Frequently Asked Questions
At Bishop Kelley Catholic School, we understand the importance of choosing the right school for your child. BKCS has been operating for 70+ years. Over time, we have collected questions from parents. Below are questions frequently asked by parents considering enrollment into Bishop Kelley Catholic School.
Do we need to be Catholic to send our children to Bishop Kelley?
Bishop Kelley Catholic School welcomes all families regardless of faith, race, or political affiliation. Our culture of families is dynamic and rich, and all are welcome to join in our practice of upright citizenship, community service, academic advancement, and in recognizing the inherent dignity of each child.
Will my child be adequately prepared for high school?
More than just adequately prepared for high school, your child will be prepared for a lifetime. Our current families can attest the richness of K-8 education at Bishop Kelley Catholic School. Each year builds upon the last so that by the time your child graduates 8th grade, they are equipped with self-assurance, academic strategies, and personal discipline to succeed in both high school, secondary education, and life. Before departing our doors, BKCS fosters each student’s unique relationship with the Triune God.
BKCS' standardized test scores reflect stronger than average performance in many subjects. This is especially the case for students who have attended BKCS Kindergarten through 8th grade, allowing them the individualized attention that helps address their unique learning styles and needs.
How does BKCS deal with bullying?
BKCS has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. We instill in our students the need to accept and cherish the unique individuality of each person and encourage them to interact and behave in a Christian manner. Furthermore, we work with families of those being bullied and doing the bullying to address the root of the situation and foster acceptance, forgiveness, and relationship building.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, the Archdiocese of Detroit offers financial aid to families who wish to send their children to a Catholic school but struggle financially. Forms are available in the office to apply. You can also visit their financial assistance website here. We also encourage you to speak with our principal, Mrs. Bernadette Barron, if you desire to send your child(ren) to BKCS but are unsure of the financial commitment.
My child plays sports - what opportunity is there for him the excel at BKCS?
Sports are a wonderful way to make exercise fun, encourage character development, and foster team-building skills. BKCS competes against other Catholic schools in the surrounding area including Grand Blanc, Mt. Morris, and Flushing. Many of our students have gone on to high school and competed at a varsity level, excelling in their athletic talents and abilities.
What is the value of Preschool through 8th grade education?
Many public institutions no longer implement the Preschool through 8th grade model. Many, in fact, break up K-5, 6-7, and 8-9 grade levels. At Bishop Kelley School, we believe in a synthesized approach to K-8 education having seen the results of it with hundreds of our graduates. In a K-8 setting, teachers are able to work together to address the unique needs of your child. They are also able to collaborate in lesson planning so that the lessons learned one year are reinforced and built upon the next. The strength of this strategy is reflected in our 8th grade standardized test scores, which have been consistently higher than the average of public school counterparts.
There is also a social advantage to a K-8 environment. Older students learn to set a good example for the younger students, and younger students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with older grades. Many visitors find that our middle schoolers are much more conscious of their social responsibility and show greater maturity because of this.
My child struggles with academics (reading / writing / speech /math) - what support is there at BKCS?
Bishop Kelley School offers individual support in multiple subject areas. We have a Study Skills Specialist on staff who works with children one-on-one and in small groups to focus on specific needs and offer additional support than what is available in the classroom. The Study Skills Specialist collaborates with both families and homeroom teachers to help students struggling in specific areas develop strategies for and habits of success. Many teachers also offer before or after school tutoring and additional support.
Don't see an answer to your question? Please contact us, and we'll be happy to address any questions or concerns you have.
Do we need to be Catholic to send our children to Bishop Kelley?
Bishop Kelley Catholic School welcomes all families regardless of faith, race, or political affiliation. Our culture of families is dynamic and rich, and all are welcome to join in our practice of upright citizenship, community service, academic advancement, and in recognizing the inherent dignity of each child.
Will my child be adequately prepared for high school?
More than just adequately prepared for high school, your child will be prepared for a lifetime. Our current families can attest the richness of K-8 education at Bishop Kelley Catholic School. Each year builds upon the last so that by the time your child graduates 8th grade, they are equipped with self-assurance, academic strategies, and personal discipline to succeed in both high school, secondary education, and life. Before departing our doors, BKCS fosters each student’s unique relationship with the Triune God.
BKCS' standardized test scores reflect stronger than average performance in many subjects. This is especially the case for students who have attended BKCS Kindergarten through 8th grade, allowing them the individualized attention that helps address their unique learning styles and needs.
How does BKCS deal with bullying?
BKCS has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. We instill in our students the need to accept and cherish the unique individuality of each person and encourage them to interact and behave in a Christian manner. Furthermore, we work with families of those being bullied and doing the bullying to address the root of the situation and foster acceptance, forgiveness, and relationship building.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, the Archdiocese of Detroit offers financial aid to families who wish to send their children to a Catholic school but struggle financially. Forms are available in the office to apply. You can also visit their financial assistance website here. We also encourage you to speak with our principal, Mrs. Bernadette Barron, if you desire to send your child(ren) to BKCS but are unsure of the financial commitment.
My child plays sports - what opportunity is there for him the excel at BKCS?
Sports are a wonderful way to make exercise fun, encourage character development, and foster team-building skills. BKCS competes against other Catholic schools in the surrounding area including Grand Blanc, Mt. Morris, and Flushing. Many of our students have gone on to high school and competed at a varsity level, excelling in their athletic talents and abilities.
What is the value of Preschool through 8th grade education?
Many public institutions no longer implement the Preschool through 8th grade model. Many, in fact, break up K-5, 6-7, and 8-9 grade levels. At Bishop Kelley School, we believe in a synthesized approach to K-8 education having seen the results of it with hundreds of our graduates. In a K-8 setting, teachers are able to work together to address the unique needs of your child. They are also able to collaborate in lesson planning so that the lessons learned one year are reinforced and built upon the next. The strength of this strategy is reflected in our 8th grade standardized test scores, which have been consistently higher than the average of public school counterparts.
There is also a social advantage to a K-8 environment. Older students learn to set a good example for the younger students, and younger students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with older grades. Many visitors find that our middle schoolers are much more conscious of their social responsibility and show greater maturity because of this.
My child struggles with academics (reading / writing / speech /math) - what support is there at BKCS?
Bishop Kelley School offers individual support in multiple subject areas. We have a Study Skills Specialist on staff who works with children one-on-one and in small groups to focus on specific needs and offer additional support than what is available in the classroom. The Study Skills Specialist collaborates with both families and homeroom teachers to help students struggling in specific areas develop strategies for and habits of success. Many teachers also offer before or after school tutoring and additional support.
Don't see an answer to your question? Please contact us, and we'll be happy to address any questions or concerns you have.