Compare International Schools in Clearwater, United States

Instructs in English

Fees $18,100 - 21,900

Pupils 563

Type Co-educational

Clearwater Central Catholic High School is a private, college-preparatory high school in Clearwater, Florida serving Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. The 40-acre campus has eight buildings, the Learning and Achievement Center, the 700-seat James B. White Performing Arts Theater and a science center. The athletics complex includes a field house, an indoor gym, a lighted stadium with a rubberized track, baseball and softball fields, beach volleyball courts and cross-country course. CCC offers College Preparatory, Honors, Dual Enrollment, AP and IB pathways. The IB Diploma Program is a two-year course with six subjects, CAS, the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. The school is accredited by SACS and has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National School of Excellence and by the NCEA as an American Catholic School for the 21st Century. Programs include leadership and service such as Water 4 Mercy, Model United Nations and Robotics.

Location

2750 Haines Bayshore Road, Clearwater, FL 33760. Clearwater Central Catholic High School sits on a 40-acre campus in Clearwater. It is a private college-preparatory school in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. It aims to develop students' moral, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and creative potential and to respect diversity in the world around them.

Stages

High school.

Type

Private college-preparatory high school.

Country affiliation

United States.

Religious affiliation

Catholic.

Application & Enrollment Fees

- Application fee: USD 100 (non-refundable).
- Enrollment (Enrollment Contract) fee: USD 500 (charged when accepting/enrolling; non-refundable).

Tuition (academic year, per student)

- Affiliated families (practicing Catholics registered in a parish of the Diocese of St. Petersburg): USD 18,100 per year.
- Non‑affiliated families: USD 20,700 per year.
- International students: USD 21,900 per year.

Examples of common payment breakdowns (calculated examples)
- These example per‑payment amounts are calculated by dividing the annual tuition by the number of payments and are provided to show how the annual tuition translates to typical plans. The school offers payment plans through the FACTS Family Portal; exact installment amounts and schedule are set when you enroll in the chosen FACTS plan.

- If paid in one annual payment:
- Affiliated: USD 18,100 per year.
- Non‑affiliated: USD 20,700 per year.
- International: USD 21,900 per year.

- If paid semi‑annually (2 payments):
- Affiliated: USD 9,050 per payment.
- Non‑affiliated: USD 10,350 per payment.
- International: USD 10,950 per payment. (Annual tuition ÷ 2.)

- If paid over 10 installments (example: August–May):
- Affiliated: USD 1,810.00 per payment.
- Non‑affiliated: USD 2,070.00 per payment.
- International: USD 2,190.00 per payment. (Annual tuition ÷ 10.)

- If paid over 12 installments (example: June–May):
- Affiliated: USD 1,508.33 per payment.
- Non‑affiliated: USD 1,725.00 per payment.
- International: USD 1,825.00 per payment. (Annual tuition ÷ 12.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition billing and payment plans are managed through the FACTS Family Portal (FACTS tuition management). Families must complete the Enrollment Contract in FACTS to set the payment plan and payment method. Available plans include full (annual) payment, semi‑annual payments, and monthly/installment plans through FACTS. Any unpaid charges are billed to the family's FACTS account.
- Late payment handling and returned‑payment processing are enforced; a Late Payment Fee and a Return Check/Returned Payment fee apply (see the Fees section below for amounts). Unpaid balances can affect re‑enrollment status.

Other mandatory school fees (2025–26 schedule shown)

- IB fees for upperclassmen: USD 700 (non-refundable).
- Educational Resources fee (includes iPad program): USD 1,000 (non-refundable); the school retains ownership of student iPads until graduation — if a student leaves prior to graduation a one‑time fee is required to complete the Educational Resources Program (amount varies by withdrawal date).
- Graduation fee (seniors only): USD 300 (non-refundable).
- Transfer student fees: USD 200–600 (non-refundable, depending on timing/grade).

Estimated additional and incidental costs

- Uniforms (purchased from a third‑party vendor): approximately USD 250–500 per student.
- ID lanyard replacement: USD 10.
- Parking permit for licensed student drivers: USD 50 annually.
- Classes, athletic teams, clubs, and trips: may carry extra materials, dues, lab fees, activity fees, field trip costs, or team fees depending on participation.
- Late Payment Fee: USD 75.
- Return Check / Returned Payment Fee: USD 50.

