Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are likely to attend UHS?
That’s always difficult to predict. Enrollment during the initial years of a school always is lighter than later years when the school is more established. There is sufficient population in the area to expect anywhere from 25 to 50 students in 9th grade the first year. After several years, it is anticipated the school will accommodate 300 or more students in grades 9 through 12.
Is the school accredited?
We are seeking accreditation though the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools, NAPCIS.
Are the teachers licensed or certified?
Some members of the UHS faculty are expected to have a teachers’ 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 that to wear to school. The uniform has yet to be determined, but will be pants and shirt that can be worn outside of school without it obviously looking like a school uniform. Girls will have a skirt option.
Is lunch be provided?
Students and teachers will be expected to bring their own lunch.
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 flourished, plans could be made to build a gymnasium.
Does the school have a patron saint?
YES! Unity High School Patron Saint(s) are Saint Teresa and Saint John Paull II.
Does the school have a mascot?
No on that one as well. Also looking for suggestions.
Does the school provide busing?
No. Students and parent 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 truly 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 will form an initial board of directors in the late spring of 2019. The board will meet at least quarterly, overseeing the work of the founding team and initial staff leadership, which will do most of the work to launch and establish the school. 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 aide, one-time expenses or special projects. The school has IRS 501(c)3 designation and can accept tax deductible donations.
That’s always difficult to predict. Enrollment during the initial years of a school always is lighter than later years when the school is more established. There is sufficient population in the area to expect anywhere from 25 to 50 students in 9th grade the first year. After several years, it is anticipated the school will accommodate 300 or more students in grades 9 through 12.
Is the school accredited?
We are seeking accreditation though the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools, NAPCIS.
Are the teachers licensed or certified?
Some members of the UHS faculty are expected to have a teachers’ 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 that to wear to school. The uniform has yet to be determined, but will be pants and shirt that can be worn outside of school without it obviously looking like a school uniform. Girls will have a skirt option.
Is lunch be provided?
Students and teachers will be expected to bring their own lunch.
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 flourished, plans could be made to build a gymnasium.
Does the school have a patron saint?
YES! Unity High School Patron Saint(s) are Saint Teresa and Saint John Paull II.
Does the school have a mascot?
No on that one as well. Also looking for suggestions.
Does the school provide busing?
No. Students and parent 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 truly 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 will form an initial board of directors in the late spring of 2019. The board will meet at least quarterly, overseeing the work of the founding team and initial staff leadership, which will do most of the work to launch and establish the school. 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 aide, one-time expenses or special projects. The school has IRS 501(c)3 designation and can accept tax deductible donations.