FAQs

In order to allow us to best serve our students, Saint Ursula Academy leaders plan for a freshman class between 155 and 165 students. This number is based on a constant review of proper facilities and support for our student body. 

Every applicant who takes the High School Placement Test (HSPT) completes an application and submits academic records from her grade school will be considered for admission. These materials help us get to know each student beyond a single test score.

Our admissions committee carefully reviews the full student profile, including academic performance, placement test results, and other submitted information to determine readiness for our college-preparatory curriculum. We look for students who are prepared to be challenged and who will thrive in our supportive learning community.

There are many resources available to prepare for the HSPT.  Many websites offer free preparation, such as www.varsitytutors.com/hspt-practice-tests.  Test preparation books are also available for purchase on sites such as Amazon.  

Tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $17,400. There is also a general fee of $1,600. Details about payment options and financial assistance are listed in the Afford section.  The Educational Services Program requires an additional fee.

9.  How does SUA teach differently to girls?
In today’s society, research shows that girls quickly learn they should not fail, and as a result, they do not take risks. Teachers at Saint Ursula Academy work to create a safe space where girls can take risks and can fail in a safe and supported space. Teachers are working to help girls see their mistakes as “first takes.” The goal is to help them overcome the defeatist mindset.

Research also shows girls want to know exactly what to do.  We give them opportunities for experiential learning and application learning and how to apply it. As a result, they grow more confident in stepping out of their comfort zone, making choices, and using their voice.  SUA's innovative schedule, called Experience Excellence: Learning for the Real World incorporates experiential Minimesters into the student experience. 

We also know that girls do not naturally see themselves as leaders. SUA teachers and the administration work very hard to create leadership opportunities for girls in and out of the classroom to help them become comfortable in leading in a variety of ways and confident they belong in leadership roles. 

Saint Ursula gives girls free time where they can make decisions about how to use their time. We work to help our students develop life skills. That includes making choices to not over-schedule themselves. We address busyness and teach them the importance of self-nurturing, setting boundaries, etc., and work with them to develop these important lifelong skills.

 

Since Saint Ursula offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum, you will encounter a balanced course load based on your individual strengths. You will be in classes with girls who share your love of learning; you will join a nurturing community in which students support each other in their learning and work collaboratively. Courses are designed for students to succeed, and our caring teachers are passionate about supporting your growth as a student and as a young woman. We also have great resources to help you like our school counselors and the Bulldog Academic Resource Center (BARC), which is staffed by National Honor Society tutors and a math or English teacher. 

Saint Ursula Academy introduced an innovative new schedule model at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. We have strong data to support this schedule model and believe it will not only lend a new level of excellence to the academic and school engagement experience but will help Saint Ursula students stand out above the rest in the college admissions process. Click the link above to learn more!

Saint Ursula is known for its challenging academics and its students’ academic success. SUA offers a wide variety of Honors level courses.

Saint Ursula does not offer a formal honors program because our curriculum is so rich, that every course could be compared to an honors course at another educational institution. One-on-one scheduling prevents a student from becoming limited by or stuck on a pre-set track, which can happen in pre-set honors programs. This allows Saint Ursula to schedule each student in the appropriate course based on her individual strengths and interests, allowing us to personally tailor the academic experience for every student.

With our block schedule and intensity, all of our students are moving at a fast pace in a challenging curriculum.
The appropriate course level is re-evaluated for every student each year during scheduling meetings and students can be moved into more or less challenging based on where they will be challenged appropriately at their individual level.

14. How are students placed in honors courses?
Academic Course recommendations are made to set the student on the best course for success at SUA. This is done by looking at the complete academic portfolio of each student, including the HSPT and grade school performance, Counselors and administrators review the recommended courses during individual academic advising meetings with each family.

15. How does the block schedule impact Math instruction?

Most courses will run the length of the school year, instead of being just one semester long. This prevents gaps in the continuity of learning in subjects like math and world language that continue to build on previous content. 

Students who are interested in pursuing additional higher-level math courses can take additional credits in their schedule through a minimester course or by working with their counselor to schedule additional courses, like AP Calculus.  

 

With more than 50 student-led clubs and organizations, you can write an article for the school newspaper, hone your skills as a photographer, craft competitively with your classmates, or practice your diplomacy skills through Model UN. Most of the clubs, organizations, and honor societies meet during the school day, which means that students have access to these enrichment opportunities built right into their schedules. 

 

23. How is the Counseling department structured and how do the Counselors support the students? 
Saint Ursula Academy is fortunate to have 7 licensed, experienced, and caring school counselors on our faculty who assist students with the transition into high school, social-emotional and academic concerns, career discernment, and the college search and application process.

Each student is paired with her counselor for all four years. This allows her to build a deep and meaningful partnership with her counselor, who assists her through each stage of her high school development. Since our counselor-to-student ratio is exceptionally low, our counselors are able to give significant time and care to each and every student.  

Counselors support students through personalized individual counseling, small and large group meetings, yearly academic advising, and dedicated, one-on-one career and college advising.  Counselors have 40+ touchpoints with students over their four years at SUA.  

24.  I hear the teachers at Saint Ursula are very effective. How do they help the students learn?  

The teachers at Saint Ursula Academy are highly knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and participate in regular professional development and training to stay at the forefront of their field. The teachers really believe in the mission of Saint Ursula and live it through their example every day.  They are invested in each student's success.  They care about each and every girl and work to help them grow as thinkers, leaders, nurturers and prophets. This helps the students thrive in the classroom and beyond.

25. What kinds of transportation is available to and from Saint Ursula Academy?
Many students use carpools to get to Saint Ursula Academy. SUA provides a list of students’ zip codes and telephone numbers to families at the start of the school year to assist with carpool arrangements.
Bus transportation may be provided by the school district in which you reside, however, many districts no longer provide bus transportation. Please check with the school district in which you reside for options and details.

26. About how many students from Saint Ursula Academy have made it into Ivy League colleges?

Thanks for asking this question! We currently have SUA graduates at Princeton and Brown. A 2024 graduate was accepted to Columbia but selected another university. Please find the link to view our comprehensive matriculation for the 2024 and 2025 school years. Over the years, we have also sent students to Yale, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell universities.