St. Teresa Catholic High School

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: May I visit St. Teresa?
A: Yes. Please call Kim Peters, Guidance Counselor, 217-875-2431 ext. 140, to arrange a time to visit. We would be more than happy to give you a complete tour of the school, answer any questions, and meet with the Principal.

Q: Is there an entrance exam?
A: We offer a placement test in January for incoming freshmen called the EXPLORE test. The results help us place students in classes that will best enhance their academic progress. The results do not necessarily guarantee or exclude a student from admission.

Q: How many St. Teresa students graduate and go on to college?
A: St. Teresa boasts a 100% graduation rate with nearly 96% of graduates attending college.

Q: Is Financial Aid available?
A: Yes. Families who qualify may receive need-based assistance. Information may be obtained by calling the Principal (217) 875-2431, ext. 110.

Q: Do students wear uniforms?
A: No. St. Teresa students do not wear uniforms. Instead, the school enforces a dress code policy. Students wear navy blue pants or khaki pants with white or navy blue shirts. Non-uniform days and spirit days are frequently scheduled.

Q: If I transfer from another school, will my credits be accepted?
A: Most credits transfer if the student has attended an accredited high school. Students may be asked to make up course work required for graduation. We do not ask students to make up religion courses if they transfer from a public school since such courses would not have been available to them.

Q: What sports are available?
A: Any student interested may join one of our sports team. Boys sports include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, cross country, tennis, and track. Girls sports include volleyball, basketball, golf, cross country, tennis, soccer, softball, and track. There are also Cheerleading and dance squads.

Q: If I transfer will I be able to play sports?
A: St. Teresa High School subscribes to the eligibility rules established by the Illinois High School Association. You may be ineligible for a period not to exceed one year based on these rules. Contact the Athletic Director at (217) 875-2431 for more information.

Q: What Fine Arts programs are offered?
A: St. Teresa has band, chorus, and two musical theatre productions each year. Students also participate in music and art contests, as well as Art Club.

Q: What kinds of clubs are there?
A: St. Teresa clubs range from Student Council to Drama Club, National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Serviam Club, Teens Encounter Christ Weekends, Teresian Yearbook, to S.A.D.D. There is truly something for everyone.

Q: What Courses are available at St. Teresa?
A: St. Teresa High School offers a variety of courses in Theology, English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Art, Music, Business, Foreign Language, PE and Health. Please visit the curriculum guide for more information or call the Guidance Office at (217) 875-2431.

Q: What about technology?
A: Our main computer lab offers a full range of computer courses. Students have access to networked computers with Internet connections throughout the day. Students make updates to the St. Teresa web site.

Q: Is there an honors curriculum for advanced students?
A: Yes. Advanced Placement and Honors courses are available on campus.

Q: Is St. Teresa Accredited?
A: St. Teresa is accredited by the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, the Illinois State Board of Education and the North Central Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities.

Q: When do students register?
A: Official registration occurs in the spring of each year. However, any time is a good time to contact the Main Office 875-2431 about enrollment. St. Teresa has an open inquiry policy for students who move into the area at some other time of the year. Transfer students register by interviewing with the principal who then reviews records from previous schools.

Q: I�m not Catholic. Will I fit in?
A: Over 25% of our students and a number of our faculty are not Catholic. St. Teresa serves the entire Decatur area, and our students come to St. Teresa from over 30 different junior high schools.

Q: If I am not Catholic, do I still have to take theology classes?
A: Yes, all St. Teresa students are required to take theology every year. While the theology classes are taught from a Catholic perspective, much of what is discussed is of interest to all Christians.

Q: How many students are there at St. Teresa?
A: Approximately 290 young men and women attend St. Teresa.

   St. Teresa High School
   2710 North Water Street
   Decatur, Illinois 62526

Phone: 217-875-2431
Fax: 217-875-2436
Email: stadmin@st-teresahs.org