Parent Checklist

1.) Call
Call the prospective Catholic school that you are interested in attending for more information. Saint Joseph Parish Director of Business Operations, Pat Stockrahm, can be reached at 574-234-3134. ext 11.


2.) Enroll
Enroll your child in the school.


3.) Get Updates
Place your name on a list to be contacted by the State Department of Education when more information about vouchers is available. Enter your email address at  www.surveymonkey.com/s/R6Y2777


4.)  Complete App
When enrollment in the school is approved, the school will assist you in completing the online parent/student application for a voucher. Both the parent (or guardian) and school official must sign the Indiana Choice Scholasrhip Parent Agreement


5.) Approval
Parents will receive notification in writing and the school electronically that the voucher has been approved by the State.


Indiana School Choice Scholarship Program

 “Parents, who have a primary and inalienable duty and right in regard to the education of their children, should enjoy the fullest liberty in their choice of school. The public authority, therefore, whose duty it is to protect and defend the liberty of the citizens, is bound according to the principles of distributive justice to ensure that public subsidies to schools are so allocated that parents are truly free to select schools for their children in accordance with their conscience.” 
Gravissimum Educationis, October 28, 1965

The 2011 Indiana General Assembly passed HC 1002 & 1003, school choice legislation to provide significant funding for parents in what has been called “the country’s largest state school voucher program.” Voucher funds and scholarship awards are available to families who choose to enroll children in Catholic schools. Any child who has been attending a public school in grades 1-11 for a full year could qualify for a voucher equal to up to nearly 100 percent of Catholic school tuition and fees (Today's Catholic, June 15, 2011).

Below is a list of resources and links with information about the voucher program from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.  If you have specific questions for your family or would like to enroll in this program, contact Jim Shetterly, Director of Busniess Operations (574-234-3134, ext. 11).  Additional questions can be directed to Connie Bruner, Diocesan School Choice Specialist, at (260) 422-4611 in the Catholic Schools Office.


SGO to Grant $300,000 in scholarships to eligible Kindergartners entering Catholic Schools (Today's Catholic, July 13, 2011)

Diocesan Voucher Plan: Ambitious, Realistic, Reasonable (Today's Catholic, June 29, 2011)

Principals Available to Assist Parents with Questions on Vouchers, by Dr. Mark Meyers (Today's Catholic, June 15, 2011)

Podcast Interview with Superintendent, Dr. Mark Meyers (Today's Catholic, July 10, 2011)

Diocesan Catholic Schools Office School Choice Page

Income Eligibility Chart: Understanding How the Program Can Provide Educational Opportunities for Your Family

State of Indiana School Choice Webpage


Who Can Get What?

If your family falls within the income requirements and...

Your child is enrolled for Kindergarten at St. Joseph School, starting in Fall 2011:
They are eligible for one of the SGO grants, provided by the Diocese.  These children, who attend Kindergarten at St. Joe and receive an SGO grant, will be eligible for a State School Choice Scholarship Voucher starting their 1st grade year (if income requirements are still met).

Your child attended a public Kindergarten and will attend St. Joseph School for 1st Grade in Fall 2011:
They are eligible for one of the SGO grants, provided by the Diocese.  They will be eligible for a State School Choice Scholarship Voucher starting their 2nd grade year (if income requirements are still met).

Your child attended public school and will transfer to St. Joe Grade School for the 2011-2012 schoolyear
They are eligible for a State School Choice Scholarship Voucher if income requirements are met.


Articles of Interest

Governor visits OLH, South Bend
Today's Catholic, November 27

Vouchers increase family involvement, enrollment at Catholic Schools
Today's Catholic, November 21 (scroll down)



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