Refund information

- All school fees listed are non‑refundable. The Educational Resources fee/iPad program has a specific completion payment if a student withdraws before graduation; that completion fee varies depending on withdrawal timing. Unused tuition or fees are handled according to the Enrollment Contract and FACTS billing arrangements.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. Clearwater Central Catholic is a day secondary school serving grades 9–12; there is no boarding program or boarding fees.

Fee payment options

- All tuition and fee billing and collections are processed through the FACTS Family Portal (FACTS Tuition Management). FACTS supports electronic payment methods such as automatic bank withdrawal (ACH) and credit/debit card payments where the school enables those options; the school's FACTS agreement establishes the exact methods and any convenience fees. Families set up payment method and schedule in FACTS when completing the Enrollment Contract. Unpaid fees appear on the FACTS account and are subject to FACTS returned‑payment policies.

Summary notes (factual and declarative)

- Annual tuition for the 2025–26 school year is USD 18,100 (affiliated), USD 20,700 (non‑affiliated), and USD 21,900 (international). Application and enrollment fees are USD 100 and USD 500 respectively; IB, graduation, educational resources, and transfer fees are charged as noted above. Payment plans and billing are administered via FACTS; common plans include annual, semi‑annual, and monthly installments. All listed fees are non‑refundable.

Uniform Requirement

Uniform policy is in the student handbook. A 2023-2024 update introduced new uniforms.

Food Options

Lunch is provided by Sage Dining Services under an all-inclusive lunch program beginning Fall 2025, including on-site hot entrees daily, a salad bar and soup station, a deli station, an allergy-free station, and detailed allergen labeling; students have unlimited access during lunch service and the cost is included in tuition. The McLin Center cafeteria space was updated to support these additions.

Governance and Ownership

The Advisory Council is consultative in nature and operates under the authority delegated to it by the Bishop of St. Petersburg through the Board of Trustees.

Curriculum

CCC offers College Preparatory, Honors, Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs. The curriculum is organized by subject area with pathways through CP, Honors, DE, AP, and IB, and a course catalog lays out the levels, prerequisites, and sequences across four high school years. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a two-year DP for juniors and seniors; students study six IB courses (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), complete CAS, the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge, and can earn an IB Diploma from the IB Organization if requirements are met. There is a $1,400 DP program cost split between junior and senior years. The IB Middle Years Program courses prepare students for the DP, and CCC's DP offerings include subjects such as English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Design/Technology; all courses are college preparatory.

Student Teacher Ratio

13:1

Exam Results

CCC has multiple National Merit qualifiers among recent graduating classes. The Class of 2026 has five National Merit Qualifiers, and the Class of 2025 finished the year with four National Merit Scholars. Since 2022, CCC has had at least five National Merit qualifiers. Notable CCC graduates have progressed to colleges such as Florida State University, University of Florida, and MIT, among others.

Higher Education Progression

The school reports a 100% Graduation Rate and a 100% College Acceptance Rate. Seventy percent of students are enrolled in the IB Diploma Program. Recent IB graduates have enrolled in colleges and universities including Auburn University, Boston College, College of William & Mary, Cornell University, Emory University, Florida State University, Indiana University, Miami University (Ohio), New York University, Northeastern University, Northwestern University, Pepperdine University, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, the University of Miami, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of South Florida, and the University of Tampa.

Gifted and Talented

The School Counseling program helps explore occupations and careers that complement giftedness. Gifted Services are referenced in Admissions discussions and may be requested or documented during the application process.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

CCC integrates social-emotional learning into its holistic learning environment. The program focuses on five areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These areas are infused into classroom practice to support students' personal and academic growth. This approach aligns with CCC's mission to educate the whole person.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

CCC provides Student Support Services (SSP) for students with documented disabilities, including ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, medical conditions, and other diagnosed learning differences. An SSP outlines reasonable classroom accommodations to access the college-preparatory curriculum; accommodations are individualized, data-driven, and based on the student's documented needs and CCC resources. CCC does not provide modified curriculum content, modified assessment content or academic standards, specially designed instruction, routine one-to-one testing, or behavior-related modifications requiring staffing. Eligibility for SSP is reviewed during admissions with documentation such as a current diagnostic evaluation and a current SSP/504 plan or IEP. The SSP Coordinator, Elizabeth Ryczek, oversees the process and also supports students' social-emotional well-being.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

CCC offers ESL (English as a Second Language) for international students during the school year, including skills development. International students in Grades 9–11 are accepted and must demonstrate English proficiency with TOEFL results; transcripts from non-US countries must be evaluated by a certified agency. CCC recognizes international needs and provides programs such as NiHao International to ease transitions.

