Admissions Information

The Madeleine Choir School is an exciting learning environment combining the best in Catholic school education with the enriched curriculum of a European choir school.  Begun as an after-school choir training program, The Madeleine Choir School was established as a full-time middle school in the basement of the Cathedral of the Madeleine in 1996.  In the fall of 2003, the Choir School opened its doors as a complete K-8 elementary school on its new campus in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City.  In 2007, a Pre-Kindergarten program was added.

Curriculum

At The Madeleine Choir School, the study of traditional subjects like Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies is enhanced with additional coursework in Theology, Music Theory, Latin, Spanish, choral singing and violin instruction.  Students also enjoy physical education, fine arts and technology.  To better meet the academic needs of our students, a school day at The Madeleine Choir School is slightly longer than that at other schools, with students attending from 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m.  To insure a high degree of teacher-student interaction, the class sizes are between 24-27 students per grade and16 for the Pre-Kindergarten.

Choir and Violin Program

Every child receives musical and vocal training through the end of Grade 3.  After that, students who have reached a certain level of musical proficiency, interest and stamina are moved into one of three choirs: St. Gregory (for boys), St. Cecelia (for girls) or St. Nicholas (for students who are continuing to develop vocally).  Music education continues for all students through the Grade 8.

Instruction in violin is being offered for all students in Grades 2 and 3.  Of all instruments, the violin most closely resembles the sound of the human voice and creates an early opportunity for ear training and tuning as well as a wonderful introduction to music theory and the reading of music notation.  All students playing stringed instruments are invited to participate in the before school Chamber Orchestra program.

Collegium

Students in Grades 5-8 not participating in the choir program are enrolled in Collegium Humanitatis, an academic and artistic enrichment course. Small units covered throughout the year examine topics in the areas of math, science, language arts and the performing arts of specific geographical locations around the world.

Sports and Activities

The Choir School has an active after-school sports program fielding teams in soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball and lacrosse.  The sports program is administered by the Athletic Director and coached by teachers and parent volunteers.  Additional activities include Yearbook, Student Leadership Council, Chess and Drama.

Profile of a Graduate

Upon graduation, the Madeleine Choir School students will be able to demonstrate:

Personal Growth

  • Pursue a variety of interests (well-rounded)
  • Think independently
  • Respect self and others
  • Take personal initiative and responsibility
  • Make informed decision
  • Promote ethical behavior
  • Communicate effectively, listen actively and demonstrate strategic problem solving skills

Spiritual Growth

  • Understand and live the faith
  • Have a loving relationship with God
  • Comprehend and apply Catholic Christian Church history and doctrine
  • Exhibit a sense of reverence for God’s Church and Commandments
  • Understand the importance of music within the liturgy

Competency

  • Set and achieve personal goals
  • Utilize organizational and critical thinking skills
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic and study habits
  • Access, analyze, apply and evaluate information
  • Value learning

Christian Life Skills

  • Use appropriate social skills
  • Maintain a positive sense of self worth
  • Empathize with others
  • Work cooperatively with others
  • Possess a social conscience and contribute to their community
  • Understand and respect their bodies while maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Sustain an optimistic outlook and positive sense of humor

Please refer to our “Building Catholic Character” virtues/service learning curriculum

Admissions Procedures

For those applying to grades K-8, there are four steps to the application process: application, interview, vocal and academic assessment.   The entire process will take a minimum of one hour. (Those applying to the PK program will only need to submit the Pre-Kindergarten application.)

2010 - 2011 Application for Kindergarten through Grade Eight

2010 - 2011 Solicitud de Admision

2010 - 2011 Application for Pre-Kindergarten

  • Application: In order for an application to be considered complete enough for the assessments and interview (for grades K-8) to be scheduled, we must have received the following in the office:a completed admissions application with applicable application fee
    • a copy of the child's most recent report card  (except for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicants)
    • a copy of the child's birth certificate & baptismal certificate (must meet the appropriate age requirement by Sept. 1)
    • a copy of the child's most recent SAT scores (may not be available for younger students)
    • a recent picture
    • a copy of the child's current immunization record
  • Interview (not required for PK):  Each child will be interviewed by a Choir School staff member and observed in group play.  The interview is designed to get a sense for the whole child and his or her interest and appropriateness for our program.   In addition, parents will be scheduled for an interview with the Principal or Pastoral Administrator.
  • Vocal Assessment (not required for PK):  Each child will meet with a member of our music staff and sing a simple song, usually Happy Birthday To You.  No advanced preparation is needed.  The staff member will be gauging the child's present tone quality, pitch perception and listening skills.
  • Academic Assessment (not required for PK):  Each child will undergo an academic assessment with one of our teachers.  Upper level students will be assessed in areas of reading, writing, vocabulary and math.  Younger students will be assessed in concepts that may involve phonemic awareness, reading readiness or proficiency, math concepts, andwriting skills.

Uniforms

Students are required to wear formal dress uniform (including a tie and blazer for students in grades 4-8) Monday through Thursday and informal uniform on Fridays.  An additional uniform is required for Physical Education.  Uniform clothing can be purchased locally through The Dennis Uniform Store or from other recommended catalog companies and retail outlets.

Transportation

Bus transportation is available from set pick up points throughout the Salt Lake Valley and Davis County.  The cost for this service is in addition to the regular monthly tuition payments.

Tuition and Expenses

Pre-Kindergarten Program Tuition  for the 2010 -- 2011 year is $3,500.

For Grades K -- 8, The Madeleine Choir School has developed a unique three-tier tuition model.  With this model, the tuition paid by each family reflects their income level and asset base.  Ideally the model ensures that each class in our school is populated with students who represent a spectrum of financial backgrounds.  In the application process, you as a family are asked to request the tuition tier you feel is financially tenable.  The tuition tiers for the 2010 -- 2011 school year for Grades K -- 8 are:

Tier 1                 Tier 2               Tier 3             Tier 4

$7,000                 $6,200              $5,850            Needs Based Tuition Assistance

As a means of creating a baseline of understanding and dialogue with the school, families applying to Tiers 2, 3 and 4 are required to submit salary and asset information via FACTS, a service designed to help schools make informed decisions regarding tuition.  You are also asked to submit your income tax returns for each of the past two years. Tier 1 families are not required to submit financial information.

Additional annual costs may include choir camp, Grade Six Teton Science School, Graduation fee, tour fees (for choristers in Grade 5 -- 8), hot lunch, extended care, school supplies, extracurricular sports fees and transportation fees.  Tuition and fees may be paid in one installment or spread out over eleven months through our automatic withdrawal program.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for families qualifying for need-based assistance.  Assessment of need is determined by School and FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment, an independent financial assessment program.  Final financial aid awards and an equitable distribution of our limited scholarship monies are decided by the school's Principal and the Pastoral Administrator.  Every effort is made to provide families with the assistance they need.

The Madeleine Choir School is fully accredited through the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.

For more information about The Madeleine Choir School, please contact:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Director of Admissions
205 East First Avenue
Salt Lake City UT 84103
801-323-9850, ext. 103