Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are likely to attend UHS?
After several years, it is anticipated the school will accommodate 300 or more students in grades 9 through 12. For the current 2020-21 academic year, the school enrollment is 38 students.
Is the school accredited?
We are seeking accreditation though Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association, MNSAA. We plan to be accredited by Spring of 2021.
Are the teachers licensed or certified?
Some members of the UHS faculty are expected to have a teaching license, master’s degree, or certification, possibly through NAPCIS. Others will be part of the staff by virtue of experience or other demonstrated ability.
Does the curriculum satisfy standard college entrance requirements?
The UHS curriculum will exceed the requirements of the State of Minnesota for high school graduation. The school will offer courses designed to meet the entry requirements of most colleges and universities around the country.
Are there uniforms?
Yes. Uniforms are designed to remove distractions, and eliminate concern about what to wear to school. You can read about the uniform requirements in the Parent and Student Handbook under the PARENTS AND STUDENTS tab above.
Is lunch be provided?
Students and teachers will be expected to bring their own lunch. For the 2020-21 academic year, students have the option to purchase pizza slices for lunch on Fridays. This will likely continue in future years.
Is there a gym?
Currently, there is not a gym. However, the church owns a soccer field next to the school that can be used for physical education. The school will rent gym space in the area to use as necessary. If the school flourishes, plans could be made to build a gymnasium.
Does the school have a patron saint?
YES! The two patron saints of Unity High School are Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint John Paul II.
Does the school have a mascot?
We currently do not have a school mascot, but are open to suggestions.
Does the school provide busing?
No. Students and parents will need to arrange for their own transportation. A large parking lot is available to accommodate those who drive to the school.
Is there financial aid available?
There may be a small amount of financial aid available to families that struggle to pay the full tuition. The school will use the TADS tuition management system. Families seeking financial aid should enroll and fill out the TADS tuition aid request. Money will be made available as it is available.
Who was involved with the school’s launch?
The founding team for Unity Catholic High School is made up of Tom Bengtson, Matt Birk, Fr. Jim Perkl, Nancy Arbogast, and McKaela Laxen. Tom is a business owner who co-founded Chesterton Academy in 2008; Matt is a former professional football player with the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens; Fr. Perkl is the Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Nancy is the parish business manager. McKaela is Tom’s assistant and a Catholic Studies graduate from the University of Saint Thomas. Each of them has a passion for Catholic education and a long history of involvement with a variety of Catholic endeavors.
What is the governing structure of the school?
The school formed a board of directors in the spring of 2019 and currently meets monthly at Mary, Mother of the Church. A permanent board, including a system for electing parents to the board, will be established during the school’s third year.
What is the role of fundraising at Unity High School?
The goal of the school’s founders is to meet 90 percent of the operating budget with tuition revenue. The remainder will need to be made up with fundraising. Fundraising is important at any school; it is hoped that the vast majority of funds raised at UHS can be used for tuition aid, one-time expenses, or special projects. The school has IRS 501(c)3 designation and can accept tax-deductible donations.
After several years, it is anticipated the school will accommodate 300 or more students in grades 9 through 12. For the current 2020-21 academic year, the school enrollment is 38 students.
Is the school accredited?
We are seeking accreditation though Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association, MNSAA. We plan to be accredited by Spring of 2021.
Are the teachers licensed or certified?
Some members of the UHS faculty are expected to have a teaching license, master’s degree, or certification, possibly through NAPCIS. Others will be part of the staff by virtue of experience or other demonstrated ability.
Does the curriculum satisfy standard college entrance requirements?
The UHS curriculum will exceed the requirements of the State of Minnesota for high school graduation. The school will offer courses designed to meet the entry requirements of most colleges and universities around the country.
Are there uniforms?
Yes. Uniforms are designed to remove distractions, and eliminate concern about what to wear to school. You can read about the uniform requirements in the Parent and Student Handbook under the PARENTS AND STUDENTS tab above.
Is lunch be provided?
Students and teachers will be expected to bring their own lunch. For the 2020-21 academic year, students have the option to purchase pizza slices for lunch on Fridays. This will likely continue in future years.
Is there a gym?
Currently, there is not a gym. However, the church owns a soccer field next to the school that can be used for physical education. The school will rent gym space in the area to use as necessary. If the school flourishes, plans could be made to build a gymnasium.
Does the school have a patron saint?
YES! The two patron saints of Unity High School are Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint John Paul II.
Does the school have a mascot?
We currently do not have a school mascot, but are open to suggestions.
Does the school provide busing?
No. Students and parents will need to arrange for their own transportation. A large parking lot is available to accommodate those who drive to the school.
Is there financial aid available?
There may be a small amount of financial aid available to families that struggle to pay the full tuition. The school will use the TADS tuition management system. Families seeking financial aid should enroll and fill out the TADS tuition aid request. Money will be made available as it is available.
Who was involved with the school’s launch?
The founding team for Unity Catholic High School is made up of Tom Bengtson, Matt Birk, Fr. Jim Perkl, Nancy Arbogast, and McKaela Laxen. Tom is a business owner who co-founded Chesterton Academy in 2008; Matt is a former professional football player with the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens; Fr. Perkl is the Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Nancy is the parish business manager. McKaela is Tom’s assistant and a Catholic Studies graduate from the University of Saint Thomas. Each of them has a passion for Catholic education and a long history of involvement with a variety of Catholic endeavors.
What is the governing structure of the school?
The school formed a board of directors in the spring of 2019 and currently meets monthly at Mary, Mother of the Church. A permanent board, including a system for electing parents to the board, will be established during the school’s third year.
What is the role of fundraising at Unity High School?
The goal of the school’s founders is to meet 90 percent of the operating budget with tuition revenue. The remainder will need to be made up with fundraising. Fundraising is important at any school; it is hoped that the vast majority of funds raised at UHS can be used for tuition aid, one-time expenses, or special projects. The school has IRS 501(c)3 designation and can accept tax-deductible donations.