Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get information about Saint Mary's?
Admissions information for the 2008-2009 school year will be available in September. Please complete the online inquiry form to request current admissions information or contact Linda Yaris, Associate Director of Admissions, at 510 559-6240 to request that information be sent to your home. Saint Mary’s will be sponsoring a “School Mission and Academic Night Presentation” for parents on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
When can I see the school?
During the fall (September through December), 8th grade students can visit our campus to experience Saint Mary's. Visit days are limited and we may not be able to accommodate all requests. To schedule a visit, first check with your elementary or middle school to see if there is a visit day already set, otherwise, please see “Opportunities to Visit” on our website. For parents, Saint Mary’s will be sponsoring three morning coffee sessions from 8:00-9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, October 9, October 23 and November 6. Space is limited.
When is Open House?
Mark your calendars - Sunday, November 18th, 2007 - 1:00 p.m. This is a once-a-year event and your opportunity to talk with teachers, visit classrooms, meet the administration, learn about our academic program, pick up additional information, ask questions and get answers. The entire campus will be open for families to visit and explore. No reservations are necessary. We encourage all families to attend even if they have already visited the campus.
Applying to Saint Mary's
There is a $75.00 application fee that covers the cost of the exam and application process. Applications are due no later than Friday, January 4, 2008.
Can I apply to more than one Catholic high school in the East Bay?
Yes. In fact, we encourage our applicants to apply to more than one of the East Bay Catholic high schools. We are happy that Saint Mary's is one of the options you are looking at to continue your child's education.
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 placement exam will be given at Saint Mary's on Saturday, January 12, 2008 beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. in our gymnasium. Parking is limited; drop-off or carpools are encouraged. Parents should plan on a pick up time of between
What is the name of the entrance exam given? How can I prepare for it?
Saint Mary's, and the other East Bay Catholic high schools, use the HSPT (High School Placement Test) produced by Scholastic Testing Services. 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 time restraint. The best way to prepare for the HSPT test is for students to do all their classwork and work hard 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 Workshop and Practice Test. Enrollment is limited.
What criteria is used to select a Saint Mary's student?
The admissions director and committee focuses on five major areas: 1. the application, 2. the applicant's 7th & 8th grade report cards and standardized test scores, 3. an applicant's score from our placement exam, 4. the applicant's interview, and 5. the recommendations from teachers and adults with a strong emphasis on behavior and a positive attitude. Other factors which may be considered include faith, legacy relationships, and feeder school.
Do you have a financial assistance program?
Yes, Saint Mary's is committed to helping families who demonstrate financial need. To apply for financial aid, Saint Mary’s asks families to complete the PSAS (Private School Aid Service) application in early February. 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. Financial aid information and the application will be automatically sent to every freshman applicant in the mail in January or you can download the application form on our website in mid-December.
How many students apply to Saint Mary's?
For the past eight years, Saint Mary's has had over 400 applicants for 160 spaces. We do have a waiting list that is ongoing throughout the year. Many students remain on our wait list and join our community in sophomore year.
When will families find out about the admission decision?
Decision letters will be sent out by mail on
If accepted into Saint Mary's, are there assessment exams for Math and International Languages?
Yes. There will be options in May for accepted incoming freshman students to test for higher math and language placement (Spanish or French). More detailed information about assessment testing will be sent after registration.
Do you have any programs or opportunities for seventh graders?
Yes, on