ADMISSIONS PROCESS
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Thank you for your interest in St. James Academy Catholic High School!
Choosing a high school is an important decision for your family, and we are here to make the admissions process simple and easy to navigate. From experiencing St. James firsthand to submitting your application, taking the HSPT, and receiving your admissions decision, the steps below will guide you through the process.
READY TO APPLY?
Applications are open!
ADMISSIONS CALENDAR
October 1, 2026
Applications Open
December 1, 2026
Financial Aid Application Deadline
December 5, 2026
HSPT at St. James
December 12, 2026
Limited Makeup HSPT
December 15, 2026
Priority Admissions Application Deadline
December 31, 2026
Scholarship Application Deadline
Late January 2027
Admissions Decisions
THE ST. JAMES ADMISSIONS PROCESS
STEP 1: EXPLORE ST. JAMES
Before you apply, we encourage your student and family to experience what makes St. James Academy unique.
Students can get to know our school through:
- Thunder for a Day / Shadow Days
- Parent Information Events
- Open House
- Athletic, performing arts, and other school events
While visiting St. James is not required for admission, we strongly encourage prospective students to experience our community, meet our students and faculty, and discover what it means to be Made for More.
STEP 2: APPLY ONLINE
Create an account in our Finalsite Enrollment Portal to begin your application.
Priority Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
Applications received after the priority deadline will be placed in the waiting pool, with priority consideration given to applications submitted by the deadline.z
STEP 3: CHECKLIST ITEMS & REQUESTS COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
After submitting your application, log in to your Parent Portal and complete all required application items listed on your checklist.
Your application will NOT be considered complete until ALL required items have been submitted AND received by the application deadline.
Please plan ahead! Some required items may take several weeks to receive because they must come from your current school and/or parish.
Do not wait until the application deadline to request these items. Families are responsible for ensuring that all required materials are received by the deadline.
Be sure to monitor your Parent Portal throughout the admissions process so you know what remains outstanding.
- Things you will need:
- Email address for your Pastor/Faith Leader
- Email address for your Administrator (Principal/Asst. Principal)
- Email address for a middle school Teacher of Choice
STEP 4: TAKE THE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST (HSPT)
All incoming 8th-grade students applying to St. James Academy are required to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT).
The HSPT helps St. James better understand each student’s academic strengths and supports appropriate course placement as students begin their freshman year.
WHY TAKE THE HSPT AT ST. JAMES?
Students who take the HSPT at St. James Academy receive priority consideration for admission. We strongly encourage families to register for the HSPT administered at St. James.
STEP 5: OPTIONAL — APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Families interested in financial assistance must complete a separate financial aid application online through Clarity.
If you would like to apply for financial aid, simply click the Clarity link listed under your checklist items in the Parent Portal as part of your admissions application process.
Financial Aid Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
Please be sure to complete the Clarity application by the December 1 deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Things you will need:
- 2025 Tax Returns and 2025 W-2s
LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID →
Admissions Calendar
October 1, 2026
Applications Open
December 1, 2026
Financial Aid Application Deadline
December 5, 2026
HSPT at St. James
December 12, 2026
Limited Makeup HSPT
December 15, 2026
Priority Admissions Application Deadline
December 31, 2026
Scholarship Application Deadline
Late January 2027
Admissions Decisions
SCHOLARSHIPS
St. James offers a variety of academic and faith-based scholarship opportunities. Scholarship applications are optional and are not required for admission.
To be considered for a scholarship, students must submit:
- A completed St. James admissions application
- The appropriate scholarship application
Scholarship Application Deadline: December 31, 2026
Transfer students
St. James Academy accepts a limited number of transfer students at the beginning of each semester. To apply for transfer admission, a student must be a freshman, sophomore or junior in good standing at his current school. We are unable to accept 12th-grade transfers.
All students interested in transferring to St. James Academy must go through the transfer application process.
Transfer application steps:
- Online Application
- Submit transcripts & test scores
- School Tour (optional)
- Thunder for a Day (optional)
ADMISSIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Have questions about the St. James admissions process? We’ve answered some of the questions we hear most often below. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, our Admissions Team is always happy to help.
When do applications open?
Applications for the Class of 2031 open October 1, 2026.
What is the deadline to apply?
The priority application deadline is December 15, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will be placed in the waiting pool, with priority consideration given to applications submitted by the deadline.
Is the HSPT required?
Yes. All incoming 8th-grade students applying to St. James Academy are required to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT).
Does my student need to take the HSPT at St. James?
Students are strongly encouraged to take the HSPT at St. James. Students who take the HSPT at St. James Academy receive priority consideration for admission.
HSPT INFORMATION & REGISTRATION →
What if my student cannot attend the December HSPT?
A limited-capacity makeup HSPT will be offered on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Families who need the makeup date must contact the Admissions Office to request a spot. Space is limited.
What if my student needs testing accommodations?
If your student requires testing accommodations, appropriate documentation must be submitted by the required deadline so our team can review and coordinate accommodations for the HSPT.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS →
Do we have to visit St. James before applying?
No. Visiting St. James is encouraged but not required for admission.
We strongly recommend that prospective students take advantage of opportunities such as Thunder for a Day, Open House and Parent Information Events to experience our community and learn more about life at St. James.
Is financial aid required as part of the admissions application?
No. Financial aid is optional and separate from the admissions process.
Financial aid applications are processed online through Clarity. If you would like to apply for financial aid, click the Clarity link listed under your checklist items in the Parent Portal as part of your application process.
Financial Aid Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID →
Does applying for financial aid affect my student’s admission decision?
No. Applying for financial aid is a separate process from the admissions application.
Are scholarships required for admission?
No. Scholarship applications are optional and are not required for admission.
Students interested in academic or faith-based scholarships must complete both the St. James admissions application and the appropriate scholarship application.
Scholarship Application Deadline: December 31, 2026
VIEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES →
When will we receive an admissions decision?
Admissions decisions will be communicated by email in late January 2027.
What happens after my student is accepted?
Accepted students will receive information about the registration process with their admissions decision.
Families will have approximately 1–2 weeks to complete registration and submit the $350 non-refundable registration deposit to secure their student’s place in the freshman class.
Once registered, students can begin the course-selection process.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
We’re here to help! If you have questions at any point during the admissions process, please contact the St. James Academy Admissions Office.
