Guardian Angels

CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Serving in the
Love of Christ
 
 
 
 
 


Frequently Asked Questions

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    What grades does your school have?
    Guardian Angels has students in grades VPK through grade eight.

    Are your teachers certified?
    We are very proud of the staff we have assembled here at Guardian Angels. All of our classroom teachers hold a valid Florida teaching certificate. Our specialists hold a valid teaching certificate or have the credentials required through our accrediting agency, The Florida Catholic Conference. In addition to our teachers, we have teaching assistants in each classroom during various times of the day in K through grade 5.

    What standardized tests do you give your students?
    The Diocese of St. Petersburg currently gives students in grades 2 – 8 the Terra Nova Next Assessment. The Terra Nova Next Assessment is a full range of research-based standardized assessments used throughout the country. The Diocese requires we participate in a spring testing schedule. The ARK (Assessment of Religious Knowledge) test is given to students in grades 2-8 in the spring of each year. The information gained from these tests helps the staff provide an appropriate educational program for their students.

    Are you accredited?
    Guardian Angels is accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference. This agency is responsible for the accreditation of all of the Catholic schools in the state of Florida. Guardian Angels Accreditation was extended in the spring of 2023. The school has a School Improvement Plan (SIP) that contains well – defined goals and an action plan for attaining those goals.

    What are the school hours?
    The school hours are 7:50AM – 2:50PM. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:25AM. At this time we do not offer a before school program to supervise students who may need to be dropped off earlier.

    Do you have an extended day program?
    Yes, we do. Currently our extended day program is available to all students until 5:30PM on most school days. The extended day staff are employees of Guardian Angels and have received all of the necessary trainings and screenings as required by the Diocese of St. Petersburg. This service can be used as frequently as needed. There is an additional fee for this service.

    How old do you have to be enroll for kindergarten?
    We accept students who are five years of age on or before September first.

    When do you begin accepting applications?
    The new student application process for VPK through Grade 8 usually begins the January prior to the academic year you wish to enroll for. The actual date is communicated in the parish bulletins and on the school website at www.gacsfl.com

    Do you have an athletic program for students?
    We are members of the Pinellas County Youth Conference and offer a variety of after school sports for both girls and boys. Students in grades 5 – 8 are encouraged to participate in the athletic program.

    Do you have a hot lunch program?
    We have a program called Alternative Lunch. Participation in this program is strictly voluntary. Students can pre-order and pay for lunch that is brought to the school from a variety of vendors. Alternative lunch usually begins in September and is provided every full school day. If students do not wish to participate, they bring a lunch from home.

    Is involvement of parents welcomed?
    Parental involvement is encouraged through the Parent – Faculty Association. This very active group is always looking for willing volunteers to help with the many things they provide the school community each year. Volunteers are also utilized in the classrooms depending on the teachers’ needs. These opportunities for involvement foster the strong community spirit that exists at Guardian Angels.

    What other special classes do you offer?
    Spanish, art, general music, physical education, media and STREAM are additional classes offered at Guardian Angels. In providing the students the opportunity to participate and learn in these subject areas, we are educating and nurturing the development of the whole child.

    Do you have computers in the classrooms?
    We have a multitude of technological equipment in our school. This equipment includes Smart TV's, Chromebooks and iPads, to name a few. The students not only have STREAM class where they are learning applications necessary to be successful at the high school level and beyond; they are utilizing technology in their classrooms on a daily basis! Learning has come alive and the students are continually improving their technology skills.

    Do you have a website?
    The website contains a great deal of information about our school. The live website can be viewed by logging on to www.gacsfl.com.

    Do you have Tuition Assistance Opportunities?
    Tuition assistance is readily available for qualifying families. Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, Family Empowerment, The Catholic School’s Tuition Assistance Grant and Wienhusen Scholarships are currently available to new families. For more information about these programs and the guidelines for each, visit our website and look under the "Scholarship Opportunities" link.

    For more information or to set up a school tour, contact Mrs. Mary Stalzer, the school’s principal, at mstalzer@gacsfl.com Please note “School Tour” in the subject line.