Mental Wellbeing

School Counseling helps students develop personal, social, spiritual, and educational skills. Counselors work with students to identify strengths and challenges and to plan academic and personal growth, and students work with the same counselor over four years. The SSP Coordinator also partners with students and families on academic planning, college readiness, and students' social-emotional well-being; the School Counselor, Elizabeth Ryczek, holds a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.

Safeguarding

CCC participates in the Safe Environment Program (SEP) to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abuse. SEP is mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and relevant Florida statutes.

History

Founded in February 1962, Clearwater Central Catholic High School was established after Archbishop Joseph Hurley selected Clearwater as the site for a new Catholic high school. The first building, later named the Hurley Building, broke ground in 1962 and CCC opened in September 1962 with 96 students in grades 9–11. The first graduating class completed in 1964 with 26 graduates. CCC is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National School of Excellence and by the National Catholic Educational Association as an American Catholic School for the 21st Century. The campus sits on a 40‑acre site and serves Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties as one of four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Community

Clearwater Central Catholic High School is a Catholic, coeducational college‑preparatory school in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, serving primarily the Upper Deanery of Pinellas County. It emphasizes a faith‑centered community guided by CCC Affirmations and Core Values: Living Faith, Inspiring Excellence, Valuing Service, and Embodying Respect. The mission and vision focus on developing creative leaders who respect themselves and others, serve others, and strive for excellence in all endeavors. It fosters a diverse community of faith and lifelong learners who grow in faith and act with respect and integrity.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Clearwater Central Catholic High School operates a Parent Involvement Program built on active involvement by the parent community. The program emphasizes service as a core value and helps keep CCC more affordable. Each CCC family must earn parent involvement hours annually: 30 hours for a two‑parent household or 15 hours for a single‑parent household; unfulfilled hours can be paid as a monetary equivalent. Volunteer opportunities are posted on the Volunteer Hub and must be signed up for by families through their accounts. The program is overseen by the Director of Advancement & Parent Involvement Program Coordinator, with athletic volunteer coordination handled by the Athletic Director. Resources such as the Marauder Store and partnerships like the Charitable Tuition Partnership are associated with parent involvement."

Facilities Overview

The campus spans 40 acres and comprises eight permanent buildings. The Learning and Achievement Center houses the Joe and Jo Ann White Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the James B. White Performing Arts Theater seats 700. There is a state-of-the-art science education center on campus. Athletic facilities include a contemporary field house, an indoor gymnasium, a lighted stadium with a rubberized track and turf field, a lighted baseball field, a softball field, beach volleyball courts, a lacrosse field and a 3-mile cross-country course.

Sports Facilities

The athletic footprint sits on a 40-acre campus with a contemporary athletic field house and an iconic indoor gymnasium. The stadium is lighted and features a rubberized track and turf field. Baseball and softball fields are lighted, and there are beach volleyball courts. A lacrosse field and a 3-mile cross-country course support interscholastic programs.

Academic Facilities

The Learning and Achievement Center houses the Joe and Jo Ann White Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The campus includes a state-of-the-art science education center. The James B. White Performing Arts Theater seats 700 and serves performing arts education on campus. Clearwater Central Catholic High School is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The arts are supported by a 700-seat James B. White Performing Arts Theater. The Marauder athletics program offers Fall, Winter and Spring sports including cross country, golf, football, swimming, volleyball, basketball, competitive cheer, soccer, wrestling, baseball, beach volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, softball, tennis, and track and field. Campus facilities include a contemporary athletic field house, an indoor gymnasium, a lighted stadium with a rubberized track and turf field, a lighted baseball field, a softball field, beach volleyball courts, a lacrosse field and a 3-mile cross-country course.

Academic & Intellectual

CCC offers nine co-curricular clubs aligned with subject areas and featuring competitions or productions. Examples include Ethics Bowl, Brain Bowl, Math Competition, Model United Nations, Science Olympiad, Robotics Team, HOSA (Medical Scholars Club), Quill and Scroll, and Entrepreneurs Club.

Arts & Creative

Quill and Scroll develops multi-media skills through yearbook publishing, photography and writing, and video production. Drama Club participates in productions and competes in district and state competitions. Praise Band provides liturgical music for all-school Masses.

