How do I begin the registration process for my child at Nativity School?
Contact Mrs. Ciarniello, 458-6767, for additional information or to receive application forms.

Applications for new students at Nativity School for the 2009-10 school year will be accepted in the school office beginning on the following dates in the school office between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.:
Registration for Parishioners: February 2 - May 15, 2009
Registration Non-Parishioners: February 9 - May 15, 2009

Applications are processed on a "first come, first served" basis until all the spaces are filled.

Tuition
Members of the Finance Commission work with the Accounts Manager to formulate recommendations for the school budget. These recommendations are forwarded to the entire Finance Commission, which prepares the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget, which includes the tuition rates, is approved by Nativity’s Parish Council in the spring of each year.

Is there an application fee?
There is a $100.00 per student application fee which is non-refundable if you decide not to send your child to Nativity.

What else do I need to register my child?
You are asked to submit a copy of your child's birth certificate and baptismal certificate with the application forms. If you are applying for grades one through eight you must also submit a copy of your son's/daughter's most recent report card and most recent standardized test scores.

Must students pass a test before being accepted at Nativity?
If you are applying for admission into Kindergarten, your child must attend Kindergarten Round-Up in the spring. This is an opportunity for your son/daughter to become familiar with the Kindergarten staff and for you to meet with the principal to learn more about Nativity. Because incoming Kindergarten students come from a variety of preschools, Round Up enables our teachers to obtain information about the skill level of the incoming students that will enable them to plan for the start of school.

Transfer students (Grades 1-8) are given a reading, writing and math assessment. The purpose of the test is to get to know your child’s talents and abilities and to be sure that Nativity can meet their educational needs.

When considering the application of a student transferring to Nativity, we look for a student who is working at or above grade level as measured by the Gates-McGinite Reading Test and the Comprehensive Math Inventory. If your son/daughter is serious about education and who has your support, he/she will find that Nativity offers many opportunities to excel in academics, the arts, and athletics. Our students’ achievement as measured by the Terra Nova Achievement Test and our students’ achievement on the high school entrance tests provide solid evidence that Nativity students do well. If your son/daughter understands the value of an education and is willing to work hard, Nativity can be just the right place.

When will I know if my child has been accepted at Nativity?
After all required application forms, application fee, copies of report card and test scores and birth and baptismal certificates have been submitted, the entrance test or Kindergarten Roundup will be scheduled. Test results will be reviewed along with all other information, and we will send you a letter about a week later.

How can I find out more information about Nativity?
Observe the classes in action, contact parents whose children attend Nativity, call the school office (513-458-6767) to schedule a tour and / or a meeting with the principal, Mr. Herring.

What grades do you teach at Nativity?
Kindergarten through grade 8

What are Nativity’s school hours?
Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m.

Do you have yellow bus service?
No yellow bus service is available for our students, but Metro cards are offered for older students who live more than one mile away from school.

Does Nativity offer scholarships or financial aid for tuition?
Financial aid is available for active Nativity Parish members only. Financial aid request forms are submitted in the spring. There are no scholarships available. Nativity accepts Ohio Ed Choice Scholarships.

Does Nativity provide a hot lunch program?
Students can purchase a complete hot lunch for $2.50 or bring their own lunch. Milk and orange drink are available to purchase in the cafeteria, as well as some snacks.

What are your class sizes?
Average class size is 20-23 students. The maximum number of students per class is 25 in Kindergarten and 30 in grades one through 8.

Do Nativity students wear uniforms?
Yes, your son will wear navy pants and white or light blue shirts. Your daughter (Grades K-6) will wear a plaid jumper and white shirt or (Grades 6-8) she will wear a plaid skirt and white shirt. Details can be found in the Nativity School Handbook.

Is there a waiting list to be admitted to Nativity’s Kindergarten?
No. If you are an active member of Nativity Parish your application for Kindergarten will be accepted beginning Monday, February 2, 2009. If you are not a member of the parish, you can submit your application beginning Monday, February 9, 2009. Call the school office (513-458-6767) to receive application forms.

Nativity's goal is to encourage lifelong learning rooted in a knowledge of our world and a relationship to God. Below you will find some of the components of the "Nativity Experience."

Fr. Jerome Bartel Leadership Award
Fr. Bartel was the pastor of Nativity for almost 40 years, and his commitment to Catholic education was known throughout Cincinnati. This award recognizes those members of the graduating class who provide leadership in the spirit of Fr. Bartel.

Catherine McAuley Christian Service Award
The Sisters of Mercy, founded by Catherine McAuley, staffed Nativity for over 60 years and helped shape its mission. This service award recognizes those members of the graduating class who best exemplified the spirit of Catherine McAuley: service to all.

Certificate for International Studies
This Certificate is presented to members of the graduating class who have excelled in the area of global education. They have taken two years of a foreign language (Latin or Spanish), have an above average score on the Map Test of the Word, participated in the 6th Grade International Festival, had significant interaction with students from abroad through the Student Exchange Program, participated in a Peace/Mission Project, and have written the Capstone Essay.

Math Challenge
Students and their parents (grades 4-8) are invited to participate in the weekly Math Challenge, five problems per week of varying degrees of complexity. Students who consistently participate over the course of the year are recognized at the Awards Assembly and qualify for the Math Challenge Champion Test in May. Math Challenge is designed to be a way to stretch your math ability without having to worry about a grade.

Literary Award Book Club
The best in children’s literature each year is recognized with the Caldecott, Newbery and Coretta Scott King Awards. Nativity students who read a specified number of books in each of the three categories are inducted into the Nativity School Literary Award Book Club at the end of the year. The Book Club is designed to encourage students (and their parents) to read and read often choosing from the best in children’s literature.

Amerigo Vespucci Map Recognition Award
We expect all graduates of Nativity to be able to identify the location of every country in the world as well as identify the location of major physical features and selected national capitals. The student scoring the highest on the map test of the world is presented with the Amerigo Vespucci Map Recognition Award.

Student Government
Students in grades 7 and 8 have the opportunity to experience the democratic process as they form their student government. All are encouraged to run for office. Once nominated they run a campaign and make their speeches. When the votes are counted the new government is formed and provides the direction and leadership for the year.