Admission

Why Saint Joseph Academy?

Saint Joseph Academy is a community dedicated to making young women feel welcomed, challenged and celebrated – a place where Catholic values are honored and serving the dear neighbor is a part of everyday life. Since we believe women can accomplish anything, students are empowered to achieve their dreams. As an all-girls high school, students learn to speak with conviction, fearlessly tackle new challenges and courageously take risks. Click here to learn more about the all-girls advantage.

As a single-gender, faith-based environment, we offer young women a unique opportunity to grow in confidence, body, mind and spirit – gaining a quality Catholic education as well as a sense of empowerment, a proven benefit of the all-girls setting.

Lessons take place both inside the classroom and beyond through a rigorous academic curriculum and dynamic extracurricular activities. There are more than 120 courses offered, including 19 Advanced Placement (AP®), 27 Honors and Independent Study classes, as well as a Health Sciences Honors Program, Engineering & Design Honors Program and Global Scholars Program.

Outside the classroom, students can choose from 15 Varsity sports programs and more than 50 student clubs and organizations to pursue their passions. As a student at Saint Joseph Academy, you will join a compassionate and supportive sisterhood of more than 18,400 women.

Below are a variety of opportunities and steps for prospective students and their families to take to learn about life as a Saint Joseph Academy Jaguar and meet the dedicated faculty and staff, as well as current students.

Attend an Open House
Join us at an Open House to learn more about what makes us so unique!
Shadow a Current Student
Shadowing provides an excellent opportunity for girls to spend a full school day at the Academy - attending our classes, touring our beautiful campus and meeting our amazing teachers and students.
Take an Admission Test
All 8th grade girls considering Saint Joseph Academy are required to take our Admission test.
Apply
The application process varies for students depending if they attend a Catholic elementary school or a private/public middle school.

Admissions FAQs

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

If I go to a public or non-Catholic private school, how do I apply for admission?

Students from public and non-Catholic private schools are asked to download an Application for Admission. Parents should forward their current school records to the Saint Joseph Academy Admission Office by using the records release form. Following application, the student's application is reviewed. If acceptance of a particular student is in question, her middle school may be contacted for a recommendation prior to the final decision.
How much is tuition? Does it increase each year?

Tuition for the 2021-2022 school year is $16,300. It normally increases based on inflation.
How do I apply for financial aid?

Saint Joseph Academy uses the FACTS Grants and Aid Application form to assist in determining each student’s financial need. The form must be completed online by November 23, 2021. Please be assured that all financial information is strictly confidential. Scholarship applications are available on our website. Applications are due by November 23, 2021. Please call 216.251.6788 with any questions.
How do I apply for scholarships?

Many scholarships are available for students applying to Saint Joseph Academy. Scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements vary by scholarship and grade level. The Saint Joseph Academy Scholarship Application is due by November 23, 2021. For more information, please call our Finance Department at 216.251.6788.
How will my application be reviewed? Are some parts more important than others?

Applications for admission are reviewed holistically. All parts of every application are considered by the Admission Committee. Admission decisions are based on a variety of factors.
When is 8th grade shadowing?

All 8th grade girls are invited to shadow a current student starting in the fall semester. Typically, shadowing runs from September to the beginning of December.
When is 7th grade shadowing?

We offer 7th grade girls the opportunity to shadow during the spring of their 7th grade year on select dates. Please note the select dates that shadows are permitted at Saint Joseph Academy this spring due to special class schedules, school events, testing and early release days. For more information, please contact Admission Manager Mrs. Helen Rechin '87 at 216.251.4868 or email her at hrechin@sja1890.org.
When is placement testing?

We offer five testing dates - three in the fall and two in winter. Students may take the test on any of these five dates. Please see the Admission Visit Page or contact the Admission Office 216.251.4868 for more information.
What placement test does your school use?

Saint Joseph Academy accepts the High School Placement Test (HSPT) results as part of the application process.
When do we find out the results of placement testing?

Students are mailed their results. Timing is contingent upon third-party scoring.

Disclaimer

Saint Joseph Academy has an open admissions policy. Students of any race, religion, color, nationality, and ethnic origin are admitted and accorded all rights, privileges, programs and activities through the Academy admissions policies, scholarships, athletics and other school-administered programs.

All applicants are reviewed regarding past school achievement, behavioral and academic records, standardized test scores and the applicant’s desire to attend Saint Joseph Academy. Applicant’s official records are reviewed and evaluated by the Admission Committee. A personal interview may be required prior to acceptance. The student and her parent/guardian will be contacted to set up an appointment with a member of the Admission Committee.

Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing

I personally invite you to discover why Saint Joseph Academy is the right high school for your daughter! What makes the Academy so unique is the all-girls environment, our welcoming community, college block scheduling and a wide range of opportunities to help students be prepared for life beyond high school. Our faculty and staff are committed to a dynamic learning environment that places girls first and foremost, and have an in-depth understanding of how girls learn and succeed. In a single gender school, your daughter will be encouraged to explore and develop her abilities, talents and interests without distractions so she can achieve her dreams. At Saint Joseph Academy, girls not only have equal opportunity, but every opportunity! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at kflinn@sja1890.org.