Applying to SPA
We are pleased that you are interested in St. Paul Academy and Summit School, and look forward to getting to know you better throughout the admission process!
The first step of the process is to contact us by making an admission inquiry. Please use the "Inquire" button on the right to receive more information and to connect with the Admission office. You may also contact any member of our Enrollment team directly.
Below you can find additional information about touring our campuses, getting to know the SPA community, and completing your application.
- 1. Request Information
- 2. Tour Our Campuses
- 3. Attend an Open House
- 4. Grade-Specific Application Guidelines
- 5. Testing and Assessment
- 6. Complete the Application
1. Request Information
Request an Admission Information Packet that you will receive by mail. Please read through all of the material in the packet, which includes information about SPA's curriculum, programs, and culture.
2. Tour Our Campuses
3. Attend an Open House
OCTOBER 2024
Lower School Admission Open House (Grades K-5)
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Middle/Upper School Admission Open House (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, October 24, 2024
8:30-10:30 a.m.
NOVEMBER 2024
Lower School Admission Open House (Grades K-5)
Saturday, November 16, 2024
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Middle/Upper School Admission Open House (Grades 6-12)
Saturday, November 16, 2024
3:00-5:00 p.m.
JANUARY 2025
Lower School Admission Open House (Grades K-5)
Thursday, January 16, 2025
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Middle/Upper School Admission Open House (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, January 16, 2025
6:30-8:30 p.m.
4. Grade-Specific Application Guidelines
Different grades have specific application guidelines; see below for details. Please note that all portions of the application process can be seen in your online application portal.
PreKindergarten
Kindergarten
Parent/Guardian Tour: Kindergarten families are invited to schedule an in-person tour. We are excited to share the school with you.
Writing Sample: Kindergarten applicants completes a short writing sample. The form is available for families to download in the online application portal. Upload the completed form to the portal.
Kindergarten Assessment: Each Kindergarten applicant participates in a one-on-one assessment with a member of our admission team. These 30 minute visits begin in December and can be scheduled on the online application portal.
Kindergarten Play Group: Each Kindergarten applicant participates in a one-hour play group on a Saturday in January or February. Families can schedule their child’s play group on the online application portal.
Two Teacher Evaluations: Kindergarten applicants submit two teacher evaluations. Families use the online application portal to send the evaluation form to current and previous preschool teachers.
Current School Records/Transcript: Kindergarten applicants submit current school records. Families send a transcript request to their child’s current school on the online application portal.
Financial Aid: Complete the Financial Aid application (if applicable). Learn more about how to apply for Financial Aid here.
Grades 1-2
Parent/Guardian Tour: Grade 1-2 families are invited to schedule an in-person tour. We are excited to share the school with you.
Writing Sample: Grade 1-2 applicants complete a short writing sample. The form is available for families to download in the online application portal. Upload the completed form to the portal.
Student Visit: Grade 1-2 applicants participate in a half-day school visit at their current grade level. Visits can be scheduled on the online application portal.
Student Assessment: Grade 1-2 applicants complete an admission assessment on their visit day.
Two Teacher Evaluations: Grade 1-2 applicants submit two teacher evaluations. Families use the online application portal to send the evaluation form to current and previous teachers.
Current School Records/Transcript: Grade 1-2 applicants submit current school records. Families send a transcript request to their child’s current school on the online application portal.
Financial Aid: Complete the Financial Aid application (if applicable). Learn more about how to apply for Financial Aid here.
Grades 3-5
Parent/Guardian Tour: Grade 3-5 families are invited to schedule an in-person tour. We are excited to share the school with you.
Writing Sample: Grade 3-5 applicants complete a short writing sample. The form is available for families to download in the online application portal. Upload the completed form to the portal.
Student Visit: Grade 3-5 applicants participate in a half-day school visit at their current grade level. Visits can be scheduled on the online application portal.
Student Assessment: Grade 3-5 applicants complete an admission assessment on their visit day.
Two Teacher Evaluations: Grade 3-5 applicants submit two teacher evaluations. Families use the online application portal to send the evaluation form to current and previous teachers.
Current School Records/Transcript: Grade 3-5 applicants submit their child’s current school records. Families send a transcript request to their child’s current school on the online application portal.
Financial Aid: Complete the Financial Aid application (if applicable). Learn more about how to apply for Financial Aid here.
Grades 6-12
Parent/Guardian Tour: Grade 6-12 applicant family is invited to schedule an in-person tour and conversation. We are excited to share the school with you.
Student Shadow Day: Grade 6-12 applicants participate in a full-day school visit. Visits begin in October and can be scheduled on the online application portal or please call our admission lobby line at 651-696-1433.
Student Essays: Grade 6-12 applicants complete several short-form essays. The essay form is available for families to download in the online application portal. Upload the completed form to the portal.
Two Teacher Evaluations (current English and Math): Grade 6-12 applicants submit two teacher evaluations - one from a current English teacher and one from a current Math teacher. Families use the online application portal to send the evaluation form to current and previous teachers.
Current School Records/Transcript: Send transcript request to your school's office by providing a name and an email in the online application portal.
Assessment: Applicants will take the CTP5 admission tests to assess verbal reasoning, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning skills. Additionally, students will be asked to complete a writing sample.
Financial Aid: Complete the Financial Aid application (if applicable). Learn more about how to apply for Financial Aid here.
5. Testing and Assessment
Testing and assessment varies by grade level (see below). Details and instructions for scheduling testing will be provided in your admission portal as part of the application process.
PreKindergarten/Kindergarten: Applicants will take part in a one-on-one assessment with a member of our admission team. They will also participate in a one-hour play group on a Saturday.
Grades 1-5: Applicants will take a one-on-one assessment with a member of the admission team. This assessment includes reading comprehension and math skills.
Grades 6-12: Applicants will take the CTP5 admission tests to assess verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning skills. Additionally, students will be asked to complete a writing sample.
Students that need accommodations due to a documented learning difference or other health impairment should contact Anne Marso (amarso@spa.edu, 651-696-1334).