ABOVE; A student at St. John Vianney School while in class. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT –St. John Vianney Catholic School has unveiled its plan to have free tuition for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs in the coming year.

Sarah Streimer, St. John Vianney’s principal, said this opportunity was thoroughly discussed at the SJV school board meetings for several years and was confirmed in January. It was made possible by the generosity of Sharon Helmke and her donation, made in memory of her late husband, Michael. The donation made by Helmke allowed the school to fund tuition for children entering the programs.

“[The school] was looking at how we could offer this to more people,” Streimer said. “We had faith that offering free kindergarten would work. Once people get in the door, they see all the good things that are happening. We want every kid in the community to see what SJV can offer them.”

Streimer has had an education career for more than 20 years and began teaching at St. John Vianney in 2002. Streimer earned her elementary education degree at Minnesota State University and later earned her master’s degree in educational leadership at St Mary’s University. Streimer taught grade school before she gradually transitioned to the principal. Sshe hopes to give students a good foundation that encourages success later in their lives.

“People get nervous when they find out they have to pay tuition, but I like to explain that they’re investing in their child’s education. We never want finances to be in the way [of families enrolling children into the school],” Streimer stated.

The school requires a $100 registration fee, which confirms the student’s spot.

Streimer said that since the launch of the new programs, they have been received well by families, especially those in economic struggle. Streimer remarked that their Pre-Kindergarten open house welcomed 22 children and their families within the first 20 minutes.

Streimer noted with pride that many St. John Vianney alumni are very successful students as they transition from the Christian school to Fairmont High School. Reportedly, the school values student academic growth.

“They’re on the honor roll, they’re going to great colleges, they’re successful,” Streimer said with a smile.

Streimer emphasizes that every family qualifies for the free programs and enrollment into the school.

“There’s a conception that we’re an only-Catholic school,” Streimer said.

She said that children partake in Mass and the teachings of the school are centered around the word of God, but that the school accepts all children.

In addition to the free programs for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, Streimer said that there are five free tuitions available for grades 1 to 5 for incoming families joining St. John Vianney. After the free programs are concluded for children, parents may take advantage of the easy-to-apply scholarship opportunities the school provides.

The programs for the two grades are brand new and will be used in the 2024-2025 school year as a trial. However, Streimer said she’s hoping to continue the two free programs for future years if said programs are received well in the school year.

St. John Vianney will host their Kindergarten open house later this month that invites parents and incoming students to explore the building, meet school teachers and learn about the school and curriculum. Kids older than kindergarten grade are welcome to attend as well.

Streimer stressed that the school’s offerings it not only beneficial for the children but for the team of staff as well.

“We have so much fun,” Streimer said, adding that the job felt a part of her daily life, rather than just her career. “We love being here so much. Because we’re a smaller school we can build relationships with students, parents and grandparents. It’s so fun to hear all the things the kids are doing…How’re they growing academically, spiritually… They make so many memories while they’re here.”