Timeline and FAQ

Want more information on our application process?

At St. Bernard Academy, we want your application process to go as smoothly as possible! See below for our application timeline and frequently asked questions.

Application Timeline

1

Apply

Complete an admission application submitted through our online Admissions Portal.

2

Complete Shadow Day

Students applying for 5th through 8th Levels must shadow
for one full school day.

3

Mail Recommendations and Student Records

Mail recommendation by your child's teacher and records from your child's school to the Admissions Office.

4

Complete Admissions Testing

Testing of applicants in Junior Kindergarten through 8th Level is required for admission. See below for information on testing dates.

Step 1: Complete and Submit an Application

The application process begins with a completed admission application submitted through our online Admissions Portal. The Application will be made available on the SBA Website in September.

Applications may be submitted at any time; however, we suggest submitting your application in the fall one year prior to the date of entrance. Applications received by the first Friday in January will be given first priority consideration. Applications received after the admissions timeline will be considered on a rolling basis and will also be subject to grade level availability.

Step 2: Schedule a Student Shadow Day

Students applying for 5th through 8th Levels must shadow for one full school day at St. Bernard Academy. Shadow dates should be scheduled with the Admissions Office after the application has been submitted.

Step 3: Submit Recommendation and Student Records

Submit a Recommendation
Deliver a Teacher Recommendation Form to your child’s current or recent teacher. The Recommendation should be mailed to the Admissions Office by the author of the form (teacher).
Personal Recommendation(s) are not required by can be submitted via email or mail to the Director of Admissions.

Submit Student Records and Transcripts
Complete the Records Release Form and give it to your child’s current school to submit a copy of his or her current report card and a copy of the previous two years final grades and standardized test results.

Step 4: Complete Admissions Testing

Testing of all applicants is required for admission. See below for details by grade level.

Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten
Applicants are tested on the first Saturday in February at St. Bernard Academy.

Levels 1 - 4

Applicants are tested on the first Saturday in February at St. Bernard Academy.

Contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Levels 5 - 8

Applicants entering 5th through 8th Levels must register to take the ISEE examination for admission. Applicants may register online directly through the Educational Records Bureau-ISEE organization here with St. Bernard Academy code 432573.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I be notified of acceptance?

When and how do I enroll?

What is your admission policy?

St. Bernard Academy is an independent and inclusive Catholic school. Consistent with our policy of diversity, we welcome non-Catholic families as well as families of all races, creeds, national, and ethnic backgrounds. Our primary goal in admissions is to admit students who will be successful both academically and socially, and who will be assets to our school community and its mission. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or national origin in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, athletic, or other school administered programs.

St. Bernard Academy also adheres to an order of selection of applicants:

Siblings of returning students who meet the established admissions standards are given first priority in admission.
Catholic non-siblings who exhibit a demonstrable probability of success are then admitted in the order of overall scores.
Children and siblings of alumni who exhibit a demonstrable probability of success are then admitted in the order of overall scores.
Other applicants who exhibit a demonstrable probability of success are then admitted in the order of overall scores with consideration given to gender parity, racial diversity, and socio-economic diversity.

All families are encouraged to complete the financial aid process to determine individual need. St. Bernard Academy utilizes a neutral third party provider for financial aid applications and award evaluation. The financial aid committee makes award decisions based on the reports from the third party provider with the family name of the applicant omitted. Admissions decisions are made separately of a family's financial aid application. Families may also submit a request to the annual Catholic parish subsidy.

Do you require immunizations?

Yes. Without exception or exemption.

Children entering Kindergarten are required to have the following vaccinations:

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
Four doses required; one dose must be given after the fourth birthday
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Three doses required
Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
Two doses required; final dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Two doses required, usually given together as MMR. First dose must be given after first birthday, with at least 30 days between the first and second doses
Varicella
Two doses required (or history of disease), previously only one dose was required; given after first birthday
Hepatitis A
Two doses required

Students are also required to have an updated immunization record on file at the beginning of 7th Grade.

In This Section

We know the admissions process at Independent schools can be anxiety inducing for both the applicants and their parents. At SBA, our goal is to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Selecting your child's school is a big commitment and investment and we want to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your child and your family.

Elizabeth Wilson
Director of Admissions