Application Process

The holistic admissions process at St. Teresa’s Academy includes an online application, review of middle school grades, teacher recommendations and student essays, and an optional family meeting with a representative of STA’s Admissions Department. A placement test is required for admittance.

Priority application and financial aid deadlines are December 5, 2025. Apply for financial aid online through FAIR.

  • The application process consists of completing a checklist of items.
  • A parent records release allows STA  Admissions to request your daughter’s middle school transcripts directly from her school.
  • Parents will be able to enter teachers’ email addresses so teachers can receive a link and submit recommendations online. (As long as the correct teacher information is entered, recommendations will not delay the application process, and STA will follow up if this is the only item outstanding.)
  • After the priority deadline, the process transitions to rolling admissions.
  • Applicant and Family information
  • Records release from your current school
  • Online essays – complete two out of five of the open-ended questions (all essays need to be submitted at the same time)
  • Three teacher recommendations
  • $35 Application fee*
  • Register for Placement Test – PreACT (see next step)
  • Shadow Day date and completed Shadow Day form (optional)
  • Schedule a family meeting and/or tour (optional for incoming freshmen; required for transfer students)

Visit our Admissions Portal 
*If the $35 application fee is a hindrance to your family, please contact the Director of Admissions to request a fee waiver.

Eighth-grade students interested in attending STA are required to take the PreACT 8/9. The placement test measures the same knowledge and skills as the ACT but at a level appropriate for students in grades 8–9.  The purpose of the exam is to accurately place your daughter in core courses: Math, Science, and English.

*If your daughter needs accommodations during testing, please email our Director of Recruitment & Enrollment, Jane Clark, with official documentation of her accommodations or learning plan in order to register for extended test time. (admissions@stteresasacademy.org)

Preparing for the Test: STA prides itself on our holistic approach to admitting students. The Placement Test is merely one piece to your daughter’s completed application. You may utilize the resources below.

Pre ACT 8/9 Prep Tools: Flashcards.  Booklets.
PDF – Why Take PreACT Assessments
PDF – 6 Ways the PreACT 8/9 Helps You

Placement Test Dates: Saturday, November 21, or Saturday, December 5, at 8:30 a.m. (Test Duration: 130 minutes) on the STA campus. You can find registration links in your Admissions Portal in the Admissions Events Checklist – REGISTER HERE

Summer Enrichment: The Admissions Committee will meet to review all incoming freshmen applicants’ test results. Based on the official scores, students may be required or strongly encouraged to register for our Summer Enrichment academic offerings for Math and/or English. Taught by current STA faculty, these programs are meant to help students strengthen their foundational skills while keeping their minds engaged during the break. Additionally, they can boost confidence and enthusiasm for learning, setting your daughter up for success in the upcoming freshman year.

St. Teresa’s Academy offers assistance to students whose families are in need of financial support and every effort is made to award some tuition support to eligible candidates. Each year, STA provides approximately $1.5 million in scholarships, discounts, and financial aid to approximately 50% of the student body.

STA works with Financial Aid Independent Review, Inc (FAIR), a third-party organization that analyzes applications based on a number of factors.

  • Online financial aid application opens on October 1 (fairapp.com)
  • STA Code: 184
  • STA Password: sta184

For additional information, please visit our Financial Aid Page.