Friday Education Program

2025-2026

The Parish's Friday Education Program provides homeschool students in grades 1 through 12 an opportunity to learn subjects not easily provided at home:

  • religious instruction taught by our priests, including Sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation;
  • Gregorian chant, in which the students of all ages learn the ancient music of the church and even sing the Divine Office and all of the music normally provided by the choir for several High Masses throughout the year;
  • drama, in which students in grades 7 through 12 prepare for and perform plays at the glorious auditorium of the State Museum of Pennsylvania;
  • competitive sports, using the historic facilities of the East Shore YMCA;
  • and more.

9 3B6A9579

This is all done through the cooperation of students, parents, and the parish. The program includes four classes at each grade level, all of which require participation. Children should plan to attend Mass at 7:10 am each Friday morning, followed by the Divine Office of Terce, then breakfast. The morning concludes with the Divine Office of None. Dismissal is at 12:20 pm; students must check out and exit through the front of the church.

Please note there will be no general preschool. Preschool is only for families with a parent who is regularly teaching or assisting in the program.

 

Daily Schedule

Course descriptions for each grade are found here.

All policies and student guidelines are found here.

Academic Calendar

Fall 2025

September: 5, 12, 19, 26

October: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

November: 7, 14, 21

December: 5, 12, 19

Spring 2026

January: 9, 16, 23, 30

February: 6, 13, 20, 27

March: 6, 13, 20, 27

April: 17, 24

May: 1, 8, 15

Dates of Masses Sung by Students of the Friday Program

Wednesday, October 15, St. Teresa of Jesus, 6:30 pm
Saturday, November 1, All Saints, 9:00am
Monday, December 8, The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 6:30 pm

Saturday, February 7, The Blessed Virgin Mary, 9:00am
Wednesday, April 1, Wednesday of Holy Week, 6:30pm
Saturday, May 9, Saturday in Easter, 9:00am

Drama and Music Production Dates 

Sunday, December 14, 1:00pm
Sunday, (Spring date to be determined.)

Sacrament Dates

June 7, First Holy Communion 
Confirmation date to be determined

Cost for Parishioners

$100 for first child or $160 for a family. Registration opens on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025.

Cost for Non-Parishioners

$200 for one child or $400 for a family. Registration opens on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025.

Payment can be submitted in one of these ways:

1. Online – Follow this link for online payment.

2. Parish Office – You may bring your payment to the Parish Office and deposit it in the drop box.

3. Mail – You may mail it to the Parish: St. Lawrence Church, 110 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. (Checks only, please do not send cash through the post.)

 

Important items of note:

  • Most classes will be limited to 20 students. Submit registration early to ensure your spot.
  • There is no general preschool. Preschool is limited to families with a parent who is regularly teaching or assisting. If you wish to enroll your child in the preschool, you must be willing and able to commit to work in the nursery or preschool.
  • Preschool is limited to children (ages 4-5) of regularly teaching parents only.
  • The nursery is available for infants and toddlers during the classes when a parent is actively teaching. 
  • Textbooks will be purchased and loaned to students for their use while in the program.
  • Parents must review academic handbook with their children by the parent meeting on Sunday August 24.

The presence of at least one parent or guardian is required for a parent meeting on Sunday, August 24, at 10:10am in the Parish Center at 112 State Street in the Aula Magna (3rd Floor). For those enrolled in Sacramental preparation classes, parents are required to bring a copy of each student's Baptismal Certificate.

Complete 0%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH

FRIDAY EDUCATION PROGRAM 2025-2026

REGISTRATION FORM

Back Next
Complete 9%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Family Information

Father/Guardian Name *Primary Contact
Father/Guardian Phone Number *
Primary Email *
Mother/Guardian Name Secondary Contact
Mother/Guardian Phone Number
Secondary Email
Home Address *Physical residence address
Back Next
Complete 18%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Emergency Contact Information

Name of Emergency Contact *Primary Contact
 Phone Number *
Email *
Relation to Student(s) *
Back Next
Complete 27%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Student Information

Please enter the name and birthdate of each child to be enrolled in the program. Please note that formal instruction is offered beginning with first grade. If you have more than six (6) children to enroll, please make it known by sending an email to fridayeducation@stlawrence.cc.

