Bishop Ludden-Grimes Questions

Q: Is my child/children guaranteed enrollment in the newly consolidated high school?

A: Yes. All currently enrolled students will continue their education within the newly consolidated high school. The current Bishop Ludden campus has the capacity to accommodate the combined student bodies.

Q: What are the steps involved in the enrollment process at the newly consolidated school?

A: Enrollment is seamless. Through continuous enrollment, Bishop Grimes students' "transfer" to the new school will happen automatically. Financial aid and student records will follow Bishop Grimes students to their new location as well. There is no need to reapply for aid.

Update 4/14/25: Families continuing their enrollment from Bishop Grimes to Bishop Ludden-Grimes are reminded to please set up their tuition payment plan by May 31st. Please follow the directions in the email you received.

Update 6/2/25: Tuition award letters are currently being sent out. All award letters should be received by June 10th.

Q: What is the announced tuition (tuition prior to grants and scholarships being awarded)?

A: For grades 7-8: $9,660; for grades 9-12: $11,310 (different rates apply for multiple children and non-parish affiliation)

Q: Will scholarships be continued?

A: Scholarships from the Diocese of Syracuse will continue to be awarded to students from Bishop Grimes who will now be enrolling at Bishop Ludden-Grimes. These are: TAP-A (HOPE Appeal funded) and TAP-C (CSO LeMoyne Foundation, Guardian Angel Society, Heritage, Light the Way, Light A Child's Future Foundation, McDevitt, Mother Cabrini Award, Scuderi, Yeazal Education Fund.)

Update: 4/7/25: Scholarships other than those listed above may not continue at the previous level. Families that continue their enrollment at Bishop Ludden-Grimes will receive an appointment with the tuition management department to finalize their financial aid package after they've submitted their re-enrollment commitment via FACTS. 

Q: Are applications for NEW students for the 2025/2026 school year submitted to Bishop Grimes automatically transferred to Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: Only fully completed new student applications (those that have also completed the enrollment process on FACTS) are able to be transferred. If you have not completed your application, please apply here.

Q: What is the process and deadline should a family decide NOT TO continue their education (withdraw) at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: Parents will need to notify the Catholic Schools Office in writing of their intent to withdraw and where student records should be sent. Parents can email us at [email protected]

Q: What is the deadline for NEW student applications, and through what school website should they apply?

A: There is no deadline for new student applications for Bishop Ludden-Grimes.

Update 3/27/25: New students may apply here.

Q: What academic programs will be available at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: Previously existing programs unique to each school will continue, in addition to new programs of study. The International Baccalaureate program and dual enrollment courses will be offered by Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College (bearing college credit). NYS Regents Courses will continue to be offered. Electives such as broadcasting, ceramics, and more will be available. 

Q: When will students know what courses will be available for the 2025/2026 school year?

A: Please find the list of courses here. 

Q: How does my child sign up for courses for the 2025-2026 school year?

A: The selection process has launched. Have your student reach out to their academic affairs office or guidance counselor if they have not already selected/updated courses for next year.

Q: What extra-curricular activities will be available at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: Previously existing clubs unique to each high school will continue, in addition to new extra-curricular opportunities. The consolidated student body will discuss and decide on options after the school year has begun.

Q: Will the Apple School designation continue at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: No. The Apple School designation will not continue at Bishop Ludden-Grimes. The school will be a Google-based environment, working with Chromebooks which will be assigned to all new students.

Q: Will the beginner band program be offered at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: A comprehensive music program including choral and instrumental options will continue at Bishop Ludden-Grimes.

Q: Will the partnership with LeMoyne College be offered at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: Yes. Partnerships with colleges will continue. New partnerships such as with Syracuse University will also be offered.

Q: How will student government be structured at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: A student council will exist at Bishop Ludden-Grimes. Elections will be held in the fall. Both schools will hold elections for class officers this spring (2025). Class leadership will consist of the elected representatives from both schools.

Q: If my child currently receives learning support (due to an IEP or Catholic School Support Plan/504) will that continue?

A: Yes. Your student will receive the same level and type of academic support services.

Update 3/24/25: Special education services are provided based on the needs of the students enrolled with IEP’s and service needs.  The specific level and kinds of services will be based on the needs of the students formally identified through the CSE process enrolled at Bishop Ludden-Grimes for the 2025-2026 school year.  

Students currently enrolled at Bishop Grimes receive special education services through the East-Syracuse Minoa CSD as BG is physically within the ESM school district. Special education services, according to state law, are provided through the district of location (the school district where the private school is physically located).  ESM is currently providing the level of special education services deemed appropriate for the students currently enrolled at Bishop Grimes based on the number of IEP’s and service formally identified through the CSE process for the 24-25 school year.  

Bishop Ludden-Grimes is located within the West Genesee CSD.  When a student with an IEP enrolls for the 2025-2026 school year in Bishop Ludden-Grimes, parents/guardians should notify the school’s administration and school counseling office that there is an IEP.  This will trigger a response to parents/guardians requesting permission for that current IEP to be shared with BLG and West Genesee CSD.  Once that permission is given in writing, the student's current IEP can be shared, starting the process for preparing for the student’s academic program.  Shortly after the IEP has been officially shared with the respective parties, the West Genesee Special Education Program will schedule a “Transfer” meeting in order to review and update the student’s IEP, officially transferring it to under West Genesee CSD.  People attending this meeting should include, parents/guardian, student (if appropriate), BLG school counselor, BLG administration, and potentially a teacher from the student’s current team as well as various other members from the WG CSE team.  The purpose of this meeting is to review student information and performance levels as well as the services and accommodations outlined in the previous IEP to ensure that they are inline with the services currently being provided.  Any discrepancies will be addressed and adjusted at that meeting.  Like in the previous districts, parents due process rights still apply.

