What makes your school unique?

At The Atonement Academy we strive for excellence in the physical, the intellectual, and the spiritual virtues through a challenging course of classical and Catholic education. These two aspects of the Academy -- the authentic Catholic culture and the classical character of the school, make The Atonement Academy a special place. Being the parish school of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church also contributes to that uniqueness in the way we worship and in the way the Academy is governed.

So the Academy belongs to a Catholic parish?

Yes. The Atonement Academy is the parish school of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church, which is part of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The Academy was founded as a parish school in 1994, and is fully integrated into parish life and worship. As a part of the parish, the Academy enjoys the benefits of the whole parish facility and the support of the parish clergy and numerous parish volunteers in the day-to-day life of the students. The parish was founded in 1983 as a Personal Parish of the Anglican Common Identity – originally established for converts to Catholicism from the Episcopal Church. To learn more about our parish, please visit our parish home page.

Do we have to belong to the parish to get a better rate on tuition?

No. Membership at the parish is encouraged, but not required. Joining the parish should be based on a spiritual desire to do so, not for financial reasons. Our tuition rate is the same for parishioners and non-parishioners. However, belonging to the parish, and actively participating in the life of the parish, has its practical as well as spiritual advantages.

Is the Academy accredited?

Yes. As part of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Academy is fully accredited through the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops which establishes norms through the Texas Education Association – the State regulatory agency.  The academy received the nation\'s highest academic award in 2005-2006, being named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the Department of Education.  To be named a Blue Ribbon School, the academy had to show a five-year record of test scores in the 90th percentile nationwide against all schools, and we have done so consecutively for seven years.  The academy now joins a select group of schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio which has achieved this high honor.

What is classical education?

Classical education begins with the goal of nurturing independent lifelong learners. It focuses on independent learning skills and independent critical thinking skills necessary to encourage and foster in the student a mature desire to learn, to explore, and to seek answers independent of the instructor. This educational approach, integrated with the magisterial teachings of the Catholic faith, encourages the rise of moral leaders for our society.

Are non-Catholic students welcome at the Academy?

Yes, very welcome. However, we are a Catholic school and all students participate in our religious exercises and classes. Non-Catholic students do not receive the Sacraments, but they do attend daily Mass with their classmates, pray at the beginning of every class, and learn the Catholic faith and devotional practices.

What is your discipline policy?

At The Atonement Academy, self-discipline is understood and taught as an important academic skill. Discipline is taught not by the proliferation of rules, but by the understanding of moral principles. There are five Academy rules, all of which proceed from the first of the five:

The student will treat others as he himself would like to be treated.
The student will not prevent the teacher from teaching.
The student will not prevent others from learning.
The student will not harm himself or harm others.
The student will not harm his own property or the property of others.
 

Self-discipline, the ability to make oneself do what one knows one ought to be doing, is an important virtue necessary for success in any noble enterprise. This virtue is best taught in a Christian culture, which can appeal to the spiritual understanding that children have regarding their final end, their relationship to God. The key practical insight that Christianity offers in regulating our moral conduct is that -- as Jesus himself taught us -- every time we do anything to anyone else, we are doing that thing to Jesus himself. Children who are taught to perceive this truth and live it will be happier people, better citizens of the world, and with God’s grace, more likely to attain heaven.

Are school supplies included in tuition and fees?

No. There is a school supply list of required items for each grade level. A supply purchasing service is available from the company School Supplies in a Pak, or parents may purchase these supplies on their own. This list is available in the Academy office. If you would like a copy for a particular grade or grades, please email us or stop by the office.

Are textbooks included in tuition and fees?

Yes, except for Bibles, Dictionaries, and Latin workbooks. Students are expected to purchase their own copies of these.

Are uniforms included in tuition and fees?

No. Uniforms are available from Parker Uniform; uniform shoes are available from School Shoes Unlimited; PreK shirts or Athletics shirts are available for sale in the academy office. There is a used uniform sale sponsored by the PTC (Parent-Teacher Club) every summer.

Are volunteers and employees screened with a background check?

Yes. Every employee and volunteer is required to submit to a criminal background check before beginning to work or volunteer.

Do you have before- and after-school care?

