faith. Students can also identify the important differences and grow in their own faith journey.
Are students of other faiths required to attend all-school or class religious services?
Yes, all students attend these services. Students of other faiths do not participate in the Catholic Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion that are a part of these services.
How much does it cost to attend an ACES Xavier Educational System School?
Tuition costs are set at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Tuition is higher for non-Catholic students because it is not offset by the subsidy contribution of the supporting Catholic parishes. Scholarships are available to all ACES Xavier families. For more information, please contact ACES Xavier Educational System at (920) 735-9380.
Why should a non-Catholic consider attending an ACES Xavier Educational System school?
ACES Xavier Educational System offers exceptional academic preparation, nurturing faculty, and a safe, structured environment infused with Christian values. Our schools provide a warm, welcoming community for your family. We strive to ensure each child reaches his or her fullest potential.
Give me some examples of a "faith-filled" Catholic environment.
Students are encouraged to put their faith into practice throughout the day. Older students mingle with new students to help them feel welcome. The school environment discourages cliques and foul language. Our dress code promotes self-respect. Every day and most lessons begin with a prayer. Several classes integrate Christian service into the learning process. From service-oriented learning to the choice of reading materials, learning to be your best self is an everyday activity at ACES Xavier.
How does ACES Xavier help each child excel?
ACES Xavier Educational System teachers are dedicated to helping each child realize his or her full potential. Our class sizes allow additional time for teachers to work one-on-one with students. Our faculty frequently assesses each student to establish his or her strengths and areas of opportunity. ACES Xavier Educational System is proud of the wide variety of sports, clubs and activities students can participate in to learn self expression and explore new interests. Our fine arts program features vocal, instrumental, theatrical, and artistic offerings from Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade. We are dedicated to providing the best education possible.
How can attending an ACES Xavier school help my child grow in their own faith?
Authentic Catholic faith has much more in common with other Christian traditions than we sometimes realize. By learning Catholicism, we have found that most of our students from other faiths actually grow stronger in their own faith traditions, while learning to respect the differences.
How do I find out more about the programs at ACES Xavier Educational System and potential enrollment?
You are encouraged to visit our website, www.acesxavier.k12.wi.us, which provides contact information for each of our six campuses. Please contact the principal at the campus of your choice for more information. Each principal can also recommend other non-Catholic families who have their children in our schools and can give you more information.
Catholic Central Elementary, Principal Mrs. Carol Wilant
313 S. State St. St. Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: 920.733.3709
http://catholiccentral.acesxavier.k12.wi.us/
St. Bernadette Elementary, Principal Mrs. Elizabeth Watson
2331 E. Lourdes Dr. Appleton, WI 54915
Phone: 920.739.5391
http://stbernadette.acesxavier.k12.wi.us/
St. Pius X Elementary, Principal Mrs. Laura Barnett
500 W. Marquette St. Appleton, WI 54911
Phone:920.733.4918
http://stpius.acesxavier.k12.wi.us/
St. Thomas More Elementary, Principal Dave Callan
1810 N. McDonald St. Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: 920.739.7826
http://stthomasmore.acesxavier.k12.wi.us/
St. Joseph Middle School, Principal Deacon Tony Abts
2626 N. Oneida St. Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: 920.730.8849
http://stjoseph.acesxavier.k12.wi.us/
Xavier High School, Principal Mr. Matt Reynebeau
1600 W. Prospect Ave. Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: 920.733.6632
http://xavier.acesxavier.k12.wi.us/