FAQs - Admissions

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FAQs

What time should I drop off and pick up my student for shadow visits?
Admissions Team

Shadow days begin at 9:30 a.m. (no need to arrive early). Please arrive at our main entrance on Ballas Road.

Parents may drop off at the circle driveway or walk their student in. Pickup time is 2:30 p.m. Parents may come in to Admissions Office via the main entrance at Ballas or wait for students to be dismissed. 

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What should my student wear to shadow?
Admissions Team

To follow our business casual dress code, shadows should wear a collared shirt with khaki shorts or pants.

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Does it matter what we wear to the tours or Open House?
Admissions Team

No! Please dress comfortably.

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Can we bring siblings to preview nights, evening events, Open House, or tours?
Admissions Team

Yes. Your entire family is welcome. Please make sure to enter the number coming on your registration form where applicable.

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Which part of campus should we enter for our shadow visit and tour?
Admissions Team

Please enter through our main office off Ballas Road. A student ambassador will be waiting to greet you. 

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How do l find out if my family will qualify for need-based tuition assistance?
Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator

In September, prior to the next school year, families may access and submit an online application with FACTS Management. We consider many factors in determining each family’s tuition responsibility. Along with carefully reviewing FACTS Management recommendations through your completed application, and other qualitative information provided by your family, our committee will determine a sustainable need-based award for your family while enabling our ability to maintaining our mission and commitment to our community. In order to better determine a timely estimate of your need-based tuition assistance award, we highly encourage our incoming families to submit their completed FACTS Management application prior to the January 15 deadline.

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What other expenses might my son incur beyond tuition and tuition fees?
Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator

Tuition does not include the cost of books, lunch, or PE uniforms. These costs can vary depending on student needs. Books can range from $150-$350 per year; students can bring lunch from home or buy in the cafeteria; and PE uniforms are a minimal cost during the semesters your son is in PE.

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What if we cannot afford to enroll our son?
Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator

There may be other sources of tuition assistance available to you. We encourage you to review the options listed below for a potential fit.

We are also happy to meet with you in person to discuss flexible payment plans.

We understand that the process of choosing a high school and determining finances is stressful. It is our sincere hope that by providing this information early in the process we will help you make the best decision for your son and your family.

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Do I need to re-apply for need-based tuition assistance each year?
Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator

Each family must reapply annually before the established application deadline for the following school year. Changes in your income and family status may result in and increased or decreased award.

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If I apply for need-based tuition assistance, will it impact my child’s application for admission?
Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator

No. Need-based tuition assistance applications do not affect admission decisions; admissions and financial need are kept strictly confidential and are considered separately by the school’s admissions and business offices.

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What is the need-based tuition assistance program?
Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator

All students qualifying and awarded need-based assistance will be required to participated in our Work Grant program. We contact each recipient the spring prior to the upcoming school year to schedule their required duties (such as emptying recycling bins or sweeping floors). In addition to assigned work duties, each recipient must maintain good academic and discipline standing.

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What are you looking for in a student?
Maria Lang, Assistant Director of Admissions

Some general guidelines for acceptance at De Smet Jesuit are shared here. Please know we always look at the student first and other factors second.

We typically look for students with an A or B average (occasional Cs); test scores in the proficient to advanced range; and little to no discipline issues. If you are nervous about one of these areas or aren't sure if De Smet Jesuit is the right fit for your son but he wants to apply, we strongly encourage you to apply. 

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What is it really like for new students coming into De Smet Jesuit?
Chris Williams, Assistant Principal for Academics

Day one for any student at any school can feel intimidating. We take several steps to reduce stress and ease concerns for all our students and families. For transfer students:

  1. Our homeroom provides an environment that is small, welcoming, and consistent each morning.
  2. Our teachers go above and beyond to connect with young men, and counselors check in on students to ensure transitions are smooth.
  3. Daily activity period provides regular breathing room for new students to meet with teachers or just hang out with classmates for a few minutes.
  4. Casual opportunities before and after school provide easy ways to socialize with laid back fun such as board game club on Fridays, relaxing in Emerson Lobby, ping pong pop-up games, gathering in Campus Ministry, and breakfast in the cafeteria. 
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What impact will this transfer have on my GPA?
Chris Williams, Assistant Principal for Academics

Grades and GPAs from a previous school remain on a student's transcript from that school; we do not recalculate their GPA but rather offer a fresh start. Our office keeps a copy of transcripts on file for future college applications at which point original, official transcripts from each school attended are submitted. 

De Smet Jesuit uses a 10-point grading scale with an additional .5 point weight for grades in the top three percent of each 10-point bracket (e.g., a B+ for 87-89% earns 3.5 points) and an additional 1 point weight for honors courses (e.g., an A in an honors class earns 5 points).

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How will my current high school credits transfer?
Chris Williams, Assistant Principal for Academics

We meet with each student and his family to review transcripts and create a plan that meets individual needs and satisfies graduation requirements.

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What should I do if I’m thinking about transferring to De Smet Jesuit?
Chris Williams, Assistant Principal for Academics
  1. Contact anyone on our Admissions Team to set up a talk, tour, or day to shadow so you can experience what it’s like and ask any questions.
  2. Contact our Assistant Principal for Academics for questions about GPA and how credits transfer (some details provided below).
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Our Family has multiple households. Does each household submit their own FACTS Management Application?
Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator

Yes. In order to obtain a complete financial profile, regardless of marital status, or their financial obligation, De Smet Jesuit requires both of the student’s natural parents/guardians to complete a FACTS application. If you would like to discuss your unique circumstances, please contact Brenda Reinsfelder, Financial Services Coordinator at breinsfelder@desmet.org or 314-785-1225 so we can discuss the potential of moving forward with your request for need-based assistance.

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Do we need to bring anything for our shadow visit or tour?
Admissions Team

No! We will provide everything you need.

Meet Our Admissions Team

Ryan Hodge

Ryan Hodge

Class of 2002
Director of Admissions and Strategic Marketing
BS, Biological Science, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Lisa Mosquera

Lisa Mosquera

Assistant Director of Admissions
BS, Paralegal, Minnesota State University
Joey Hormberg

Joey Hormberg

Class of 2018
Admissions Counselor
BSBA, Business Administration, University of Missouri-Columbia
Nicole Talley

Nicole Talley

Financial Services Coordinator
MBA, Business, Missouri Baptist University
BA, Biology, Missouri Baptist University