Yes. Paid supervision is available each morning and after school. You only pay for what you use. Supervision charges are billed monthly and are very reasonable.

Do you have computer classes?

Not as a stand-alone class in the Lower and Middle School. Technology changes occur so fast that learning software programs is often a misguided effort and a waste of time. At The Atonement Academy, computer use is integrated into the academic disciplines. Every student is required to be taking computerized Accelerated Reader tests by Christmas of Kindergarten year. By first grade, every student is tested three times per year in the computerized STAR Math and STAR Reading programs. By fourth grade, every student is required to be using the internet for bibliography research, etc.  The academy has over 40 student-available computers for research.  The Upper School students do take two technology applications class using computers as part of their curriculum.

Do you have sports teams?

Yes. All Academy students participate in daily Athletics classes. In addition to this, the Academy offers the opportunity to participate in after-school sports leagues in Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Cross Country, Softball, and Baseball. Our program has expanded with the completion of our gymnasium and in 2006-2007, we are completing a weight room and will add the sport of wrestling.

Do you serve lunches?

Students have the option of bringing a sack lunch or they may participate in the hot lunch program.  Also, we have a milk plan.

Will my child have much homework?

The homework levels increase with age. Pre-Kindergarten students will have homework perhaps once a week. As the child matures, more homework is assigned to strengthen the skills learned during school hours. Middle scholars can expect sixty to ninety minutes of homework every night. Upper scholars can expect ninety to one hundred and twenty minutes every night. Some children take longer and others not quite as long to do this homework. Teachers are mindful of the capabilities of the students, and homework is adjusted at various times throughout the year.

Is your curriculum too hard for my child?

The Atonement Academy offers a challenging curriculum. We believe that a well-balanced and challenging curriculum is what is best for all students of average and above average intelligence. Also, we believe that the goal of any excellent education is character formation. Intellectual formation is an important part of that, but it is only a part. Physical and spiritual formation is just as important and is also integrated in our curriculum. Academic success is mostly about developing correct study habits, and the teachers stand ready to assist parents in developing these skills.

May we contact the teachers directly?

Yes. In addition to the scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences, regular communication with the teachers is encouraged and welcomed. The email addresses of the teachers are available in the Student Directory.

What is your average class size?

In 2004-2005, the average class size is 25. Maximum class sizes are: PK, 25 (with full time instructional assistant; a ratio of 12.5:1); Kindergarten, 30 (with full time instructional assistant; a ratio of 15:1); 1st-3rd, 30 (with part time teacher\'s aide). We have the capacity to take up to 35 students in 4th grade and up. Historically, Catholic schools have had larger class sizes and better test scores than their public school counterparts. The Atonement Academy consistently out-performs public schools on a national level as measured by the Stanford National Achievement Tests.

What is the enrollment history of the school?

From our humble beginnings in 1994 with 66 students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, we have continued a consistent growth pattern, adding a new grade each year and enhancing our curriculum and facilities. In the year 2000-2001 our enrollment was 122 students; the following year 156, and 174 in 2002-2003. From there, enrollment continued to increase to 226 with the addition of some double grades, followed by an enrollment of 370 for the 2004-2005 academic year when we added more double grades and began our high school.  In 2005-2006, our enrollment is 453.  Our enrollment for 2006-2007 is expected to surpass 500 students.

What does the building expansion entail?

We have added more than 60,000 square feet of space for the school and the church in 2005, including a high school-regulation gymnasium. 83% of the entire project was dedicated to the school’s expansion. It has allowed us to continue to add new grades to complete our high school through 12th grade, and double classes in the primary and secondary grades. 

 
Why is the Academy growing?

Since the Academy does very little print advertising, word of mouth continues to be our best advertising tool. Parents are excited that we have a qualified faculty which strives for excellence and a good learning environment in which the student has an opportunity to excel. Expanding our facilities to further serve the needs of children has been an important consideration for parents. Our expansion project has added numerous classrooms, a science lab, an enlarged library and a new gymnasium.  Opening the high school, which we call The Atonement Academy College Preparatory School, is also a tremendous blessing from God which allows us to open our doors to many more students who may benefit from this unique educational experience.

For additional information, please consult the Parent-Student Handbook which is available online.