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Frequently Asked Questions
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Below are some frequently asked questions families ask about our academic programs, school policies, and student life as they are getting to know Nativity School. If you have additional questions not answered below or need further assistance, please reach out to the school office at (651) 699-1311.
What grades does Nativity of Our Lord serve?
Nativity of Our Lord School offers a comprehensive Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, including both half-day and full-day preschool options.
When does the school day start and end?
Our school day hours are as follows:Kindergarten–Grade 5: 8:10 AM – 2:40 PM
(Students may enter the building starting at 8:00 AM).Grades 6–8: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
(Students may enter the building starting at 7:50 AM).Preschool: Half-day option: 8:10 AM – 11:30 AM | Full-day option: 8:10 AM – 2:30 PM.
Do you have a child care program before and after school? Yes, before and after school care is available through our Nativity Early Learning Center (NELC). For more details and registration, please visit the NELC website. NELC also offers a summer program for families needing year-round care. We also host after-school enrichment programs from 2:45 PM -3:30 PM most days, which include activities such as Chess Club, Language Sprouts, HIIT, KidCreate art classes, and more. For students in grades 6-8, we offer a Crunch program with supervised after-school study time from 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Do students wear uniforms?
Yes. Students in grades K–8 wear uniforms, with several style choices available. Uniforms can be purchased through Donald’s Department Store. Nativity also holds used uniform sales throughout the year offering gently used items at a reduced cost.
What is the cost of tuition?
Please click here to view the tuition schedule for the 2025–2026 school year. Financial aid and scholarships are available to ensure a Nativity education is accessible to all families.
What are your class sizes?
Nativity has class sizes that are optimal to offer individualized attention, but also assist in social thriving. Class sizes for grades K-5 are 18-24 students. Our middle school students have a 7-period schedule with 17-27 students per class.
What are the Lunch Program details?
Nativity offers an outstanding hot lunch program. The food is prepared on site by our kitchen staff and served by a wonderful group of parent volunteers each day. Lunch is free for students as we are fortunate to be included in the free hot lunch program through the state.
Do students attend Mass regularly?
Yes. Students in grades 3-8 attend one daily Mass with Nativity parishioners each week. Students in grades 3-5 attend on Fridays and students in grades 6-8 attend on Wednesdays. Throughout the school year, we also celebrate five All School Masses with all students in grades K-8.
How is faith integrated into the school day?
In addition to Mass, students engage with the Catholic faith through daily prayer, faith-based integrated learning, and in-school and extracurricular service opportunities such as our annual Thanksgiving food drive, Christmas and Lenten service projects, and family service mornings. In addition, preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion is part of our second grade religion curriculum and preparation for Confirmation is part of our seventh grade religion curriculum. Students celebrate these Sacraments with their classmates with support from their families, teachers, school staff, and our parish priests.Nativity offers athletic, academic, service & leadership, and fine arts extracurricular activities. Click here for a full list of extracurricular opportunities by grade level.Students in grades K-3 use iPads for special projects and personalized learning, and students in grades 4-8 use Chromebooks for special projects. Tablets and Chromebooks are provided for in-school use only. Students in K-5 also attend computer class, where they learn technology skills such as Microsoft Office, typing, safe internet use, and coding.
Are there athletic teams for the students to join?
Yes. All K-8 students may join the Nativity swim team, which practices and competes from January-April. Students in grades K-5 also have some intramural athletic opportunities. Middle school students may participate in fall, winter, and spring athletics.
Do students use computers or tablets in the classroom?
How can parents get involved at school?
Volunteer opportunities are many and varied, and include:- filling daily needs, such as serving hot lunch and playground patrol
- supporting special events throughout the year, such as chaperoning field trips and helping during Field Day and the Marathon
- facilitating academic opportunities, such as leading 5th grade Literature Circles, working with 7th grade students on their history day projects, or helping with the 8th grade Science Fair as an expert advisor or judge.
Are there volunteer requirements?
We ask each family to complete 10 volunteer hours per academic year, and to volunteer at the annual Nativity County Fair in September. Volunteer opportunities for the County Fair include chairing or co-chairing an event committee, or signing up to fill volunteer shifts during the County Fair weekend.