Grade Levels

• Pre-Primary (Toddlers): 18 months (by June 1*) through 39 months
• Primary I: 3-year-olds (by June 1*)
• Primary II: 4-year-olds (by June 1*)

* Research and experience support the premises that the month in which a child is born within a grade level does make a difference and that older students are often more relaxed and may even have an academic advantage in school. During the early childhood years, an older student’s potentially greater maturity level may mean he or she has a more developed attention span, sense of self-confidence, inclination toward responsibility and ability to self manage. These traits build self-esteem and provide a foundation which supports the child throughout the educational journey.

However, preschool is not the only educational segment during which an age advantage may be observable. Often times it also emerges during the late elementary and middle school years, and beyond. Maturity—whether due to chronological age or innate temperament—is linked to academic achievement, athletic success and leadership qualities. With this rationale in mind, St. Francis utilizes a June 1 cutoff date in all Primary School grades in order to best establish a pattern of success for its students.