Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 2010-2011
Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions by parents and students. For your convenience, we posted the questions on top to review and listed the questions with the answers below.
- How do I get information about Saint Mary's?
- When can I see the school?
- What can I expect at Saint Mary's Open House?
- Do you have a campus visit or shadow program?
- How do I apply to Saint Mary's?
- Can I apply to more than one Catholic high school in the East Bay?
- Does Saint Mary's have a program for students with learning differences/disabilities?
- When do eighth grade applicants take the entrance exam?
- What is the name of the entrance exam? How can I prepare for it?
- Does Saint Mary's have a Financial Assistance Program?
- How many students apply to Saint Mary's?
- When will families be notified of the admission decision?
- If accepted into Saint Mary's, are there placement exams for higher
- level Math, English, and International Languages?
- Do you have any programs or opportunities for sixth or seventh graders?
How do I get information about Saint Mary's?
Information about Saint Mary's College High School and the application process for the 2011-2012 school year is available online 24 hours and day, seven days a week, on our website at www.saintmaryschs.org. Families may join our email list, attend one of our admission events, browse our website, or call the Admissions Office directly for information about Saint Mary's College High School and the application process for incoming freshman for the 2011-2012 school year.
When can I see the school?
The best opportunity for families to see and learn about the school is at Saint Mary's Open House on Sunday afternoon, November 21, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The campus will be open for families to visit, enjoy, and explore. Please check our website for detailed Open House program information and schedules available after November 15, 2010.
What can I expect at Saint Mary’s Open House?
This interactive experience isthe single best opportunity to talk with teachers, visit classrooms, meet the administration, learn about our academic, co-curricular, fine arts, and athletic programs. All are welcome to join in the various presentations, demonstrations, and tours given on this day. Please see the "Opportunities to Visit" page of this website for other important dates for prospective parents and students.
Do you have a campus visit or shadow program?
During the fall months of September, October, and November, Saint Mary's sponsors a campus visit program for eighth grade students. Parent drivers who assist with carpooling are appreciated and welcome. Due to the overwhelming number of inquiries Saint Mary's receives every year from students requesting a campus visit, we arrange for small student groups to be toured by a Saint Mary's student ambassador, rather than one-on-one shadow visits.
How do I apply to Saint Mary's?
Both ninth grade and transfer students may apply for admission using the same online application link on the 'Apply to Saint Mary's" webpage. Freshman applicants may apply anytime after September 15, 2010 BUT NO LATER than Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Transfer students should refer to the Transfer Student Section at the bottom of the "Apply to Saint Mary's" page.
Can I apply to more than one Catholic high school in the East Bay?
Yes. Saint Mary's knows that many of our applicants will apply to more than one Catholic high school in the East Bay. We are pleased that Saint Mary's is one of the schools of choice for so many students.
Does Saint Mary's have a program for students with learning differences / disabilities?
Saint Mary's does not have a specialized program that supports students with learning disabilities and/or learning differences. We strongly suggest and encourage outside programs of support or tutoring in order to ensure the student's academic success. The only classroom accommodations that can be provided at Saint Mary's are limited to special seating (i.e., seating in the front of the room) and extended time on tests. For all students who have a documented learning difference, a meeting with the student and parents will be set with a member of the counseling and guidance department to talk about each student's needs and how, and if, we can address the student's needs before families have to pay the registration fee.
When do eighth grade applicants take the entrance exam?
The HSPT (High School Placement Test) will be given at Saint Mary's on Saturday, January 8, 2011. Students requesting extended time (with documentation) will check in at 7:30 a.m. and begin the test promptly at 8:00 a.m. Students not requesting extended time will check in at 8:00 a.m. and begin the test promptly at 8:30 a.m. This is the only date the exam will be given at Saint Mary’s.
What is the name of the entrance exam given? How can I prepare for it?
Saint Mary's administers the High School Placement Test (HSPT) produced by Scholastic Testing Service. The test measures grade level skills in reading, verbal, mathematics, language and quantitative skills. See the "Entrance Testing" webpage on our website. There are several test preparation books available at local bookstores for students who want to get a sense of the test and working under a timed environment. The best way to prepare for the HSPT test is for students to do all their class work, homework, and pay attention in school. Ask your eighth grade teacher what you can do to review prior to the test or whether the teacher has plans to incorporate a review into lesson plans for the entire class. Seventh graders may also want to consider registering for our Seventh Grade HSPT Practice Test.
Does Saint Mary's have a Financial Assistance Program?
Yes, Saint Mary's is committed to helping as many families as possible who demonstrate financial need. Even with the huge amount of assistance we do provide and distribute, there is always more need than we can meet and we are not always able to help all the families who apply for assistance.
To apply for financial assistance, Saint Mary’s asks families to complete the PSAS (Private School Aid Service) application by February 4, 2011. The completed application serves two programs – the Saint Mary’s Financial Assistance Program as well as the F.A.C.E. (Family Aid To Catholic Education) sponsored by the Oakland Diocese. Each family that submits an incoming freshman application to Saint Mary's automatically receives a financial assistance application in the mail fromt the Saint Mary's Business Office. You may contact them directly at 510 559-6250.
How many students apply to Saint Mary's?
Admission to Saint Mary’s is competitive. Over 400 students apply each year for the approximate 160 spaces available in the freshman class.
When will families be notified of the admission decision?
Decision letters will be sent out by mail on Friday, March 18, 2011 for incoming freshman applicants. If accepted, students are asked to register, with a $650.00 registration fee, by Friday, March 25, 2011.
If accepted into Saint Mary's, are there placement exams for Math, English, and International Languages?
Yes. There will be options in late April for accepted incoming freshman students to test for a higher math and international language placement (Spanish or French). More detailed information about placement testing will be sent once a student's registration has been received.
Do you have any programs or opportunities for sixth or seventh graders?
Yes, on April 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Saint Mary's will host an Information Night for Sixth and Seventh Grade.
On Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saint Mary's will host a Seventh Grade Workshop and Practice HSPT Test. Saint Mary's provides an opportunity on this day for current seventh graders to gain a clearer sense of what the high school entrance test (HSPT) will be like. They will also benefit from an introduction to testing strategies and study skills that could be used when preparing for standardized testing.