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, Saint Joseph Academy offers 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. As a Saint Joseph Academy student, you will join a compassionate and supportive sisterhood of more than 18,700 women.

Lessons take place both inside the classroom and beyond through a rigorous academic curriculum, hands-on experiences and dynamic extracurricular activities. There are more than 100 courses offered, including 20 Advanced Placement® (AP®), 39 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 60 student clubs and organizations to pursue their passions.

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
Prospective families are invited to join us at an Open House to discover what makes a Saint Joseph Academy experience so unique! During an Ambassador-guided tour, you will explore the Academy's beautiful campus and learn about our academic and athletic offerings, clubs, and so much more.
Shadow a Current Student
Shadowing provides an 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 an Admission test for scholarship consideration and for course placement.
Apply for Academic Consideration
The application process varies for students depending if they attend a Catholic elementary school or a private/public middle school.

Admissions FAQs

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

If I go to a Catholic middle school, how do I submit an application?

Catholic middle schools located in the Cleveland Diocese will provide their students with directions regarding how to apply to their desired high school using their online application process.
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 and complete an Application for Admission. In addition to an application, a parent/guardian should forward a letter of recommendation from one of her current teachers to the Saint Joseph Academy Admission Office. The application process also requires copies of each student’s records. After completing the Records Release Form, parents/guardians should send it to their daughter’s current school. The current school will send it to Saint Joseph Academy’s Admission Office.
How much is tuition? Does it increase each year?

Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $18,400. It normally increases each year based on inflation.
Is there Tuition assistance?

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. Please be assured that all financial information is strictly confidential. Contact the Finance Department at 216.251.6788 with any questions.

Scholarships
Many scholarships are available for students applying to Saint Joseph Academy. Scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements vary by the specific scholarship and grade level. The prospective Class of 2028 can find the information here. If you have questions, please contact our Finance Department at 216.251.6788.
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 17, 2023. For more information, visit our Tuition page.
How will my application be reviewed?

Applications for admission are reviewed holistically. All aspects of each application are considered by the Admission Committee. Admission decisions are based on a variety of factors. A prospective student’s file is not reviewed until all required documentation has been provided. Once all documentation is received, an admission decision will be made. If acceptance of a particular student is in question, her middle school may be contacted for a recommendation prior to the final decision.
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 girls half-day shadow opportunities on select dates during the spring of their 7th-grade year. Please note that shadows are permitted on select dates at Saint Joseph Academy based on the 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 hrechin@sja1890.org.
When is placement testing?

Five testing dates are offered: three in the fall and two in winter. To register, visit the Admission Visit Page for specific dates. Please contact the Admission Office 216.251.4868 with questions.
What placement test does your school use?

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

After Saint Joseph Academy receives the HSPT test results from the third-party testing center, the Admission Office will mail the results to students. 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 Review 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 Review 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.