Admissions
Kansas City’s premier college-preparatory academy
Your journey starts here – at a premier private school with one purpose: to educate and empower you to change the world!
St. Teresa’s Academy, Kansas City’s oldest school, is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) and has been continuously accredited since 1923.
At STA, you’ll experience small class sizes and highly educated instructors – where more than 80% of faculty have advanced degrees. Outstanding academics, innovative learning and immersive travel experiences, STEM/STEAM certification, state-of-the-art educational spaces and tools, and many other unique opportunities mean you will receive an educational experience found only at STA.
We seek and encourage a diverse student community and admit students without regard to race, color, or national or ethnic origin.
STA earned School of Distinction status as part of the rigorous Cognia accreditation process. Out of more than 1,950 completed accreditation reviews in the 2023-2024 academic year, only 60 schools (top 3%) worldwide earned this select honor. STA was the only school in Kansas/Missouri to earn this recognition.
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The Academy offers a variety of scholarships – merit- and need-based – as well as financial aid. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2025-26 school year is $17,950. This amount includes the fees outlined below. Payment plans are available. Tuition can be spread over monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual payments. (Tuition + Registration Fee = $18,450)
Fees
Registration Fee – $500 (non-refundable, due at time of registration)
Athletics Fee (assessed separately and only if participating) – $375
Eighth-grade students interested in attending STA are required to take the PreACT 8/9. The PreACT 8/9 measures the same knowledge and skills as the ACT but at a level appropriate for students in grades 8–9. Anchored on the ACT College and Career Readiness Standards, PreACT assessments help educators, students, and parents identify areas of academic strength and opportunity. Students who take PreACT 8/9 may even opt to have their information shared with colleges and scholarship agencies, providing greater opportunities for recruitment and scholarship awards. This exam will allow us to more accurately measure your daughter’s progress during her time at STA.
*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. We factor in all components of the application: middle school transcripts, teacher recommendations, student essays, behavior records, and the placement test. The Students may feel more comfortable and confident taking the PreACT 8/9 with some additional resources, though these are not at all required. 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, December 6, or Saturday, December 13, 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. These courses provide personalized attention and interactive learning experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, they can boost confidence and enthusiasm for learning, setting your daughter up for success in the upcoming freshman year. These courses are meant to instill further confidence and familiarity before the beginning of freshman year.
*Summer Enrichment Categories: Required, Strongly Encouraged, or Optional – based on the Admissions Committee’s decision or Parent Request
Please email any questions to – admissions@stteresasacademy.org
STA’s holistic admissions process includes an online application, review of middle school grades, teacher recommendations and student essays, as well as a family meeting with a representative of STA’s admissions team. An placement test is required for admittance and take place in November and December.
Priority deadline to apply is December 5, 2025.
*STA will request grades and teacher recommendations on the applicant’s behalf.
Jane Clark
Director of Recruitment & Enrollment
Katherine Nerona-Balog
Interim Director of Recruitment & Enrollment
Benefits of all-female environment
Students feel challenged to reach their academic potential
6X more likely to consider studies in STEM
2/3 expect to earn an advanced degree
80% hold leadership positions during their career