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St. Matthias School

United States, Chicago

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $8,800 - 10,685
Ages 3 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1888
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages Spanish, French
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

St. Matthias School is a PreK3–8 Catholic International Baccalaureate World School in Chicago, part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, located at 4910 N. Claremont Avenue. It educates students aged 3 to 14 in the Primary Years Programme (PK-5) and Middle Years Programme (6–8). The IB framework uses inquiry-based units with a global-minded perspective. The core curriculum includes religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology and physical education, with additional classes in art, library, music and world language (Spanish). PK-5 classrooms are self-contained; 6–8 are departmental. Students receive a Chromebook and have a weekly Technology class. Extended Care and an After School Enrichment Program offer activities such as chess, Irish dance, guitar, sports, science and drawing. The school lists field trips, including an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., and a strong athletics program (cross country, volleyball, basketball). It is the only wall-to-wall Catholic IB World School in Chicago for families.

4910 N Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States

The Essentials

St. Matthias School has instruction in English.

Location
The school is located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The address is 4910 N. Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.

Stages
PK3-8th grade. The school offers a Preschool Program, Grades K-5 Program, and a Middle School IB Programme.

Type
Catholic PK3-8 school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes; National Blue Ribbon School in Illinois.

Additional learning support
Diverse Learners Support provides services including Push-In/Pull-Out Support, IDEA Reading and Math, Title 1 Reading and Math, Academic Coaching, Counseling (United Stand), Private OT, and IEP/504 Speech Services. Lead: Emily Moss, Director of Inclusive Services.

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
Arrival: 7:50 am first bell; 8:00 am final bell (late arrivals after 8:00 am are marked tardy). Dismissal: 3:00 pm for PK; 3:10 pm for K-8; Wednesday: 1:50 pm (PK), 2:00 pm (K-8).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. Every day is a dress day in uniform, with gym uniforms worn on PE days.

Food Options
Hot lunch is available; orders are placed online via FSP/BOONLI, with monthly menus; the ordering platform opens from the 1st to the 15th of each month.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Matthias School ranges from USD 8,800 to USD 10,685 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fees

- New family registration fee: USD 500 per family.
- Returning family registration fee: USD 200 if paid by December 20; USD 300 if paid after December 20.
- IB Materials / Books fee: USD 350 per student.
- Technology fee: USD 50 per student.

Tuition Fees by Year Group (annual and per‑trimester)

Note: St. Matthias operates on a trimester academic year; the per‑trimester figures below are derived by dividing the published annual tuition by three (per‑trimester amounts are an arithmetic division of the annual totals).

- Preschool (3 half days) — Annual: USD 8,400. Per trimester (annual ÷ 3, inferred): USD 2,800.00.
- Preschool (3 full days) — Annual: USD 9,135. Per trimester (inferred): USD 3,045.00.
- Preschool (5 half days) — Annual: USD 9,555. Per trimester (inferred): USD 3,185.00.
- Preschool (5 full days) — Annual: USD 10,285. Per trimester (inferred): USD 3,428.33.
- Kindergarten–8th grade, one child — Annual: USD 9,345. Per trimester (inferred): USD 3,115.00.
- Kindergarten–8th grade, two children (family combined rate) — Annual: USD 16,820. Per trimester (inferred): USD 5,606.67.
- Kindergarten–8th grade, three children (family combined rate) — Annual: USD 22,990. Per trimester (inferred): USD 7,663.33.
- Families with four or more children: contact the school for a customized arrangement.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms

- Annual tuition obligations are set when families register and sign the tuition agreement. Payments begin in July and continue through April of the school year; tuition collections are scheduled across that July–April period. Each trimester's tuition must be paid in full even if a student withdraws during that trimester.
- Fees for the upcoming year are charged through the FACTS tuition system (FACTS) and may be billed in one installment, semi‑annually, or on scheduled payment plans set up through FACTS. When paid in full or semi‑annually, prorated refunds may be granted at the school's discretion; monthly payments already made for the July–May period are generally nonrefundable if the student withdraws.
- The school enforces an exclusion policy for delinquent tuition: students may be excluded from classes and school events if tuition is 30 days delinquent, and report cards/transcripts are withheld until balances are cleared. Special payment arrangements must be approved in writing by the Principal.
- Families are required to complete 15 service hours; unfulfilled hours are billed at USD 50 per hour at the end of the school year.

Boarding Fees

- Boarding is not offered. St. Matthias is a Preschool through Grade 8 day school (no residential/boarding program).

Other Costs and Fees

- IB Materials/Books fee: USD 350 per student (annual, nonrefundable).
- Technology fee: USD 50 per student (annual, nonrefundable).
- Preschool administrative fee for increasing days/time: USD 150 per change (charged when a family increases preschool programming).
- Extended‑day / Before and After Care:
- Before Care: USD 6.00 per day per child; one‑time registration fee of USD 25 per family for the Before Care program.
- After Care: USD 7.00 per hour for one child; USD 12.00 per hour for two or more children; one‑time registration fee of USD 50 for After Care.
- Hot lunch, after‑school enrichment, extracurricular activity fees, and spirit wear are additional and billed separately when applicable. Uniforms may be purchased from Schoolbelles (online) or their retail store; families are responsible for uniform purchase costs.

