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Saint John Paul II Catholic School

United States, Lecanto

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The school at a glance
Fees $3,515 - 9,110
Ages 3 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (MYP), Catholic Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto, Florida serves students aged 3–14 in inter-parochial Catholic community. The school offers American curriculum enhanced by the Florida Core Standards and Next Generation Standards, infused with Catholic identity. Core I subjects are Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies; Core II includes World Language, Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education. An International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is provided for all middle school students, supporting inquiry, collaboration and global awareness as they prepare for high school. The campus emphasizes technology integration: Chromebooks for grades 1–8, iPads for K–2, shared technology lab and Google for Education accounts. The school is accredited by Florida Catholic Conference Accreditation Program and Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and is a member of National Catholic Education Association. Students attend weekly Mass, participate in daily readings, service projects and vocations exploration within a faith-filled environment for families worldwide.

The Essentials

Location

4341 W Homosassa Trail, Lecanto, FL 34461, United States. Lecanto, Florida. Front Office: 352-746-2020; Enrollment: 352-327-8124.

Stages

EC3 – 8th grades.

Type

Catholic School.

Country affiliation

United States

Religious affiliation

Catholic

School day structure

7:55 a.m. – 3:05 p.m. for Full Day EC3, EC4 and Kindergarten; 7:55 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. for 1st – 8th grade.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

There is no boarding. Morning Care is available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. at no additional cost, and Aftercare is available from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required for all grades. The Formal Uniform (Grades 1–8) includes logo polo shirts in black, maroon, or white, khaki shorts/pants/skirts, and a maroon uniform dress; a maroon fleece zip-up jacket; the P.E. uniform consists of a gray shirt with the school logo and gray or maroon shorts; footwear must be all black or all white sneakers; Risse Brothers is the official uniform provider with a Tampa store and online ordering.

Food Options

The cafeteria offers lunch; students may bring lunch or purchase lunch. A monthly lunch menu is prepared by the cafeteria, and the school participates in the Federal Free or Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program; lunch purchases are billed through the Facts family portal.

Governance and Ownership

The School Advisory & Development Council (SADC) governs Saint John Paul II Catholic School; the Diocese of St. Petersburg sets tuition and fees; the school is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference Accreditation Program (FCCAP) and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Fees

Annual tuition at Saint John Paul II Catholic School ranges from USD 3,515 to USD 9,110 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fee

- Registration fee (all students): USD 275.

Tuition Fees (2025–2026 academic year)

- Kindergarten – Grade 8: USD 9,110 per year.
- 4‑year‑old VPK (full day): USD 4,215 per year.
- 4‑year‑old VPK (half day): USD 0 with a VPK voucher.
- 3‑year‑old EC3 (full day): USD 7,030 per year.
- 3‑year‑old EC3 (half day): USD 3,515 per year.

Per‑term / Payment splitting

- Tuition is charged on a yearly basis; families enroll in a payment plan to split that annual amount. Payment installment timing depends on the plan selected through the school's billing system.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is billed annually and collected through an online family portal managed by the school. Payment plans (including monthly automatic withdrawal through the FACTS family portal) are available to spread the annual charge across installments. Incidental charges (for example, aftercare and lunch) are billed through the same portal and are typically billed monthly.
- Families who withdraw must notify the school; tuition is charged through the day of withdrawal and registration fees are non‑refundable. Accounts with outstanding balances may result in withholding of student records.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not provided; there are no boarding fees. The school operates as a day school with specified school hours and aftercare.

Other costs and typical incidental fees

- Aftercare / Extended Care: USD 6.00 per hour, plus USD 1 per minute for pick‑ups after 5:30 p.m. These aftercare charges are billed through the family portal.
- Lunch: Purchased school meals are billed monthly through the family portal.
- Uniforms: Uniforms are supplied through the school's official provider (Risse Brothers). Uniform costs are paid to the vendor at the time of purchase.
- Parent association / fundraising expectations and event participation may result in additional voluntary activities or fundraising commitments; costs related to fundraisers or auction participation are managed separately by the school's Home & School Association.
- Damage or replacement costs: Parents are responsible for repair or replacement costs for school property or student items damaged or lost; such charges are applied to the family account.

