Our Mission
As a Catholic community, we believe in educating the whole child to greatness of mind, body, and spirit.
Our Philosophy
The School of St. Philip is a Catholic community that makes faith and high academic standards the priority. Our goal is to challenge the mind and inspire the soul of everyone who enters our building--students, staff, families, and visitors. Our mission is based on the following beliefs:
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We believe that each child is a unique gift from God with varied abilities and we strive to meet them at their level to reach their full potential.
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We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and we value the family-school partnership.
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We believe in educating the whole child -- academically, spiritually, morally, physically, and emotionally.
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We believe each child will grow in their relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ and a knowledge of the Catholic faith through participation in prayer, liturgy, and instruction.
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We believe that values such as honesty, responsibility, compassion, and empathy should be modeled and infused in daily instruction.
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We believe in promoting self-esteem in a nurturing environment where all feel welcome and secure.
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We believe in the value of good study habits, time management, and lifelong learning.
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We believe that children at an early age should be encouraged to be engaged in social justice and service to school, home, community, and world.
FAQs
What is the cost of tuition?
K-5 tuition for the 2019-2020 academic year for students who are a part of the Shepherd of Souls Area Faith Community is $2,450/year. For those who are not, tuition is $2,600/year. Tuition can be paid in 9-month, 10-month, or 12-month installments. This cost is for the first child in the family. A second child (K-5) would receive a $500 discount.
Little Royals Preschool Tuition is $160/month for our 4-mornings (M, T, Th, F) program.
Do we have any fundraisers?
In addition to tuition, each family has a $1,300 fundraising goal. This is a family—not an individual—goal. Families are expected to participate in our Small Steps Big Intentions Marathon as this is the biggest (and perhaps easiest) way to meet the fundraising requirement. Our school also sells Scrip gift certificates and Catholic United Financial Raffle tickets that can help families meet their fundraising obligation.
What does your lunch program look like?
We work with the Litchfield School District to obtain school lunches. Student lunches cost $2.70/meal and adults are $3.75 Students purchase a lunch card with 10 or more lunches.
What are the school hours of operation?
K-5 students begin outside with a Flag Ceremony at 8:00 a.m. Our dismissal is at 2:50 p.m.
Little Royals Preschool runs from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Do you have childcare before and/or after school?
At this time we do not have a childcare program. If there is enough interest, it is something we will pursue in the future.
Do we have to be Catholic to attend St. Philip’s?
NO. Approximately one-third of our students practice another faith tradition. These students add depth to our faith conversations as they take part in religion classes, weekly Mass celebrations, and daily prayer. Students of all faith traditions are welcome at St. Philip’s!
What do non-Catholics do during religion classes?
Non-Catholic students take part in all religion classes, retreats, liturgies, and activities. With the exception of receiving the sacraments, they are able to participate in all activities. They are encouraged to share their faith and beliefs with their classes to enhance discussions.
Do you have sports teams and/or extracurricular activities?
In this area, elementary youth sports and extracurricular activities take place through Community Education, so NO, we do not have sports teams.
What is your average class size?
We average about 10 student in each grade. With exceptionally low class sizes multi-age rooms may be created. Low teacher- student ratios allow students to have multiple opportunities to participate and have a great deal of teacher-student interaction. St. Philip’s is a place where you get more turns!
What does your school calendar look like?
St. Philip’s generally follows the Litchfield School District. Because we have a longer school day than the other buildings in the district, we will finish our school year a few days early. We also have a couple of days where our students have the day off due to our diocesan workshop and the Easter Monday holiday. For the convenience of families and to facilitate bussing, we try to follow the local school district as much as possible.
Can students be bussed to St. Philip’s?
Yes! All students have a right to be bussed to school whether they choose public or private schools as long as they are within the distance requirements. Hicks Bus Company transports students to the School of St. Philip along with the other students in the district. Students who live outside the Litchfield School District should contact Hicks Bus Company for specific inquiries.
Preschool bussing can be arranged with the Central Community Transit. Fees apply.
School Forms
Click here for the St Philip's School Handbook
New Students
Enrollment form (Please fill in all applicable information.)
Health Emergency form (Please fill in all applicable information.)
School Year
School supply list can be downloaded here.
Nut Free Snack Options List
Request form for TextbooksPlease fill out one for each of your children attending St. Philip School. Please check Yes, so that we can receive textbook aid from the state of Minnesota for your child.
Request form for District Pupil Health Services
Please fill out one for each of your children attending St. Philip School. Please check Yes, so that we can receive health supplies and the services of the public school nurse.
Local Field Trip Permissions
You may put all your children's names on one form. This gives us the necessary permission as stated.
Lunch Money Information
You may purchase lunch tickets and milk tickets early. Fill out the form and put it with your check in an envelope marked lunch and/or milk. (Kindergartners do not need milk money for morning milk break. This is provided by the state of Minnesota. They will need a milk ticket if they wish to have milk with cold lunch that they bring.) Grades 1 & 2 have a milk break each morning.
After School Form
If your child will be going to daycare after school, please fill out this form. You may put all your children's names on the same form if the information applies to all of them.
Application for Educational Benefits
Please fill out this form if there is a possibility that you could qualify for free or reduced price lunch. This program is in place to benefit your children, and we strongly encourage you to use it. Fill out one form per family. More information will be mailed to you about this program in early August.
