When should I apply to SJND?

Applications are available in the Main Office and in the Admissions Office in September. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Will I be able to afford SJND?

Yes. SJND has financial assistance available in addition to scholarships based on merit and/or specific categories of studies. 

If I indicate that I need financial assistance, will it affect my chances for admissions?

No. Admission into SJND is based on academic ability in addition to good student conduct, effort, and attendance. We also take into consideration test scores, your interview, and recommendations.

Is SJND a diverse community?

SJND is one of the most diverse Catholic high schools in the East Bay. We are made up of 27 percent European American, 17 percent African American, 17 percent Latino, 16 percent Multiethnic, 14 percent Filipino, 7 percent Asian, 2 percent American Indian and other.

What does SJND have to offer students outside of the classroom?

SJND offers competitive athletics such as basketball and golf, and clubs and organizations such as Amnesty International and Dance Club. Students also can participate in Pep Band, drama and musical productions, and PRISMS (National Award Winning Literary Magazine).

What percentage of SJND students is admitted to a four-year college/university?

Ninety-nine percent of SJND graduates go on to college. This past year students were admitted into colleges/universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, Yale, and Stanford University, to name just a few. For a complete list of where SJND graduates were accepted in 2006, go to our matriculation page.

Why would I want to attend SJND?

SJND is a small, dynamic Catholic college preparatory high school that offers many opportunities academically, spiritually, and socially. You will graduate from SJND with critical thinking skills, an openness to diversity, and enhanced leadership qualities.

What is the maximum annual salary a family can make to qualify for tuition assistance?

There is no maximum.  The school evaluates a family’s income as well as any other circumstances that affect the family’s ability to pay tuition. This means that in the “Explanations” section we need to know about your family circumstances.  

I don’t want my student to be embarrassed at school because of our family’s financial situation.  How does SJND avoid this?

All information in your application is kept confidentially between the Business Office and the Principal. Other faculty and staff members are not privy to any financial information related to the family or student.

If I indicate that I will need tuition assistance, will it hurt my child’s chances for admission?

No. The financial-aid process is completely separate from the admission process. Students are accepted based on their personal and academic strengths, not their ability to pay tuition.

What if the parents of the student are divorced or separated?  Who files the application?

Whoever is going to sign the Contract of Financial Responsibility should complete the application. This person has declared he/she/they will be responsible for paying tuition and is the person(s) we will consider for tuition assistance.

What is Private School Aid Service (PSAS) and how are they involved in the tuition-assistance process?

PSAS is a national service organization and is not affiliated with SJND. They are contracted to process all of our applications. They provide an objective evaluation and recommend an allocation based on their assessment.

What is Family Assistance for Catholic Education (FACE) and how does it differ from SJND tuition assistance?

FACE is a program funded and administered by the Catholic Diocese of Oakland. The funds come from contributions and gifts solicited by Catholic organizations for support of students in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Oakland. Saint Joseph Notre Dame tuition assistance comes directly from the school’s operating budget. The programs are administered separately; awards may be granted from either or both of these programs. Qualifying for SJND tuition assistance does not guarantee you will receive FACE and vice versa. The PSAS application, once completed satisfactorily, is used for both FACE and SJND. PSAS will forward the application information to FACE. There is no need to apply separately for FACE.

How do I complete the taxable and non-taxable income sections if I do not make any money?

In order for your application to be considered complete, it must be apparent that the applicant(s) have adequate financial resources to maintain a household and to have sufficient additional financial capacity to be able to pay at least 60 percent of the annual SJND tuition. If you realize that this is not the case, please reconsider who is going to pay for tuition and sign the Contract of Financial Responsibility and have that person(s) complete the PSAS application.

If I am applying to more than one Catholic school where I will be seeking tuition assistance, do I need to complete multiple applications?

No.  In Section C, in the block for name of the school that each student will be attending, list each of the schools to which your student is applying for admission.  PSAS will then direct your student’s information to each of those respective schools for inclusion into each school’s peer group database. PLEASE NOTE:  You should submit the original application to the school that has the earliest submission deadline date. It is helpful if you notify the other schools (including Catholic elementary schools to which you have listed children attending) that you submitted a PSAS application through one of the other schools. 

If I have another student in another Catholic elementary and/or high school in the Oakland Diocese must I make a separate application for that student for assistance from that other school?                                             

No. By completing Section C and naming the student(s) and school(s) being attended or to be attended. PSAS will automatically make a copy of your application and send that to the other school(s) and include your student in the peer group analysis of each school(s). Again, be mindful of the filing deadlines for each school!

What if I do not have any documentation to support my income?

Be sure and explain in “Explanations” section why documentation is unavailable. A representative from the SJND Business Office will contact you to inquire further as to your family circumstances.