Refund Information

- Registration fees, IB Materials/Books fees, and prepaid technology fees are nonrefundable. Tuition payments that have been paid monthly during the July–May period are generally nonrefundable if a student withdraws during that period. If tuition was paid in full or semi‑annually, a prorated tuition refund may be issued at the school's discretion. Each trimester's tuition is owed in full even when a student withdraws during a trimester.

Fee Payment Options

- Payments are processed through the FACTS Tuition Management system; families enroll in FACTS for payment plans and billing. FACTS is used to bill registration and tuition charges. FACTS generally supports electronic bank payments (e‑check / ACH) and credit/debit card payments for schools that enable those options; families set preferred payment methods within their FACTS account. (Specific card or bank payment policies and any card convenience fees are managed by FACTS and by the school's FACTS configuration.)

Additional Notes (fees that may apply in specific circumstances)

- Failure to pay tuition or other incurred charges can result in exclusion from school programs and withholding of records until balances are cleared. Attorney's fees and collection costs may be added to overdue accounts when collection action is necessary. Special payment arrangements require written approval by the Principal. Registration and incidental fee charge dates are managed through FACTS and are billed according to the school's published schedule.
Academics

St. Matthias School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum
The core subjects in grades K-5 are Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Special classes in grades 6-8 include World Language (French and Spanish), Physical Education, Library, Art, Music, and STEM Lab Technology. Each student receives an SMS-issued Chromebook and has a Technology class once a week. The school conducts field trips throughout the year, including an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
St. Matthias provides an IB World education for PreK3–8. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on developing the whole child, including academic, social and emotional well-being, with emphasis on international-mindedness and personal values. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) develops 6th–8th grade students into active, internationally minded learners who think creatively and critically. A licensed School Counselor delivers individual and group counseling, social-emotional lessons, and support for executive functioning and friendships. The Diverse Learners team provides reading and math interventions, academic coaching, and counseling to students who need extra help.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
St. Matthias has a Diverse Learners Support team of five professionals. Approximately 25% of students receive support through services such as Push/In-Pull out, IDEA Reading and Math, Title 1 Reading and Math, Academic Coaching, Counseling - United Stand, Private OT, and Speech services. Denise Sikorski is the Director of Inclusive Services and coordinates 1:1 and small-group interventions in the Learning Lab, progress monitoring, testing accommodations and universal design for learning. The team also supports students with 504 plans and IEPs and collaborates with families and outside providers.

Mental Wellbeing
A licensed School Counselor provides mental health support including individual and group counseling and executive functioning coaching. Social-emotional lessons are delivered in the classroom; counseling supports include friendship skills and conflict resolution training, with connections to outside resources as needed.

Safeguarding
St. Matthias values ethnic and economic diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The mission emphasizes welcoming everyone and developing faith-centered, service-oriented global citizens.
Parent Experience

Community
St. Matthias School is a PK3-8 Catholic International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Chicago's Lincoln Square. It welcomes everyone and aims to develop faith-centered, service-oriented, compassionate global citizens through differentiated, interdisciplinary, and rigorous inquiry. The St. Matthias community networks include the SMS Mustang Club, Friends of St. Matthias, and the School Board.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends of St. Matthias is the parent group at St. Matthias School. FoSMS builds community, gives back to teachers, and supports students through events. Events include Uniform Sale, Hot Dog Day, Restaurant of the Month, Family Portraits, and Fall & Spring Pancake Breakfasts. FoSMS raises money to fund activities that benefit St. Matthias students, teachers and families. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm in Room 101, and volunteers must be Virtus compliant with required paperwork. The FoSMS board includes Co-Chairs, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Room Parent Coordinator.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
St. Matthias School is a Catholic school in Chicago, part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, located at 4910 N. Claremont Avenue. PK-5 classrooms are self-contained, while middle school (6-8) uses a departmental system. The curriculum includes religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology and physical education, with art, library, music, world language, and access to technology and instructional resources. The campus offers Extended Care before and after school and an After School Enrichment Program with activities such as chess, Irish dance, guitar lessons, sports, science and drawing. There is a gym used for daily arrivals and dismissal, with K-2 and 3-8 access routed through different entrances during drop-off and pick-up.

Sports Facilities
Sport offerings include cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track and field. The athletics program provides a safe environment that extends the school's academic and religious programming. Nearly 70% of SMS scholars participate in SMS Athletics programs. The parents/guardians of participants are responsible for transportation to events. The athletics program emphasizes sportsmanship and fair play in line with Catholic values.