Refunds and chargebacks

- Registration fees are non‑refundable. Tuition is charged through the date of withdrawal; any refunds or pro‑rata credits (if applicable) are handled per the school's billing policies and the family's payment plan agreement. Outstanding balances may prevent release of student records.

Fee payment options

- The school uses a family portal (FACTS/Nelnet) for billing and payments; incidental fees (aftercare, lunch) are billed and paid through that portal. FACTS/Nelnet supports automatic bank withdrawals (ACH/eCheck) and major credit‑card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), subject to the payment methods and convenience fees set by FACTS/Nelnet and by the school. Families enroll in a FACTS account to select their desired installment plan and payment method.
Academics

Saint John Paul II Catholic School teaches American Curriculum, IB (MYP), Catholic Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum

Curriculum at SJP2 exceeds national and state standards. Florida Core Standards and Next Generation Standards are taught infused with Catholic identity. Core I subjects are Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Core II subjects include World Language, Technology, Music, Art, and Physical Education. EC3 through 8th grade students are guided to develop collaboration, critical thinking, and spiritual growth for high school and a global society.

Exam Results

Students consistently perform well on national assessment tests. Graduates are welcomed to Trinity Catholic High School, Lecanto High School IB Program, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, and other local high schools, with many students later enrolled in honors and AP courses in high school.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates advance to high schools such as Trinity Catholic High School, Lecanto High School IB Program, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, and other local high schools.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school supports students' social and emotional development through on-campus counseling; a school counselor is on site to assist with educational, personal, or social difficulties, and parents are encouraged to contact the counselor when issues arise.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

For students with IEPs or 504 Plans, the school's resource teacher and aides work with the student, parent, and teacher to create a site-based Student Support Plan; Citrus County School Board provides Title 1 and Speech services to qualifying students.

Mental Wellbeing

The school fosters mental wellbeing by providing a nurturing environment in which teachers support each student's emotional development alongside academic and physical growth.

Safeguarding

The school abides by Florida Statute 415 and reports any suspected abuse to the Florida Abuse Registry; it cooperates with the Department of Children and Families; safeguarding includes Safe Environment policies, background checks through the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and SEP training for access to children; volunteers and chaperones are required to complete background screening and training.
Parent Experience

History

Saint John Paul II Catholic School is an inter-parochial learning community. In 2012, Saint John Paul II Catholic School came under the direction of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The school helps students reach their highest spiritual, intellectual, social and physical potential in a Christ-centered Catholic education environment. The mission emphasizes service and stewardship of God-given resources. It is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference Accreditation Program and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association.

Community

The Home and School Association (HSA) is a formal parent and teacher group working for the benefit of the school. It plans events throughout the year in addition to raising money. Each year the HSA hosts a fundraising dinner and auction, with parents/teachers helping to sponsor the event, gather silent auction donations, decorate and sell tickets. For involvement in planning events or fundraising ideas, email enroll@sjp2.us.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Saint John Paul II Catholic School's PTA is represented by the Home and School Association (HSA). Its purpose is to plan events throughout the year and to raise funds for the school. Parents and teachers are urged to participate in all HSA functions. An annual fundraising dinner and auction is organized, with opportunities to sponsor, donate silent auction items, decorate, and sell tickets. To assist with event planning and fundraising ideas, email enroll@sjp2.us.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school integrates technology throughout the learning environment. Students in grades 1-8 use Chromebooks in the classroom and Macs and Windows-based machines in labs. A shared technology lab houses desktop computers for all students, and K-2 uses shared iPads and laptops for centers. Smart TVs and SmartBoards are used in grades K-2. Students in grades 3-8 have Google for Education accounts for email and cloud tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets).

