Choosing the right school for your child is a major decision. It sets the stage for their academic journey, values, friendships, and future. For families in Clearwater, Florida, St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School offers a welcoming, faith-based environment for Pre-K through eighth-grade students. While it may seem intimidating, we’re here to make the Catholic school enrollment process simple and straightforward. 

Whether you’re new to Catholic education or need a school that aligns with your beliefs, making an informed decision is paramount. In this guide, we’ll share who we are and how we can help your child thrive. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Catholic school enrollment at St. Cecelia. Welcome to a place where your child can truly belong and succeed.

Why Choose St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School?

While there are many great Catholic schools, St. Cecelia stands out as a premier option for families across Pinellas County and the greater Tampa Bay area. Here’s why parents trust St. Cecelia with their children’s education. 

Faith-Based Education Rooted in Catholic Values

Our curriculum integrates Catholic teachings, daily prayer, and service. Our mission is to help students grow academically and spiritually in a nurturing environment.

Accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference

St. Cecelia upholds the highest standards in education. Fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, we ensure your child receives a quality, values-driven education. The FCC is an agency established by the Catholic bishops of Florida to serve as a nonpartisan public policy voice. They support collaboration among the seven dioceses in the Province of Miami on educational, social, and pastoral matters.

International Baccalaureate World School

We’re proud to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) school. AN IB school offers internationally recognized, rigorous educational programmes. They’re designed to develop inquiring, caring young people who are prepared to succeed in a global society and contribute to a better world. 

Two-Time National Blue Ribbon School

St. Cecelia has earned the prestigious Blue Ribbon School award twice, in 2010 and 2020. This places us among the top schools in the nation for academic excellence. Established in 1982 by the U.S. Department of Education, this award recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence and close achievement gaps among students.

Strong Academics and Extracurricular Opportunities

For our youngest learners in PK3 and PK4, specials include physical education, Spanish, performing arts, library, guidance, and STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and math). Middle school students also attend technology classes. We offer a wheel for art, performing arts, and additional technology, rotating through these options each trimester. 

Schedule a Tour to Experience St. Cecelia Firsthand 

An Overview of the Catholic School Enrollment Process

Navigating Catholic school enrollment can feel overwhelming. Our admissions team is here to help every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know about applying to St. Cecelia in Clearwater, Florida:

Admissions Timeline

• Applications Open: After our November Open House, we begin accepting applications for the next school year.

• Re-enrollment for Current Students: This begins in January each year to ensure returning students secure their spots.

• Limited Spaces: We recommend applying early for the best chance at admission! Some grades fill quickly.

Who Can Apply to St. Cecelia?

St. Cecelia welcomes students from all backgrounds. Our Catholic school enrollment is open to:

• Preschool (Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4): Preschool children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st and be fully potty trained.

• Kindergarten: Children must be 5 years old by September 1st.

• 1st Grade: Children must be 6 years old by September 1st. 

• Grades 2-8: Transfer students are welcome, as long as space is available.

We encourage families in Clearwater, Belleair, Dunedin, Largo, and the surrounding areas to explore our vibrant community. Keep reading to learn about Catholic school enrollment at St. Cecelia in five easy steps. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Catholic School Enrollment at St. Cecelia

Here’s what you can expect when considering St. Cecelia for your child’s education. 

Step 1: Schedule a Tour or Attend an Open House

Visiting our campus is the best way to experience what makes St. Cecelia unique. When you schedule a tour, you’ll observe classrooms in action and meet the administrators, faculty, and students who make up our community. 

Tours are available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our admissions team is happy to accommodate your schedule when possible. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to ask questions about our curriculum, extracurriculars, and Catholic faith formation. 

Families are also welcome to attend our annual November Open House. You’ll meet other prospective families and see student work on display. This step helps you determine if we’re the right fit for your child and allows us to learn more about your goals.

