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St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School

United States, Clearwater

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $7,408 - 40,233
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 475
Type Co-educational
Opened 1948
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

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.

1350 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

The Essentials

St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School has 475 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

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.
Diving Deeper

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).
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School ranges from USD 7,408 to USD 40,233 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP).

Curriculum
St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School offers classes for students from 3 years of age to 8th grade. The preschool serves 3- and 4-year-olds with a focus on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth and a strong spiritual foundation so they may know, remember, and apply the word of God to their lives. The Primary School serves Kindergarten through 2nd grade, integrating several trusted curricula into one system and balancing education with Catholic faith formation. The Intermediate program covers 3rd through 5th grades with a rigorous, integrated curriculum. The Middle School includes 6th through 8th grades and follows the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, with religious education based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The curriculum is designed to meet the Diocese of St. Petersburg Comprehensive Standards and Benchmarks, the State of Florida Common Core Standards, and IB standards for middle school.
Wellbeing

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.
Parent Experience

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.
Facilities

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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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