REGISTRATION FOR 2024/25 IS OPEN!

Please read all of the following before registering!

Placement Guidelines

Level I - ages 3-6 as of September 1st and developmentally ready for Atrium participation. Children must be:

• Able to communicate their needs to catechists and peers and understand simple directions with ease. Children who have not yet developed strong language skills may become overwhelmed and frustrated, making it harder to enjoy being in atrium.

• Able to use the toilet independently. We are unable to assist with toileting according to Archdiocesan child protection policy. Pull-up usage is fine.

• Open to having the catechist show them proper use of the materials. Students in a Montessori class quickly learn how to set up, use, and put away materials on the shelves. Children who are not developmentally ready to do this may run away from a teacher, lie on the floor, or avoid tasks in other ways.

• Able to focus on an individual task for a time before moving on to the next one. Children who are not yet ready for the atrium might move quickly from material to material without completing anything. They might also dump things from the shelves one after another, and be too distracted by the number of things out in the class to be able to settle into a single activity long enough to receive a lesson on it.

• Willing to participate in circle time. Children should be able to sit and engage with the group for short lessons, songs, or prayer. 

The first few sessions are a trial period for three-year-olds. If after that time it is determined that the child is not yet ready, it will be recommended that they wait until next year to begin. 

Level II (ages 6-9 as of September 1st)

Signs of readiness for a six-year-old to be placed in Level II include the following:

• The ability to understand the figurative meaning of parables
• A need to work collaboratively with other children rather than only alongside
• Gaining a concept of time (past, present, future)
• Developing an increasing interest in geography and far away places
• A decrease in engagement/enjoyment in Level I atrium
• Ability to independently read short Scripture passages, booklets, and prayer cards

Level II involves more abstract work, reading, reflection, and group discussion. Some younger children who aren't yet reading independently feel very challenged by this and find it difficult to adjust, while for others it is a catalyst for growth.

For returning six-year-olds, parents might wish to consult with their child's Level 1 catechist for a placement recommendation.  If in doubt, a child can always be placed in Level I and move up to Level II mid-year if the catechist deems the child to be ready.

CGS Sacramental preparation for First Penance and First Communion is available to any child enrolled in Level II or III who is ready and normally takes place in the second year of Level II. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd sacrament preparation includes five evening meditations for parents and their children as well as a retreat for the children to intensively prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments.

CGS Sacrament Preparation Details

Level III is for any child ages 9-12 as of September 1st.

CLASS DAY AND TIME OPTIONS

(Once a week for two hours, except the Sunday session which is 15 minutes shorter)

• Sunday 10:10 - 11:55 am (Levels I, II, III) - between 9:00 and noon Masses
• Wednesday 4:30 - 6:30 pm (Levels I, II, III)
• Thursday 9:30 - 11:30 am  (Levels I, II, III)

ANNUAL TUITION for 1st/2nd/3rd/4th or more children:

• Ascension parish members: $175/150/$125/$100
• Non parish members: $350/300/$250/$200
• Catechists: $0/$0/$100 for third or more children

Need-based scholarships available, please inquire

Priority registration goes to catechists' and aides’ children, Ascension parish members, and returning atrium families. Additional registrants will be accommodated as space allows.

START DATE

• Children brand-new to atrium will begin the week of September 8th. 
• Returning atrium children will begin the week of September 29th.

REGISTRATION FORM

Please contact Heather Bress with any questions at [email protected]