Call the Admissions Office to Schedule Your Tour

Step 2: Prepare the Required Admissions Documents

Before starting your application, gather all necessary paperwork. Here’s what we require, plus extra documents that can be helpful to have on hand:

• Birth certificate
• Up-to-date immunization records

If your child is transferring from another school or entering grades one through eight, please include the following:

• Recent report cards
• Standardized test scores
• Transcripts
• Special education documentation (if applicable)
• Any other school records available

Having these documents ready in advance helps prevent delays and allows our admissions team to get a comprehensive view of your child’s academic background and unique needs. 

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Process

For your convenience, our application process is fully online. Start by accessing the application portal through the St. Cecelia website. You’ll be guided through each section, where you’ll upload your documents, provide family and student information, and answer questions about your child. 

Both pre-K and first through eighth-grade applications require a non-refundable $100 application fee. If your child is transferring from another school, be sure to complete the records request form so we can obtain their records. 

The online system is designed to be user-friendly. Our staff is available to assist with any technical questions or concerns you may have throughout the process. After you submit your application, give us a call to schedule your admissions interview. 

Step 4: Application Review and Acceptance 

As part of our commitment to ensuring the best fit for every student, all applicants participate in an assessment. For students in grades two through eight, we also schedule a shadow day before acceptance. This allows prospective students to experience a typical day at St. Cecelia, interact with peers, and meet faculty. 

We carefully review each applicant’s report cards, standardized test scores, assessment performance, and feedback from teachers during the shadow day. This holistic approach allows us to make thoughtful decisions and offer admission to students who will thrive in our school community.

Step 5: Catholic School Enrollment Confirmation

Upon acceptance, you’ll receive an official welcome packet outlining the final steps for enrollment. This includes submitting any additional documents needed, such as health forms or parish verification. 

You’ll also pay the registration fee and select a tuition payment plan that fits your family’s needs. We’ll guide you through options for monthly, quarterly, or annual payments. Once these steps are complete, your child’s spot is officially reserved for the upcoming school year. 

We’ll also provide information about orientation, uniforms, and ways to get involved in the St. Cecelia community. Parents in our community are strongly engaged in student life and outreach programs through the St. Cecelia Home and School Association. If you have any questions, our team is here to help. We’re committed to making Catholic school enrollment at St. Cecelia as easy as possible.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships at St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School

Investing in a Catholic education is a meaningful commitment. St. Cecelia strives to make Catholic school enrollment accessible for families throughout Clearwater and Pinellas County. Here are our current tuition rates, other fees, and financial aid opportunities.. 

Tuition Rates (2025-2026)

• Pre-K Tuition: $9,940 per year for the full-day program (minus the VPK voucher of $3,029).

• K-8 Tuition: $9,940 per year for Catholic-affiliated families, payable over ten months; $12, 772 for non-affiliated families.

• New Student Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable).

• Registration Fee: $560 for PK3 and PK4 students; $1,400 for K-8 students (annual, non-refundable).

Extended Day Program

• Includes both Before Care and After Care
• $800 per year or $80 per month
• Drop-in for $8 per day, or $25 regular fee if using Before Care only

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Step Up for Students Scholarship: Available to all Florida residents in grades K-8. This state scholarship can significantly reduce tuition costs for qualifying families.

• VPK Voucher: All 4-year-old Florida residents are eligible for the state’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) voucher, which covers a portion of Pre-K tuition.

• Additional Assistance: We encourage families to apply for other scholarships and financial aid programs. Our admissions team can guide you through the process.

St. Cecelia Enrollment FAQs

Q: What if my child has learning differences?

A: St. Cecelia is committed to supporting all learners. Please discuss your child’s unique needs with our admissions team to see how we can help them thrive.

Q: Is there a waiting list for admission to St. Cecelia?

A: Some grades fill quickly. If a class is full, your child will be placed on a waiting list. We’ll notify you if a spot becomes available.

Q: What is student life like at St. Cecelia?

A: Our students enjoy a rich blend of academics, faith formation, service projects, athletics, arts, and leadership opportunities. We nurture well-rounded, compassionate leaders prepared for success in high school and beyond.

Discover the St. Cecelia Difference

Ready to join the St. Cecelia community? We look forward to welcoming your family and guiding you through the Catholic school enrollment process. Apply here for Pre-K or here for K-8.