Why Choose St. Francis – St. Stephen School?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be Catholic to attend?

No. We welcome students of all faiths. All students participate in prayer, religion class, and school Masses as part of our Catholic educational experience. Active parishioners of any Diocese of Rochester parish receive a reduced tuition rate.


What is the tuition rate per child?

For the 2025–2026 school year, tuition is $6,509 for the first student (non-parishioner rate) and $4,599 for parishioners of local Catholic churches. Families with multiple children receive additional discounts.

We’re proud to keep our tuition increases modest—only about 5% this year, consistent with other diocesan schools. Financial aid and parishioner incentives make a Catholic education an affordable investment in your child’s future.


Is financial aid available?

Yes. Families with students in Preschool through Grade 6 may apply for financial aid through FACTS Tuition Management. We work closely with families to make a Catholic education accessible and affordable.


What are the age requirements for preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten?

  • Preschool: 3 years old by December 1

  • Pre-Kindergarten: 4 years old by December 1

  • Kindergarten: 5 years old by December 1

All students must be fully potty-trained and able to dress themselves before attending. We also provide a rest/nap time for our youngest learners after lunch and recess.


Do you offer services for students with special needs?

Yes. Through a partnership with the Geneva School District, eligible students may receive services such as academic intervention, speech, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. These services are provided to students with an IEP or CSE classification.

Please note that we do not have an autism specialist or separate classroom placements for students with significant learning needs.


Is wrap-around care available?

Yes. We offer before-school care beginning at 7:00 a.m. and after-school care until 5:30 p.m. Separate fees apply, and families may choose one or both programs.


Do you have a hot lunch program?

Yes. Families can pre-purchase from five rotating meal options—pizza, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, pasta, and subs—through the Family Portal each month. Each meal includes fruit or carrot sticks or yogurt, chips, and milk. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch may participate at the applicable rate.


What is the average class size?

In the 2025–2026 school year, class sizes range from 6 to 16 students, with a median of about 11 students per class. Our small class sizes ensure every child receives personal attention and meaningful support.


What curriculum does the school follow?

We follow both the New York State and Diocesan Standards.
Our teachers thoughtfully design their own curriculum around these standards, using a variety of high-quality resources and materials. They blend traditional learning methods with hands-on experiences, projects, and play-based activities to make learning meaningful and engaging for every child.


Do students wear uniforms?

Yes. Students in Grades 1–6 wear both a standard school uniform and a PE uniform.
We offer several convenient options for parents to purchase the required uniform items through approved vendors.


How does the school communicate with families?

Communication is key to your child’s success, and we value a strong family–school partnership.
Our principal shares weekly updates through a school newsletter and email/text messages.
Teachers communicate frequently using classroom apps, email, phone calls, and in-person meetings to ensure families stay connected and informed.


Is bus transportation available?

Yes. Bus transportation is available for students in Grades K–6 through your home public school district. This transportation covers travel to and from school.
Families must contact their district’s transportation office to arrange busing.
According to New York State law, families must live within 15 miles of our school to qualify. Some districts may share transportation responsibilities with neighboring districts.

Academic Excellence

We pride ourselves in students have the tools they need to succeed. Historically, we demonstrate higher proficiency on state-wide assessments compared to the surrounding districts. Here is a local data comparison: