Morning Star
Education for special needs.

Since 1990, we have been on the forefront of tailored education for special needs. Browse our site to learn more about the difference of Catholic education.

a unique philosophy

In 1990, Sacred Heart Cathedral School opened the Morning Star Program to offer services to children with a variety of special learning needs. These learning needs vary, but the program is not a haven for behavior issues.

Special needs, valued members.

The Morning Star Program’s goals are to help each student develop a sense of self-worth, respect for others, a recognition of God as One who loves and values them. We also strive for a sound academic foundation, occupational competencies, social skills, and cultural appreciation. The ultimate goal is the formation of individuals who can think independently and serve as valued members of society.

Living as disciples of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we strive for academic excellence and humble service of all.

Instruction in reading, spelling, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies is incorporated into a functional life skill program. Students are main streamed for the subjects they are capable of working with independently and go to Morning Star for specific instruction in areas of weakness.

A modified curriculum, a holistic approach.

Middle school students are supported by teachers who accompany students to class as they work on a modified curriculum. This prepares the students for independent work in high school and beyond.

Specific instruction

Tuition & Program Fees

Because of the one-on-one program; specially trained staff  and aides needed to maintain the lower student to teacher ratio for this program, additional fees are added above the base tuition.

Tuition is non-refundable. If a student withdraws from school prior to the beginning of the school year, two months of tuition is non-refundable. If a student withdraws from school once classes have started, tuition up to and including the quarter in which the student withdraws is non-refundable.

Every family must enroll in the FACTS Tuition Management Program and establish a payment method. See the FACTS sheet for instructions.

2023-2024

Description Amount Notes
Morning Star Program Fee - 1 class $1500 per student. If, during the course of the year, a student joins our Morning Star program, the prorated fee for the remaining days of the school year will be applied to the FACTS account. *Please note: We recommend you explore the state scholarships as they can cover most, if not all, of these fees.
Morning Star Program Fee - 2 or more classes $2500 per student. If, during the course of the year, a student joins our Morning Star program, the prorated fee for the remaining days of the school year will be applied to the FACTS account. *Please note: We recommend you explore the state scholarships as they can cover most, if not all, of these fees.
Grades K5-5 base tuition $7600
Grades 6-8 base tuition $8200 Includes Macbook and Science Lab Fees
Pre-K Half Day (pickup at 11:40 am) $3800 Tuition is covered by the VPK Scholarship
Pre-K Full Day $7600 SHCS will no longer participate in the VPK program, which means there are no longer VPK scholarships available for Pre-K tuition
Registration Fee - Returning Students $130 Registration fee is non-refundable. Late registration fee for returning students is $180
Registration Fee - New Students (Pre-K thru 5th) $170 Registration fee is non-refundable.
Registration Fee - New Students (Middle School) $220 Registration fee is non-refundable.
Capital Improvement Fee $300 per family. Due by September 8, 2023
Graduation Fee - 8th Grade $85 Due August 8, 2023
Graduation Fee - Kindergarten $35 Due August 8, 2023

Any family may apply for tuition assistance.

Financial Assistance

Sacred Heart offers you an affordable Catholic Tuition Rate to educate your child. With a budget of more than $1.4 million, the cost of education continues to rise: increased teacher salaries and benefits and the cost of textbooks and consumable materials rise yearly. Any family may apply for tuition assistance, depending upon their financial needs. We will always aim to keep tuition affordable, covering our budgets through additional sources of income the Lucky Hearts Club, Golf Classic and the Great Pumpkin Race).

admission

If you are interested in this program, please complete an application form. On the form, you can indicate your interest in the Morning Star program. 

Special needs, valued members.

Parents are asked to provide all psycho-educational evaluations, physicians evaluation, and other pertinent information prior to the interview.

All other requirements for Sacred Heart Cathedral School apply.

The program has limited enrollment and accepts students regardless of creed, race, gender or national origin.

Age entry requirements

  1. Pre-K must be 4 years of age on or before September 1st
  2. Kindergarten must be 5 years of age on or before September 1st
  3. First Grade must be 6 years of age on or before September 1st and have successfully completed a Kindergarten program

Registration documentation

  1. Birth Certificate
  2. Baptismal Certificate
  3. Social Security Card
  4. Florida Immunization Certificate (HRS Form 680)
  5. Florida School Entry Health Exam (HRS Form 3040)
  6. Non-Refundable registration fee per child

our Catholic identity

Located in an older, established – but changing – neighborhood, Sacred Heart Cathedral School serves the educational needs of our own parish children as well as many from other parishes, and some non-Catholics.

For over 100 years, Sacred Heart School has maintained its quality of education and Christian standards. The dedication of its staff, students, faculty and parents makes it possible for the school to look forward to many more years of Catholic education for the future leaders of our country.
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