Cultural & Language

Spanish Interest Group offers language practice and volunteers at cultural events. Students train for the Florida State Spanish Conference in the spring.

Social & Hobbies

After-school interest and service groups include Drama Club, Environmental, Marauder Meadow, Forensic Science, Fashion Upcycle, Spanish Interest Group, Science Olympiad, Morning Star Amigos, Catholic Relief Services, Water 4 Mercy, and Key Club. Key Club provides volunteering opportunities with sister schools and local organizations. Community Builders is an interest group focused on positive differences in the school and local community.

Community & Service

Water 4 Mercy Chapter engages students in philanthropic humanitarian efforts. Catholic Relief Services established the first CCC high school CRS chapter in Florida; CCC continues to support CRS missions. Peer Ministers utilize their gifts to lead campus retreats and support campus ministry. Mission Thursday collections and drives (e.g., Thanksgiving Food Drive) support local and global outreach.

Leadership & Professional

Student Government operates at each class level with the Executive Council and class councils. Student Ambassadors assist the Admissions Office and represent CCC at events. Senior Class Council and other class councils provide leadership opportunities for upperclassmen; Executive Council roles include positions such as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Athletics offers fall, winter, and spring sports, including cross country, golf, football, swimming, volleyball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, baseball, beach volleyball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, and track and field. The Chapel is open daily with Masses and Holy Hour, and Campus Ministry coordinates liturgies, retreats and outreach activities to support student well-being. Regular prayer services and retreats foster community and spiritual formation.

Admissions

1) All grade levels for the 2026-27 school year are currently at capacity. Grade 9 applications for the 2027-28 Class of 2031 open on July 31, 2026. An online application is required, with a non-refundable $100 application fee, and the application prompts registration for the High School Placement Test (HSPT). Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance; acceptance letters are sent in the Spring, and accepted students receive email correspondence regarding student iPads.

2) Submit the required forms and materials. The Online Application includes registering for the HSPT for 9th grade or submitting the Transfer Affidavit for 10-12 transfers. International applicants must have transcripts reviewed by the Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES). Students with learning or medical accommodations should provide the necessary documentation (e.g., Student Support Plan, IEP/504, Gifted services, physician letter) as applicable. Only after the Admissions Office has received all required documents will a decision regarding admittance be made.

3) The Admissions Office issues decisions after all documents are received; acceptance letters are sent in the Spring; accepted students receive information about next steps, including iPad distribution.

4) If accepted, complete enrollment through the FACTS Family Portal. This includes signing the Enrollment Contract (currently with a $500 enrollment contract fee) and paying the associated fees. Enrollment involves verification of parish affiliation, submission of health forms (School Physical and Immunization), a middle school final transcript, and a birth certificate or passport. Enrollment remains contingent on good academic and behavioral standing and on successful completion of the 8th grade, and continues until the freshman class enrollment limit is met.

5) Enrollment communications and document submission are managed through FACTS Family Portal; the school monitors eligibility based on academic and behavioral standing as part of the enrollment process.

Scholarships

The school does not offer a scholarship that covers 100% of tuition and fees. A Tuition Assistance Program is available and is income-based; families must apply through FACTS Grant & Aid each year. The FACTS application fee is $38, and applications must be completed and submitted by March 31 with all required documents uploaded by April 15. The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program (FES UA) is available for eligible students and replaces the McKay Scholarship for many families, with existing McKay families having options to remain or transition under FES UA. The school offers endowed and annual scholarship funds, including the Henderson Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Sr. Mary Dion Horrigan Endowed Fund, to provide tuition assistance to qualifying students. Endowed funds and the Alumni Scholarship Fund support needs-based assistance; donors may contact the Advancement Office to inquire about establishing new endowed scholarships. State scholarship opportunities can be applied for through designated sites referenced on the tuition page. Other financial assistance opportunities include applying scholarship funds toward Florida Virtual School where applicable; for questions about financial aid, contact the Finance Office.

