Admissions
The Admissions Process
Welcome to The School of the Cathedral!
Welcome to The School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen! We invite you to explore our website and learn more about our wonderful school and community.
Please see the admissions timeline below for information regarding the 2024-2025 school year. We are excited to offer Pre-First for the 24-25 school year and look forward to welcoming families into our school for our Fall Admissions events. If you would to schedule a tour or have general questions please contact Julie Bacso, Director of Enrollment at jbacso@cmoq.org. We look forward to working with you and meeting you soon!
Upcoming Admissions Events
Admissions Timeline 2024-2025
August 15, 2023 – Applications open for the 24-25 SY
October 4, 2023 – Welcome Wednesday – Explore our Middle School
October 10, 2023 – Open House
October 25, 2023 – Welcome Wednesday – Explore our Preschool
November 1, 2023 – Welcome Wednesday – Explore our Pre-First Program
November 14, 2023 – Open House
Shadow Experience
Prospective students interested in attending the School of the Cathedral for the 2024-2025 school year in grades 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th will have the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a Cathedral student this fall. Students with completed applications will be contacted by our admissions team and a day will be scheduled for the student to attend classes and complete their placement testing. Please email admissions@scmoq.org for details.
Placement Testing Dates
Assessments for our incoming PreK, Kindergarten, Pre-First and First grade students will be held on the morning of Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Decision letters for these grades will be sent on Monday, December 11, 2023 and registration will be open to secure your child’s seat.
Placement Testing for grades 2 – 7 will be scheduled when their application is complete. Our admissions team will be in touch to schedule testing for your child at this time.
Applications and testing for grades 2 – 7 must be complete prior to the Priority Admissions Deadline (December 15, 2023) to be considered for our first round of acceptances on January 19, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What time does the school day begin?
Answer: Students can be dropped off as early as 7:30am. The first bell rings at 7:50am to let the students know to head to their homeroom. The second bell rings at 7:55am. All students need to be in their homeroom by 7:55 am to avoid being marked tardy.
Question: What times does the school day end?
Answer: Prek, Kindergarten and Pre-First walk out with their teachers and meet their parents and/or older siblings at 2:45pm. All other classes will walk to their cars at 2:50pm. All cars back into the parking spots in the upper and lower lot.
Question: Are there days when you dismiss early?
Answer: Yes, to help families plan, we have included these days on our school calendar found here: https://schoolofthecathedral.org/calendar/ . On scheduled early dismissal days, the children are dismissed at 11:50 am unless noted on the school calendar.
Question: Is there an extended day program?
Answer: Yes, the Cathedral Extended Day (CED) program begins at dismissal and ends promptly at 6pm. Please visit our website here to learn more: https://schoolofthecathedral.org/after-school-program/.
Question: Is lunch provided to students each day?
Answer: No, students have the option to purchase lunch using our new vendor the Yay Company. Students are welcome to bring their own lunch too. Information is available on our website to get started: https://www.yaylunch.com/get-started.
Question: Do you have a school nurse?
Answer: Yes, we have a full time Registered Nurse available from 7:45am – 3:15pm.
Question: Is there an Athletic Program?
Answer: Yes, our Mustangs can be a part of our soccer program in the fall, basketball program in the winter and lacrosse program in the spring.
Question: Are there any clubs my child can be involved in as a student?
Answer: Absolutely, we offer various clubs including STEM, Band, Running, Chess, Art and Drama.
Question: Is there a parent organization?
Answer: CASPA (Cathedral School Parent Association) is our parent organization and they are very involved in our school programs and events. More information can be found here: https://schoolofthecathedral.org/caspa/
Question: Are their opportunities to volunteer?
Answer: Yes, we encourage all families to get involved at the School of the Cathedral. There are many ways parents can volunteer on our campus. All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained and you can find information regarding this certification here: https://schoolofthecathedral.org/volunteer/
Question: Do the middle school students participate in any special activities?
Answer: We have a Stars and Stripes tradition which allows our students in 6th, 7th and 8th to showcase their school spirit, have friendly competition and involvement in our community. Our younger grades look forward to these Middle School activities that they will one day be a part of. Our Middle School students are also paired up with lower school students as “Prayer Buddies”. They attend Mass together and meet up several times throughout the school year.
Question: Do all students attend Mass?
Answer: Yes, the School community as a whole attends Mass weekly and also participates in several Masses throughout the school year. Students in grades 3-8 have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent. Grades 2-8 take part in First Friday Adoration devotions.
Question: Is Foreign Language offered?
Answer: Yes, exploratory French and Spanish classes are offered in grades 1-5 and French and Spanish are offered in grades 6-8. The courses develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and give students an understanding of the cultures of Spanish- and French-speaking countries.
Question: Do students wear a uniform?
Answer: Students wear uniforms each day and they can be purchased from our CASPA Uniform Bank and/or new uniforms can be purchased through Lands End. On their scheduled P.E. day, students wear their gym uniform to school.
Question: Does my child need to be vaccinated?
Answer: All students in Catholic schools must be immunized in accordance with Maryland State
Law.
Hear What Parents Have to Say About The School of the Cathedral
“I have been completely blown away by how quickly and adeptly the School of the Cathedral has gone to online instruction. It is as if the school had been doing this for decades. I can tell you that as a professor at Johns Hopkins, I have found this transition challenging, but Cathedral has kept it moving as if nothing had changed. It is an inspiration to me.”
“We have been so impressed with Cathedral and the online learning. The teachers and staff have been amazing. They have kept our daughter engaged and inspired while also allowing our family to adjust to this new way of learning. In these ever-changing times, the ability to have a sense of normalcy with SCMOQ has been invaluable.”
“Our family sincerely appreciates the transparency, consistent communication, and leadership shown by the SCMOQ organization, both before and throughout the pandemic.”
“Enrolling my daughter, Kennedy, at The School of the Cathedral was one of the best decisions I have made. As a new student to Cathedral, I was worried about the transition to middle school especially in the midst of the pandemic; needless to say I am beyond impressed. The teachers, staff, and students are great. Everyone is friendly, responsive & accommodating. Mr. Ford is a great teacher. He immediately made my daughter feel comfortable & welcomed. The hybrid model ensures my kid has the opportunity interact with other students and receive in person instruction. Ms. Czarnecki is also fantastic, I appreciate her efforts to ensure my daughter was in rigorous classes that encouraged her academic growth.”