Admission FAQs

Q When do we begin the admission process?
A

The admission process for applicants begins the year prior to entry. While we encourage families to look ahead at SPA, we do not accept applications until September 1st of the year before a student will enroll.

Q When do we submit the application?
A

We strongly encourage families to submit their application and application fee by our priority deadline on February 1st, 2009. However, we continue to accept applications beyond that date. Applicants who have submitted their application by the deadline will be in the priority applicant pool, and we will evaluate all later applicants on an individual basis.

Q When will parents be notified of admission decisions?
A

Letters detailing the admission decision will be mailed on April 3, 2009.

Q What factors are taken into consideration for admission?
A

Decisions are made after thoughtful deliberations taking into account the individual candidate’s ability to be successful at St. Paul Academy and Summit School. The Admission Committee looks at the applicant in the context of students currently attending SPA and the other candidates who would like to join the same grade. Academic ability, maturity, citizenship, curiosity, and extracurricular interests are additional factors taken into consideration. We use admission testing/assessment, teacher recommendations, school records (if applicable), and an admission interview as tools of assessment.

Q What are the age requirements for kindergarten?
A

Applicants must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of the enrollment year. Children applying for grades 1-12 whose birthdays fall outside of the cut-off date are evaluated on a case by case basis. Our attention to age is based on our experience that a child’s emotional maturity is often linked to age, and as children grow older, positive interaction with peers is facilitated when their emotional development is closely aligned.

Q Will my child take an entrance exam?
A

In addition to the school visit, St. Paul Academy and Summit School uses entrance exams beginning in 3rd grade to help in the assessment of candidates. The exam is administered to children in grades 3-12 during specific Saturday morning testing sessions.

Q How are kindergarten assessments different from grades 1-12?
A

Applicants to kindergarten will be assessed in small groups by our faculty and admission staff. Assessments, which last two hours, will take place in our kindergarten classrooms. The small group setting allows students to interact in a classroom setting while being observed for developmental readiness. These assessments will take place in January and February of 2009.

Q What does the assessment include for applicants in grades 1-5?
A

Our 1st and 2nd grade applicants complete an assessment with one of our teachers or admission staff during their school visit. Our 3rd through 5th grade applicants are required to take an admissions test, specifically, the SAT (Stanford Achievement Test), which consists of 3 multiple choice tests to assess a student’s level in reading comprehension, math computation, and mathematical problem-solving. We also require a 20 minute writing sample on the day of testing.

Q What does the assessment include for applicants in grades 6-12?
A

Our 6th through 12th grade applicants are required to take an admission test, specifically the ERB’s, which consists of 3 multiple choice tests to assess a student’s level in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and reading comprehension. We also require an essay on the day of testing. In addition to testing, every applicant must also interview with a member of the admission staff.

Q What is the tuition for St. Paul Academy and Summit School? (2008-2009)
A

The Lower School (K-5) tuition is $20,620. The Middle School (6-8) tuition is $21,520. The Upper School (9-12) tuition is $22,410.

Q Are there expenses in addition to tuition for St. Paul Academy and Summit School?
A

Our tuition fee includes the cost of tuition, lunch, and in-school activities. Additional expenses may include book fees, optional trips and events, and a laptop in the Upper School.

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