Academic Facilities
St. Matthias is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Grades PK-5 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-8. The IB framework is delivered through inquiry-based units with a global-minded perspective, and scholars benefit from the IB regardless of age or ability. The core curriculum includes religion, language arts/literature, mathematics, social studies/individuals and societies, science, technology and physical education, with additional classes in art, library, music, technology and world language. All PK-5 classrooms are self-contained, while 6-8 scholars are taught in a departmental system. The school follows the Archdiocese of Chicago curriculum and IB units of study and provides textbooks and other instructional resources, including computers.

Extra Curricular Facilities
St. Matthias School offers scholars a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including sports and clubs. An After School Enrichment Program (ASE) provides ten-week sessions in fall, winter and spring with offerings such as chess, Irish dance, guitar lessons, sports, science and drawing. Extended Care runs before and after school from 6:30 am to 8:00 am and after school until 6:00 pm, with Wednesday care from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Friends of St. Matthias parent organization coordinates volunteers and school events, and middle school students may participate in Student Council-sponsored dances and events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
St. Matthias School is a PreK 3–8 Catholic International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Chicago. It offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for PreK 3–5 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6–8. The IB programmes develop intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills for living and learning in a globalized world, with a focus on international-mindedness and independent learning. St. Matthias is authorized as a PYP and MYP IB World School, the only wall-to-wall Catholic IB elementary school in Chicago.

Arts & Creative
Kindergarten through 8th grade have weekly music classes and participate in two plays per year. The annual Christmas play and Spring Art and Music Show involve students in performances and visual arts; Preschoolers participate in productions four times per year. Students in 2nd through 8th grades may join the school choir.

Cultural & Language
World Language - Spanish is offered from Preschool through 8th grade. Preschool activities use songs, counting, stories, and art; Kindergarten through 8th grade study Spanish twice per week with vocabulary and grammar development, fluency exercises, and cultural awareness.

Social & Hobbies
St. Matthias offers many after-school enrichment classes; more than 20 afterschool enrichment classes (PreK–8) including cooking, music, drama, yoga, art, and more. Nearly 70% of St. Matthias School students participate in Athletics programs, including cross country, volleyball, and basketball.

Community & Service
Volunteer opportunities are offered, with families participating in events such as Hot Dog Day and Pancake Breakfast. Friends of St. Matthias (FoSMS) supports teachers and students through events like Hot Dog Day, Pancake Breakfast, and the Back to School BBQ. The school also has a School Board as part of parent leadership.

Leadership & Professional
Parents can take leadership roles through the School Board, Friends of St. Matthias (FoSMS), and the Mustang Club, which coordinate events and school improvements. Athletics coaching roles are available for parents across PreK–8, and volunteering opportunities include event planning and chaperoning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical Education occurs for Kindergarten through 8th grade twice a week, with Preschoolers in PE once weekly. Nearly 70% of St. Matthias School students participate in Athletics programs, including cross country, volleyball and basketball. The IB-focused and arts-rich environment supports holistic wellbeing and active learning.
Languages

Language Provision
World Language program offered. Led by World Language Teacher with Fun Fluency, Mr. Dairon Valencia.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
St. Matthias School is the only PK3-8 Catholic, International Baccalaureate (IB) World, National Blue Ribbon School in Illinois, located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. Admissions priorities are current students and their siblings; Queen of Apostles Parishioners and/or participants in the Little Wonders Toddler Classes. For the 2026-2027 school year, applications are due by January 31, 2026. The school offers PreK 3 and PreK 4 options with several schedules: PreK 3 includes 3 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am), 3 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm), 5 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am), or 5 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm); PreK 4 includes 5 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am) or 5 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm). Wednesdays have a 2:00 pm dismissal with aftercare available. Kindergarten–5th grade require a 5th birthday by September 1 of the entering year; registration is possible throughout the year if space permits. Middle School comprises 6th–8th grade, and a shadow day is strongly recommended. The Admissions Statement of Equality affirms that the school values ethnic and economic diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Open House dates for 2025–2026 include October 8, 2025; November 12, 2025; December 10, 2025; January 25, 2026 (Catholic Schools Week); February 25, 2026; March 25, 2026; April 15, 2026; and May 13, 2026, with reservations via the Prospective Family Inquiry Form. Private school tours can be scheduled beginning November 4, 2025 after submitting the Prospective Family Inquiry Form; contact Jill Hotek for details. Tuition and Fees (2024–2025) include Preschool 3 half days $8,000; Preschool 3 full days $8,700; Preschool 5 half days $9,100; Preschool 5 full days $9,700; 1 child Kindergarten–8th $8,900; 2 children $15,100; 3 children $21,000; registration and IB/technology fees apply; annual registration is nonrefundable; payments run July–April; changes to preschool programming incur a $150 administrative fee. Registration fees: $200 per family (returning by December 1 $200, after $300); new families $500; IB materials/books $300 per student; technology $50 per student.
School Events
The school has not added events
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