First Student's Name *
1. Date of Birth *
1. Grade *
First Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?*
Yes
No
Second Student's Name
2. Date of Birth
2. Grade
Second Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Third Student's Name
3. Date of Birth
3. Grade
Third Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Fourth Student's Name
4. Date of Birth
4. Grade
Fourth Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Fifth Student's Name
5. Date of Birth
5. Grade
Fifth Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Sixth Student's Name
6. Date of Birth
6. Grade
Sixth Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Back Next
Complete 36%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Student Information (continued)

Do any of your children have special medical concerns?*
No
Yes
If yes, please indicate those concerns below.
Back Next
Complete 45%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Parent Assistance Information

One parent/guardian is required to assist with the program according to their capacity. There are three ways to fulfill the volunteer requirement of participation in the program.  Please indicate your preference from the three options below.

Enter Field Title *
Back Next
Complete 54%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Parent Assistance Information (continued 1/2)

As a volunteer on Friday mornings, I will need childcare for the following child(ren) who are younger than first grade. *
No
Yes
If yes, please list names and birthdates separated by commas.
Back Next
Complete 63%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Parent Assistance Information (continued 2/2)

In order to assist, each person must have the proper youth protection clearances as required by the Diocese of Harrisburg. This consists of an online training, a disclosure statement, and necessary background checks. If you have not completed this process in the Diocese of Harrisburg, please begin as soon as possible.

Please select from the following:*
I have completed the requirements of the diocesan Youth Protection Program
I am in the process of completing the diocesan Youth Protection Program
I have not yet begun the process for the diocesan Youth Protection Program
Back Next
Complete 72%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Payment for Tuition

Cost for Parishioners

$100 for first child or $160 for a family.

 

Cost for Non-Parishioners

$200 for one child/$400 for a family.

 

Payment can be submitted in these ways:

1. Online – Follow this link for online payment.

2. Parish Office – You may bring your payment to the Parish Office and deposit it in the drop box.

3. Mail – You may mail it to the Parish: St. Lawrence Church, 110 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

(checks only, do not mail cash)

Are you and your family registered parishioners at St. Lawrence Church?*
Yes, we are parishioners
No, we are not parishioners
Back Next
Complete 81%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Consent and Waiver for Physical Education Class

General Policies and Procedures

 

Name of Event: Physical Education Class

Location: YMCA, Harrisburg

Supervisors: Parent Volunteers

Dates: Fridays

Time: between 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Method of Transportation: Walk down Buttonwood Alley with supervisors.

Accept Terms *

I consent that my child(ren), whom I am enrolling in the Friday Academic Program, will participate in the physical education class described above.  I understand that activities will take place at the Harrisburg Area YMCA and that my child will be under the supervision of the designated parent volunteers. I further consent to the conditions stated above on participation in this event, including the method of transportation.

Back Next
Complete 90%
1 Page 1 2 Page 2 3 Page 9 4 Page 3 5 Page 4 6 Page 5 7 Page 11 8 Page 6 9 Page 7 10 Page 8 11 Page 10

Policy Agreement

General Policies and Procedures

  • Children are encouraged to arrive for the 7:10 am Mass and sit in their assigned place in St. Lawrence. (Assignments will be given on their first day of class.)
  • The day officially begins at 8:00 am. All children must have arrived and be in their assigned seating in St. Lawrence for Terce. Attendance will be taken.
  • After Terce, and accompanied by designated teaching assistants, children will proceed through the courtyard on St. Joseph’s side to their assigned homeroom for a quick breakfast that they bring from home.
  • Parents and younger siblings may gather in the social hall for the duration of classes.
  • Class begins promptly at 8:30 am.
  • Dismissal will take place at 12:20 pm. Students must check out and exit through the front of the church.
  • The Emergency Number for parents to reach their children during class is 717-889-4217.
  • If dropping off a child after the school day begins, do so at the front door of the parish center.

Academic Policy

  • It is imperative that students take seriously their obligation to complete all assignments for each class. Assignments will be given every week either in class or via email.
  • Teachers should be notified in advance if a student will be absent. If your child is absent from class for any reason, please send a written note explaining the reason for the absence when he returns.
  • If your child/children have more than three (3) unexcused absences or fails to make efforts to complete the required work, they will be removed from the program at the teacher’s discretion. This must be done to ensure that those students who are dedicated are not held back in their studies.
  • Please be punctual.

