Frequently Asked Questions
General | Financial
Q. When is Open House?
A. Open House is typically held on the Sunday following Columbus Day Weekend each October. Open House 2013 will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Q. Who is invited to attend Open House?
A. Everyone is invited to our Open House. Young people of all ages, parents and friends will benefit from the experience. You do not need to phone in advance to tell us you plan to attend.
Q. How do I begin the application process?
A. You may apply online by clicking the Apply Online link or by downloading the Application for Admission. You may also call the Admissions Office at 203-288-2309 to receive a copy of our Admissions Viewbook with application forms. All Admissions info is available in PDF files on the Forms & Documents page.
Q. Is an interview required to apply to Sacred Heart Academy?
A. Interviews are not required for applicants to grade 9, but may be helpful especially if there are special circumstances that need to be explained. The interview is an opportunity for the applicant to begin to know SHA better and for us to see the applicant as a person beyond grades, test scores and essays. All applicants for other grades must arrange for an interview by contacting the school.
Q. Do I need to have teacher recommendations?
A. Teacher recommendations are not mandatory, but they often provide the admissions committee with positive statements about the applicant. We carefully read all teacher recommendations that are due by December 1. You may ask teachers to photocopy recommendations they have written for you to other schools and have them sent to Sacred Heart Academy. This helps teachers who often are asked to write many recommendations for students.
Q. What test do I take in order to apply to Sacred Heart Academy?
A. Sacred Heart Academy uses the STS High School Placement Test.
Q. What is the application deadline?
A. For all applicants during the 2012-2013 school year, all applications must be received by October 26. The Request for Release of Records form for your current school, request that the records be sent to Sacred Heart no later than December 1. We also request that teacher recommendations be sent by December 1. If you have any questions or concerns about these deadlines, please contact the Director of Admissions.
Q. How old is Sacred Heart Academy?
A. Sacred Heart Academy was founded in 1946 on Greene Street in New Haven. In 1956 the school was moved to its current location on Cherry Hill in Hamden.
Q. What are Sacred Heart Academy’s school colors?
A. Our athletics teams wear red and white, but maroon is more common in our uniforms and print materials.
Q. Are there campus tours for visitors?
A. You may request a campus tour by phoning the admissions office at 203-288-2309 if you missed the Open House.
Q. What is the procedure for a student applying to grade 10?
A. Applicants who apply for grade 10 must submit a completed Application for Admission and take the entrance exam, typically held on a Saturday in November. In addition, all applicants for grade 10 must arrange for a personal interview by phoning the admissions office for a time and date.
Q. How many students go on to college after graduating from Sacred Heart Academy?
A. All graduating seniors go on to four-year colleges and universities.
Q. What is the cost of attending Sacred Heart Academy?
A. For the 2013-2014 academic year, the costs are as follows:
- Tuition $12,900
- Estimated textbook expenses $400 to $1000
- Estimated school uniform expenses $200
Tuition covers most course and activity fees. The tuition includes use of a wireless laptop computer, internet access, email account, usage of all school technology as well as athletic fee for sports. Travel to and from school is not included in tuition.
Q. Is financial aid available at Sacred Heart Academy?
A. Yes. Sacred Heart Academy is fortunate to have the support of our loyal alumnae and other benefactors whose generosity has provided scholarship aid for our students. Each year approximately 25% of our students received scholarships and financial aid from 72 named scholarships and from the general fund.
Q. When do we apply for financial aid?
A. All financial aid information is available on our Financial Aid page. Parents may apply for financial aid after the student has been accepted. All applications must be completed and postmarked by March 1.
Q. Who qualifies for financial aid?
A. There are many factors that affect award decisions, including a family’s income, assets and number of children in schools that charge tuition.
Q. Will our financial aid change from year to year?
A. The financial aid award may change. Financial need and awards are calculated each year using up-to-date information.
Q. What happens in cases of divorce, separation, and single parents?
A. Sacred Heart Academy considers the income and assets of both biological parents in determining an award.
Q. What are the deadlines when applying for financial aid?
A. March 1: Complete the financial aid application and send signed copies of this year’s completed IRS 1040s including all schedules, W-2s and 1099s along with the application to the financial aid company. No award can be finalized until the company receives completed and signed current year tax forms. They are essential to the financial aid process.
By April 30: Financial aid decisions are mailed to families of both newly admitted and returning students.