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Making the Transition from Public School

IT'S A BIG DECISION

Leaving a familiar setting is no small feat, but every year, dozens of families make exactly that move, transferring their daughters from Cincinnati-area public and independent schools, as well as the home-school setting, into the Saint Ursula Academy community. They come for different reasons:

Smaller classes and more individual attention
A warm, nurturing, close-knit environment
Rigorous academic curriculum
Stronger sense of belonging
All-girls education that builds confidence
Values and faith-based education
Development of the whole person
Preparation for college
A fresh start

What they find, year after year, is a school that feels like home almost immediately.

What to Expect: Visiting SUA

The admissions process kicks off in August, shortly after the school year begins, with Dawg Day, a great sneak peek into what it's like to be an SUA student. From there, Shadow Season begins, where 8th-grade girls can join a current student through classes, breaks, lunch, and activities. We also host many other events each year, from information nights to Open House and fun activities for girls, that offer a glimpse into life at Saint Ursula Academy.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF ADMISSIONS EVENTS

What to Expect: Applying to SUA

All applications must be submitted by November 24, 2026. The admissions committee reviews completed applications and the student profile. This includes High School Placement Test scores, standardized test scores, and academic records for admission to Saint Ursula. The committee seeks applicants who show readiness for the rigorous college-preparatory programming at Saint Ursula Academy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

What to Expect: Affording SUA

The Ursuline Sisters of Cincinnati were committed to providing a Saint Ursula education to qualified students and making it affordable. We continue their legacy by partnering with families to make a Saint Ursula education financially possible. We are committed to ensuring that each young woman who enrolls at Saint Ursula Academy can persist and graduate without financial barriers. To accomplish this goal, we provide tuition assistance plans and financial aid to qualifying families.

Saint Ursula Academy provides the EdChoice Scholarship Program and the EdChoice Expansion Program, and we also offer merit-based scholarships and need-based awards.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Choosing Saint Ursula Academy is a financial commitment, and we don't take that lightly. Here's what that investment consistently returns, based on outcomes and the experiences of our families:

Individual attention that shapes outcomes: With an approximately 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio, teachers and counselors know each girl, her strengths, her struggles, and her goals.
College readiness, not just college admission: Parents describe daughters arriving on campus already comfortable advocating for themselves, managing their time, handling rigorous coursework, and navigating a changing schedule and large campus — skills that pay off well beyond graduation.
Lifelong friendships and connection: When asked "Why SUA?" parents and students often point to the same thing: Saint Ursula Academy isn't just a place for education; it becomes a second home and a lasting community of teachers, coaches, and "sisters" that extends well beyond the four years.

What to Expect: Starting at SUA

It's normal to feel nervous about a new school. Many students do, no matter which school they are coming from. Below are some of the concerns that current students had:

"Will I know anyone?" Most incoming students come from many different middle and grade schools, so almost everyone is meeting new people. Students consistently say the fear of being "on the outside" faded within the first few weeks, usually thanks to a fall sport, a club, or simply sitting with someone new at lunch on day one.
"What about religion class and Mass?" Not all incoming families are Catholic, and we welcome those of all faiths. Religion classes start from the basics with no prior knowledge assumed. For Mass, we have prompts to help both Catholic and non-Catholic students. We invite everyone to participate in the ways that feel most comfortable.
"Will the academics be challenging?" Yes, and that's often exactly what families are looking for when considering Saint Ursula Academy as an option. Students describe SUA's classes as more rigorous than their previous schools, but with far more support: Small classes, accessible teachers, and structured time for help built into the schedule.

Thoughts from Families Who Have Made the Transition

From Parents:

"SUA is a big, warm hug in an otherwise insane world. The school is focused on each girl as an individual — it feels like every adult in the building is invested in encouraging these young women to become the best versions of themselves."

"The amount of individualized attention that SUA students receive is unparalleled. They are challenged yet also supported. Small class sizes enable students to interact frequently with their teachers and peers, which greatly enhances learning."

"For a girl who may be getting lost in the shuffle, SUA is an opportunity to build confidence and find her voice."

"We instantly felt like family from the first phone call. It was a bit of an adjustment curriculum-wise, but teachers and faculty have been very understanding and very willing to help our daughter succeed."

From Students:

"I was really worried about all the differences — the distance, the uniform, going from boys and girls to just girls, being a Catholic school. It ended up being the best decision I've ever made."

"I chose SUA because it was the most welcoming community I experienced out of everywhere I shadowed. I really just saw myself being successful here."

"It's academically rigorous, but you never feel like you're completely by yourself. You always have someone you can ask, and you always feel like you're getting better."