Discipline Policy

 

Saint Lawrence Program is an extension of the Catholic education that your children are receiving at home and the careful exercise of virtuous behavior is an expectation of all participants. If a student is in violation of these expectations the following procedure will be followed:

  1. Teacher or assistant directly responsible for student will speak with student. A note will be sent home with an explanation of the behavior. The paper should be signed by the parent and returned. It is assumed that the parent will discuss the incident with the student to avoid repetition of the behavior.
  2. 2nd violation—teacher, assistant, or administrator will directly address parent by phone or in person, not by email or text.
  3. 3nd violation—meeting with teacher/assistant, parent, administrator (Father Smith or his representative) to identify concern and propose an action plan for the child.
  4. A violation of the resolution results in suspension from attending class for the following week.
  5. Students with repeated disciplinary actions will forfeit continued participation and be expelled.

Note: Serious violations may accelerate the disciplinary process of removal from the program.

 

Acts of violence or real threats of violence will not be tolerated. Any such act or threats will be dealt with seriously, and likely will involve a meeting between the DRE and/or Pastor and the student or the student and parents.

 

Church Etiquette

  • Holy silence should always be maintained in the church.
  • After Terce, students should remain kneeling in their pew until directed to exit in an orderly fashion by their teacher.
  • If a student arrives after Terce, he or she should take a seat in a back pew until the Office has ended.

Dress Code

 

 

Clothing and personal appearance will be neat, modest, and not distracting. 

All Females: Standard uniform will be appropriate skirts and dresses that should be below the knee, no tight fitted clothing, or low necklines.

All Males: Standard uniform will be slacks (no jeans), polo or button-down shirts with collars and dress shoes.  Shirts should be tucked in, and belts worn. 

Gym: Tennis shoes, T-shirt, shorts, or loose-fitting sweatpants, (Skirt with leggings are also appropriate for girls.) Sweatpants and sweatshirt as needed. No tight fitting or sleeveless attire.

 

Student Rules of Conduct

  • Students must be in the church, class, the social hall where a volunteer supervisor is always present, or with a parent who is actively supervising the student.

  • Students will be expected to always show proper respect for adult authority. Instructors and staff should be addressed with Father, Dr., Mr., Mrs., or Miss along with the last name.

  • Students should not bring any items which may pose a distraction to the Catholic, nurturing, educational environment that is being provided.
  • Students are not to bring electronic equipment (iPods, laptops, cell phones, game boys, etc.).  Electronic devices should be left in the car or with a parent during class/choir hours.
  • Students are not to bring weapons including pocket knives, air-soft, paintball or other guns, etc.
  • Each person is responsible for cleaning up after himself in the classrooms and after snack.

Maintenance Policy

 

Students need to show thoughtfulness and respect toward St. Lawrence parish by always taking care of the facilities. All families participate in a rotating schedule for maintenance of our facility including classrooms, library, social hall, and bathrooms. Students are paired with their peers to complete tasks in a timely fashion at the end of each class day. A semester schedule will be emailed.

 

Parking Policy

 

Payment is necessary for parking on the street after 8:00 am. It is helpful to use the ParkMobile app found here. Please include this expense in your planning for the year. Additionally, organized carpooling has proven effective in cutting down costs. Please email Mrs. Becky Fair at fridayeducation@stlawrence.cc if you are interested in more information or wish to participate.

 

Safe Environment Policy

 

No child is to leave the facility without supervision.

It is necessary for all volunteers to complete the Diocesan Safe Environment Program which includes criminal records check and an online training program. To  find these requirements, please follow this link.

 

Parental Supervision Policy

 

You, as the parent of your child(ren) are responsible for their actions at all times, whether you are present while your child is in class or not. Students must always be supervised by safe environment certified adults. 

Our priests are not available to supervise at any time.

 

Illness Policy

 

The 'Golden Rule' applies here as much as anywhere else—if you would not want your child exposed to any of the symptoms that they have, others would not want their child exposed, either. Thank you for keeping your sick child home and keeping our priests and families as healthy as is possible.

 

Weather Policy

 

We will follow Central Dauphin County School District for closings and delays. If CD is following the flexible instruction or snow day schedule, we will not have class. If there is a delay, we will follow the delayed schedule. Students will gather in the chapel and be directed to class from there. If it is dangerous to drive in your area, please do not risk it!

 
Please note:
A media release and Diocesan Safe Environment form will be signed at the Parent Meeting on Sunday, August 24, at 10:10am in the Parish Center at 112 State Street in the Aula Magna (3rd Floor).
Accept Terms *

I have read and agree to the above policies, rules of conduct, and dress code.

Submit
Back Next