Academic Facilities

The curriculum is aligned with Florida Core Standards and Next Generation Standards infused with Catholic identity. Core I subjects are Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies; Core II subjects are World Language, Technology, Music, Art, and Physical Education. A shared technology lab provides desktop computers for all students, and Chromebooks are used in grades 1-8. K–2 use shared iPads and laptops for centers, and Smart TVs or SmartBoard interactive whiteboards are used in K–2. Technology is integrated across instruction to develop 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Minecraft Club Group A; Innovation Studio; Digital Production 101; Lego Jr Club Group B.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for all middle school students. The school teaches Florida Core Standards and Next Generation Standards infused with Catholic identity. The school is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference. The school has a track record of strong student performance on national assessments and graduates recognized for academic achievement as they advance to high school.

Arts & Creative

Advanced Choir (4th–8th) is offered. Creative Writing (4th–8th) is offered. Digital Art (4th–8th) is offered. Lego Masters Club (4th–8th), Lego Juniors Club (1st–3rd), Minecraft Club (4th–8th), Digital Production 101 (6th–8th) and Digital Production 201 (7th–8th) are among the after‑school activities.

Social & Hobbies

Minecraft Club (4th–8th), Lego Masters Club (4th–8th) and Lego Juniors Club (1st–3rd) are offered. Digital Art (4th–8th) and Creative Writing (4th–8th) provide creative outlets after school. Running Club (K–8th) offers fitness and social engagement. National Honor Society (7th–8th) and Student Council (6th–8th) provide leadership and service opportunities.

Community & Service

The school participates in service projects as part of Catholic Social Teaching. Students attend weekly Mass and have daily readings during morning announcements. Spiritual retreats are provided. Students are encouraged to explore vocations.

Leadership & Professional

National Honor Society (7th–8th) is offered. Student Council (6th–8th) is offered. Safety Patrol (5th) is offered. These programs develop leadership, teamwork and service among students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Running Club (K–8th) promotes physical activity and team camaraderie. Drone Flying Club (5th–8th) offers an outdoor, tech‑focused activity. Lego Juniors Club (1st–3rd) and Lego Masters Club (4th–8th) provide social engagement after school. Academic Field Trips support experiential learning and wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision

World Language is part of the Core II subject areas. Spanish is the World Language offered. All middle school students participate in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The curriculum follows Florida Core Standards infused with Catholic identity.
Reputation

Accreditations

Fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference.
Admissions

Admissions

1) Personal Tour. Personal tours are required for all prospective families. The tour provides an overview of campus life, programs, and expectations. Tours are scheduled with the Directors of Enrollment and Marketing to help families understand fit before moving forward in the process.
2) Online Application. Applying takes place through an online application. New student applications are sent directly from the enrollment department, and applications not sent from the enrollment department are automatically marked as inactive. After the tour, families receive the application link from the enrollment department and complete the online form.
3) Admissions Paperwork. Admissions paperwork must be uploaded with the online application. Documents include a current report card, copies of the prior two years of report cards for grades 1–8, records of special learning needs or supports (IEP/504/McKay) if applicable, Florida Immunization DH680, Florida School Entry Health Exam DH3040 dated within 12 months, birth certificate, baptismal certificate if applicable, and a signed consent to release information from the previous school.
4) SJP2 MAP Assessment. Applicants complete the SJP2 MAP Assessment as part of the evaluation process.
5) Family Interview (7th and 8th grades only). A family interview with the principal is conducted for eligible 7th and 8th grade applicants.
6) Admissions Committee Review. The admissions committee reviews the application and accompanying materials prior to a decision.
7) Notification of Acceptance or Denial. The family is notified of the admissions decision. For Kindergarten admissions, September 1 is the determining birth date for eligibility.

Scholarships

Scholarships and tuition assistance are available. The school participates in Florida tax credit scholarship programs and offers school-based financial aid. Step Up For Students is available as an income-based scholarship, and one application covers both the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) and Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) programs. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), formerly Gardiner, is also available through Step Up For Students. AAA Scholarships are offered, and school-based tuition assistance can be requested through the school office. The school explicitly notes that it works with families to access these scholarships and other forms of financial aid to support Catholic education.
School Events
The school has not added events