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St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - null years

Fees $7,408 - 40,233

Pupils 475

Type Co-educational

St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School is an International Baccalaureate World School in Clearwater, serving Pre-K3 through 8th grade. Today, the preschool emphasizes physical, social, emotional growth alongside spiritual formation, while the primary grades integrate trusted curricula with Catholic faith formation. The intermediate program (grades 3–5) provides a rigorous curriculum, and middle school (grades 6–8) follows IB Middle Years Programme, with religious education grounded in Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The curriculum aligns with the Diocese of St. Petersburg Comprehensive Standards, Florida Standards, and IB expectations for middle years. Campus features labs, interactive classrooms, and dedicated technology specialists, with technology integrated from Pre-K to 8. Extracurriculars include competitive sports, lacrosse, drama, dance, soccer, chess, and tennis. Visual and Performing Arts, plus Spanish via FLVS with on-site instructor, enrich the IB framework. The school earned National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2010 and 2020, and celebrated 75th anniversary in 2023.

Location

1350 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756, United States. Clearwater, in the Tampa Bay area. The address is listed on the Contact Us page. Admissions notes that the school serves students from throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Stages

PreK-3 through 8th grade

Type

Catholic school; International Baccalaureate World School

Country affiliation

United States

Religious affiliation

Catholic

School day structure

Student instructional hours run from 7:50 am to 3:00 pm. The before-care program runs 6:30 am to 7:30 am and after-care runs until 6:00 pm; car line runs 7:30 am to 3:00 pm, and early dismissal occurs at 12:30 pm on half-days.

Application and Registration Fees

- New student application fee: USD 100 (non-refundable).
- Registration fee due at acceptance (annual, non-refundable):
- Preschool (PK3/PK4): USD 560.
- Kindergarten–8th grade (K–8): USD 1,400.

Tuition Fees by Program / Year Group (2026–2027)

- Preschool (3-Year-Old Program):
- Full day: USD 10,437 per year; 10-month payment plan: USD 1,044 per month.
- Half day: USD 7,828 per year; 10-month payment plan: USD 783 per month.

- Pre-Kindergarten (VPK-4) Program:
- Full-day gross tuition: USD 10,437 per year. VPK state funding: USD 3,029. Parent responsibility after VPK funding: USD 7,408 per year; 10-month plan: USD 741 per month. (VPK-only enrollment may be free with a voucher for the VPK portion.)

- Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K–8) Tuition — Catholic-affiliated rate (Parish Verification Form on file):
- 1 student: USD 10,437 per year; 10-month plan: USD 1,044 per month.
- 2 students (same family): USD 20,876 per year; 10-month plan: USD 2,088 per month.
- 3 students (same family): USD 31,311 per year; 10-month plan: USD 3,132 per month.

- Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K–8) Tuition — Non-affiliated rate:
- 1 student: USD 13,411 per year; 10-month plan: USD 1,342 per month.
- 2 students: USD 26,822 per year; 10-month plan: USD 2,683 per month.
- 3 students: USD 40,233 per year; 10-month plan: USD 4,024 per month.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms

- Regular tuition billing begins in August and is payable over ten months under the standard 10-month schedule.
- All tuition and after-care payments are processed through FACTS Tuition Management. Families must have a FACTS account; FACTS supports multiple payment frequencies (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually) as configured through the FACTS system. Past-due tuition after 60 days may jeopardize a student's continued attendance.
- For new students enrolling after the school year begins, the full registration fee, general fee, and first tuition payment are due in the month of enrollment; remaining tuition is prorated based on enrollment date and number of school days remaining.

Before Care and Aftercare (Extended Day) Fees

- Before Care (grades K–8):
- Family registration fee (before-care only): USD 25 per year.
- Monthly fee for regular attendance: USD 80 per student.
- Occasional drop-in rate: USD 8 per day.

- Aftercare / Extended Day (Pre-K through Grade 8, until 6:00 PM):
- Family registration fee: USD 75 per year.
- Regular attendance: USD 2,300 per student annually, billed as USD 230 over 10 monthly payments and paid with tuition.
- Occasional drop-in rate: USD 20 per day. Half-day occasional rate: USD 20 per half-day.
- Late pickup fee: USD 5 for every 5 minutes after 6:00 PM; repeated late pickups may result in removal from aftercare.

Other Costs and Fees

- Uniforms and Personal Appearance:
- A school uniform is required; uniform items and specifications (polo shirts, jumpers, skirts/skorts, pants, approved shoes, PE attire, spirit-wear, etc.) are specified in the school's uniform guidelines. Uniform items and St. Cecelia-branded accessories are available through the designated uniform vendor (Risse Brothers). Specific uniform prices are not listed here.

- Activity, participation, or program fees:
- Certain activities (for example, drama production participation, athletics, or other extracurriculars) may require participation or costume/production fees; amounts vary by activity and are assessed as required.

