Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


In an effort to assist you, we've included some brief information on our most frequently asked questions. If you need more information, or have other questions, please call our office and ask for the principal, Diane Arias. Thank you!

What is the application procedure for enrolling a student?

What is the school’s annual tuition fee?

Does the school have an athletic program?

What is the school’s dress code?

What is the school’s medication policy?

What is the school’s homework policy?

What is the school’s worship philosophy?

How does my child prepare for a new sacrament?

What is the application procedure for enrolling a student?
The enrollment process involves an application form and interview with a school administrator. Prospective parents should initiate the process by contacting the school office to inquire about grade-space availability. If the school has current or future openings, parents should email a letter of inquiry to the attention of Mrs. Diane Arias at darias@olphschoolindio.com or mail a letter of inquiry to the following address:

Diane Arias, Principal
OLPH School
82-470 Bliss Avenue
Indio, CA 92201
 

What is the school’s annual tuition fee?
The OLPH school board, in consultation with the OLPH principal and pastor, establishes the tuition rate for each academic year. The following factors determine the annual tuition amount:

• Socio-economic character of the school’s attendance area
• Actual per-pupil cost of instruction
• Amount of income generated through fundraising and development activities

For general information purposes, tuition for the 2007-2008 school year is $3,550 per year for one child; $6,100 for two children; $7,300 for three children; $7,500 for four children. Tuition rates differ for the family if a child is enrolled in kindergarten. For more information contact the school office.

In addition to tuition, the following items incur a one-time annual fee:

• Graduation
• Sports, if your child/children participate

Does the school have an athletic program?
Yes, the athletics program is an important part the OLPH educational experience and the school is a firm believer in that having faith in God, in oneself, in one’s coach, and in one’s school is important in developing a well-rounded athlete and student.

OLPH School is a member of the Coachella Valley Middle School Sports League and its athletic program is run by the Cathedral City Recreation and Parks District. Sports offerings include flag football and volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and soccer in the spring. Once a year, the athletic director assemblies a co-ed track and field team to participate in the “Coachella Valley Recreation and Parks District Track and Field Meet.”

Students who wish to participate in team sports must be in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade and must be, and remain in, good standing academically and otherwise. Additional details may be found in the Parent/Student Handbook.

What is the school’s dress code?
All students are expected to wear properly fitted, OLPH-school uniforms. Students should arrive and depart from the school campus in their uniforms. Only in extreme cases will a student be allowed in class without their full uniform.  In such a case, a written note from the parent and/or guardian is required. If a student is out-of-uniform and without a note, the student will be sent to the office and the parent and/guardian will be called and requested to bring a uniform to the school.

The school uniform is reviewed often with input from the principal, staff, and school parents. All uniforms must be purchased from QT Embroidery Uniforms. The QT location, hours, and other information can be obtained from office staff. Additional details regarding uniforms may be found in the Parent/Student Handbook or by reviewing the dress code information on the OLPH Web site.

What is the school’s medication policy?
Parents of children needing medication are to bring all medications to the office with a completed authorization form from (1) their parent or guardian, and (2) their physician. The form provides permission to dispense the specified medication to the student. The student should come to the office at the designated time for the distribution of his/her medication. The office staff or principal will observe the student taking the prescribed dosage. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to pick up all medication by the last day of school. The above policy includes prescription and over-the counter medications.

What is the school’s homework policy?
Homework will be assigned to grades K-8 on a regular basis that may include weekends. It can range from 15 minutes for kindergarten to two hours for 8^th grade. If your child is not bringing home nightly, you should contact his/her teacher. Parents should assist and supervise the child’s effort, but not correct or do the work for the child. It is important to provide a quiet, comfortable, well-lit area for the child. Ideally homework should be done at the same time each day. Be positive and encourage your child, contact the teacher if your child is not bringing work home daily. Additional information on homework may be found in the Parent/Student Handbook.

What is the school’s worship philosophy?
OLPH is a private school operating under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church. As such, our education encompasses faith formation as well as excellence in academics and we invite you to read the OLPH worship philosophy statement in its entirety.

For those seeking a brief overview of this philosophy, OLPH school offers group instruction that encompasses the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of the child. In doing so, we acknowledge each child’s abilities, differences, and learning styles. Our philosophy also instills the concepts of self-discipline, social responsibility, and respect for people and our students are encouraged to exemplify Christian morals and values in their day-to-day living.

How does my child prepare for a new sacrament?
In the past, OLPH staff arranged for and implemented the training programs for the sacraments of reconciliation and communion. Recent changes in diocese policy have moved these services to the diocesan level. If an OLPH student needs to schedule instruction time for sacramental preparation during the 2007-2008 school year, parents should contact the parish office at 760-347-3507.