Q: If my child currently has a 504 plan, what would be the process for that support to continue at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: Students entering Bishop Ludden-Grimes are able to carry over their 504 plan from their previous school.  As part of the enrollment process, families should share their child’s 504 plan (or Catholic School Plan if coming from a Catholic School) with Bishop Ludden-Grimes School Counseling Office.  The school's counselor will act as the “case manager” of the student’s plan.  They will review the plan and communicate any specific accommodations required with the student’s team of teachers, administration and nursing staff as appropriate based on the specific accommodations the student requires.

Within the first sixty days of when a student enters Bishop Ludden-Grimes, all new student’s 504 or Catholic School Plans will undergo a “transfer” process.  The school counselor facilitating a student’s 504 or Catholic School Plan will schedule a transfer/entry meeting.  The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that the student’s needs are being met through implementation of their identified accommodations.  

Participants in this meeting include: 

- School Counselor (Case Manager)
- Administration
- Student’s Classroom Teacher (representing the students instructional team)
- School Nurse (if the current plan requires the services of the nurse in some fashion)
- Parent/Guardian
- Student

At the conclusion of this meeting an updated plan will be developed in order to ensure student’s needs are addressed in this new environment.  The “Case Manager” is responsible for writing up this plan, sharing and explaining it to the student and staff working with the student, and sending a copy home to the parent/guardian.  

Q: How will special education support staffing be determined?

A: Special education services are provided in response to students needs as identified through a formal referral and assessment process.  These services are intended to “level a playing field” helping students have access to the same level of academic skills and knowledge as their same grade level peers.  

West Genesee CSD is only responsible for providing special education services to those students currently enrolled in the private school located within their school district, in this case Bishop Ludden.  Bishop Ludden, for the 2024-2025 school year is being provided the appropriate level of special education services from West Genesee CSD based on the IEP’s of the students currently enrolled.  

This level of service would be subject to adjustment (increase or decrease) if there are changes in the number of IEP’s and service demands. Again, special education services are provided in response to students' formally identified needs.

Q: Will the same sports be available?

A: All sports that take place in both high schools will be offered. We will be in discussion with New York State Section III (NYSPHSSA) regarding details. 

Updated 3/17/2025: A preliminary list of sports that will be offered may be found here.

Q: Will we still have teams combined with other area public schools or charter schools?

A: Yes. This will allow a larger program (Modified, JV, Varsity), as well as new sports to be offered that did not previously exist at one campus or the other. 

Q: Is eligibility affected for students coming from Bishop Grimes?

A: Section III has indicated there will be no transfer issues (ineligibility) for students coming from Bishop Grimes as long as they do not start attending prior to July 1.

Q: How do students sign up for fall sports?

A: After Spring Break, information will be released pertaining to fall sports.

Q: Will my child receive transportation?

A: Local public school districts are required to provide transportation for students residing within a 15-mile radius of the school. Further information will be released regarding other pick-up locations, private buses, and more. Please reach out to [email protected] for answers to your specific questions and needs. Make sure to note your current bussing situation by location and home address.

Families that reside within the 15-mile transportation radius are responsible for requesting transportation to Bishop Ludden-Grimes from their public school district of residence by April 1st. Please contact your public district's transportation office to make that request. 

Update 3/6/2025: Transportation request forms for individual school districts may be found here.

Update 3/17/2025:

• Based on a meeting with the Syracuse City School District Transportation Department, SCSD will be renegotiating its Centro contract to eliminate the use of the Hub for students.
• SCSD wishes to inform parents that they do not need to contact them to switch school locations for bussing. SCSD will automatically switch students to the new campus.

Q: Will the school provide tours of the building for students before the academic year begins?

A: Yes. Scheduled tours will be offered for families to visit the building, meet the administration and faculty, and explore the facility. Personal tours can also be arranged upon request. 

Q: Are there plans to renovate the current Bishop Ludden campus to accommodate the larger student body?

A: There are no major renovations planned as the building has the capacity to serve the combined student body. Minor renovations will occur to bring over programs, such as the broadcasting studio. 

Q: When will the signage be changed?

A: All logos and branding at both campuses will remain until June 30th.

Q: When does the consolidation take effect?

A: The consolidation of the schools will take place on July 1, 2025. This is the official start of the 2025-2026 school year, per State Ed.

Q: What will the school name and identity be?

A: The unified school will be named Bishop Ludden-Grimes, honoring the legacy and contributions of both schools, which were named after the first and second Bishops of Syracuse, respectively. Soon-to-be canonized Blessed Carlo Acutis will be a special patron of the school.

Q: What will the school color be?

A: Green - The official color for Bishops.

Q: Will we have to purchase new uniforms?

A: All enrolled students are eligible to receive two polo shirts and one dress oxford shirt with the school name and Diocesan crest at no cost, through the generosity of a donor. Additional shirts. quarter-zips, sweatshirts, may be purchased. 

Khaki pants, shorts, and skorts, as well as the green tartan skirt will remain. 

Q: What will the school logo be?

A: We will coordinate a process in which the students will collaboratively design and create a new logo at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

Q: What lunch services will be provided?

A: Free breakfast and lunch for all students will be served daily.

Q: What teachers will my child have next year at Bishop Ludden-Grimes?

A: Academic and program offerings will determine the number of faculty and staff needed. Looking at the staff from both buildings: teacher certification, skills and ability, along with longevity will be the main criteria used.

Q: Will a list of the staff be published this spring?

A: Personnel matters are confidential and sensitive; a list of staff will not be publicized this spring. 

A list of faculty will be made available on the new school's website and family portal on July 1.

Update 4/3/2025: A letter was sent to all faculty, staff, and parents announcing the appointed leadership for Bishop Ludden-Grimes. Please click here to read the letter.