Refunds and Withdrawal Policy

- All fees are due regardless of early withdrawal. If a student withdraws, parents must submit a written transfer/withdrawal request and provide a forwarding address and withdrawal date. All financial obligations must be satisfied before records are released. Upon withdrawal, parents are required to pay 20% of the remaining tuition balance for the school year. Delinquent accounts (tuition outstanding beyond 60 days) may put continued attendance in jeopardy.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered; St. Cecelia operates as a day school for Pre-K through 8th grade.

Fee Payment Options and Mechanism

- All tuition and aftercare fees are managed and collected through FACTS Tuition Management. FACTS allows selection of payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) and handles the family's payment plan setup. Families should use the FACTS account to manage payments; FACTS customer support can assist with payment-method details. Specific acceptable payment instruments (for example, bank draft or card) are handled within the FACTS platform and should be confirmed via the FACTS account.

Notes on Financial Assistance

- Tuition assistance and scholarships are available (including state VPK funding for eligible Pre-K4 students and Florida scholarship programs such as Step Up For Students / AAA administered scholarships). A St. Cecelia Tuition Assistance Fund is also available to help offset additional costs for eligible families. Applications and eligibility criteria are handled through the school's listed financial aid and scholarship processes.

Boarding Arrangements

The school does not offer boarding.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms must be purchased from Risse Brothers or the campus used uniform room. Uniforms must be clean and fit properly. Pre-K3 through Pre-K4 wear red T-shirts and polos with the SCS logo, navy shorts/pants with the logo, and navy skort or polo dress; K–8 wear navy shorts/pants with the logo and white or Carolina blue polo shirts, with belts for older students; dress-out days are allowed on designated Crusader Spirit Days.

Food Options

JW Foods provides a variety of lunch items with a monthly menu and price list. Students may bring lunches from home, and the cafeteria aims to offer nutritious options. If a student forgets lunch, lunch money will be provided by the cafeteria and may be paid back the next day.

Governance and Ownership

St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School is a parochial Catholic school supported by four local parishes: St. Cecelia Catholic Church, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Light of Christ Catholic Church, and St. Brendan Catholic Church. Governance involves parish participation and school bodies such as the Home & School Association and the School Advisory Commission (SAC).

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

A loving, nurturing, and caring atmosphere supports social and emotional development; each child is respected and accepted for who they are; students participate in monthly class visits from the school counselor and safety director.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ESOL Title I services are available to students who qualify; an ESE teacher supports students; native language screeners are available; language instruction is scaffolded; mother tongue support and translation resources are available.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

All students have the opportunity to learn a foreign language; ESOL strategies may be implemented for English language learners; English is the language of instruction; mother tongue support; translation resources; staff support for language development; Spanish is taught as a second language within the IB framework.

Mental Wellbeing

The school counselor is available for social-emotional concerns and anxiety; Pre-K 3 students have monthly visits from the school counselor; safety and wellbeing are supported by the counselor and safety director.

Safeguarding

The Diocese of St. Petersburg Safe Environment policy is in effect; volunteers undergo background checks and Safe Environment training; the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is followed; safeguarding policies include Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults guidelines and mandatory service hours.

History

St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School opened in 1948 with 60 students in grades 1–6 in the renovated St. Cecelia Church rectory, led by Father Colreavy and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary. Enrollment grew rapidly and by 1959 the school housed 500 students, with a new wing expanding classrooms; the school moved toward eight to ten grades. A cafetorium, library and a music department were added in 1960, and in 1969 the school became Interparochial. A Youth Center followed in 1978, computers and a full-time computer teacher arrived in 1980, a new primary building and chapel were built in 1994, and a middle school with science and computer labs was added in 2000. The school earned National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2010 and again in 2020, began Middle Years Programme authorization in 2011–2012 and Primary Years Programme in 2019, and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.

Community

St. Cecelia School maintains a strong, active partnership with parents, students, faculty, staff, parishes and the community at large. The school hosts a multitude of events to keep families connected and to foster a sense of community. These events emphasize involvement for the betterment of the school and the broader community. Programs and features include Crusader Cash Raffle and the Crusader Spirit Shop, which help engage families in school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Every St. Cecelia parent is a member of the Home & School Association. Parents volunteer thousands of hours, supporting the school, students, and programs. Through the Home & School Association, parents partner with the school to provide a supportive school environment. Family involvement is key to the educational and spiritual development of a child and is encouraged and welcomed at St. Cecelia School. The association coordinates volunteer efforts and supports student life, enhancing communication between families and school administrators. Volunteer opportunities and family engagement are integral to the St. Cecelia community.

Academic Facilities

The school has state-of-the-art computer labs, interactive classrooms, and dedicated technology specialists. Technology resources are continually updated to stay current. Technology is integrated across Pre-K through 8th grade, with a curriculum structure that includes Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), and Middle School (6-8). The school is an International Baccalaureate World School.

Extra Curricular Facilities

St. Cecelia School offers a variety of after-school programs. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, lacrosse, drama, dance, soccer, chess, and tennis. Athletics programs participate in the Pinellas Youth Conference. Sports seasons run throughout the school year with multiple sports offered in fall, winter and spring. Participants must submit an Athletic Clearance Physical Form and comply with coaching and safety requirements.

Academic & Intellectual

St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School is an International Baccalaureate World School serving PreK-3 through 8th grade. The Primary Years Programme is taught from PreK3 to grade 5, and the Middle Years Programme from grade 6 through 8. The curriculum aligns with Florida Standards and Diocesan Religion Standards, and the Middle Years Programme follows IB expectations to develop inquiry, interdisciplinary thinking, and global contexts. The school's Catholic tradition anchors intellectual growth and aims to prepare students to become globally minded, creative, and reflective lifelong learners.

Arts & Creative

Visual Arts are taught to PreK–8 with emphasis on creativity, the Elements of Art and Design, and a variety of mediums, with collaboration between arts teachers and core teachers. Performing Arts are part of the curriculum and include dance, music, digital media, script writing, and public speaking, with annual Christmas and Spring productions. The arts program supports well-rounded development through studio work and stage performances across grade levels.

Cultural & Language

Spanish is offered for K–8 through Florida Virtual School (FLVS), with classroom moderators and a licensed Spanish instructor to support reading, writing, listening, speaking, and cultural understanding. The FLVS program integrates with IB MYP contexts and supports cross-curricular learning. Students learn language skills and cultural elements through qualified instruction as part of the IB-aligned curriculum.

Social & Hobbies

Student Life offers a variety of after-school programs and clubs, providing opportunities to explore interests inside and outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, lacrosse, drama, dance, soccer, chess, and tennis. These activities complement academics and help students develop teamwork, leadership, and personal interests.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

A broad Physical Education program provides age-appropriate activity, emphasizing fitness, teamwork, and health, with developmentally appropriate experiences and sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football, and softball. The STREAM framework combines faith, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to address real-life issues and support lifelong learning and wellbeing. The library contains over 20,000 books and supports reading, research, and programs like Battle of the Books, contributing to a supportive learning environment.

Admissions

1. Arrange a tour. To begin the admissions process, call the Admissions Office at 727-461-1207 to arrange a tour. Tours are scheduled on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and open houses are offered so families can meet administrators, faculty, students and parents. 2. Submit an online application. Submit an online application to be considered for enrollment; the application includes a records release form to obtain report cards and standardized testing from the current school. Pre-K 3 & 4 applications require online submission with a nonrefundable $100 registration fee, while K–8 applications require online submission with a nonrefundable $100 application fee. 3. Schedule an interview and admissions testing. Schedule an appointment with the admissions director for an interview and admissions testing of the child. 4. Non‑discrimination in admissions. St. Cecelia Catholic School admits students of any race, sex, color, nationality, ethnic origin, and religion, and provides equal rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available to students. 5. Fees and registration. The online application includes a nonrefundable fee of $100. New student applications carry a $100 nonrefundable fee; registration due at acceptance is $560 for Catholic affiliated families (with parish verification) and $1,400 for non-affiliated families. (Catholic affiliation and parish verification are noted in the tuition schedule and related materials.)

Scholarships

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) are available to all Florida residents eligible to enroll in a K–12 public school and provide tuition assistance averaging about $8,000 to attend a private school. The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) offers an education savings account to pay for tuition and related services, with eligibility including age 3 or older (with a 3rd birthday by year's end), under 22, Florida residency, and specific qualifying conditions. St. Cecelia offers a Tuition Assistance Fund to help offset costs, with applications via FACTS. Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) scholarships of $3,096 are available to all 4-year-olds; details are available through the Florida VPK program and Pinellas County resources.

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