Welcome to Serra Admissions

Junípero Serra High School is a Catholic, all-boys college preparatory high school located in San Mateo, California. Founded in 1944, Serra provides an academic program grounded in the values of respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion.

1. Inquire: Submit an inquiry via the inquiry form to gain access to the Serra application portal.
2. Schedule a visit: Attend a Padre for a Day experience, a Padre Preview family event, Open House, Walk Around Wednesday or a Padre Admissions Chat to explore Serra and meet the community.
3. Apply: Applicants must create an account on our applicant portal to submit the application form and application fee.
4. Register for the HSPT: Students must submit their application before the exam appears on their Events Calendar in the applicant portal.
5. Submit teacher recommendations and transcripts: Recommendations from the applicant's current English and math teachers should be submitted through the application portal. Official transcripts will be requested through the portal after the application has been submitted.
6. Sign up for a student interview: Schedule through the applicant portal after submitting your application.
7. Watch for your admissions decision: Decisions are released via the applicant portal on March 12, 2027 at 4 p.m.

Visit our Applications page to learn more about the application process.

Yes. Serra is a private Catholic college preparatory high school open to boys of all faiths.

For the 2027-2028 school year, the freshman application deadline is Friday, November 20, 2026. A $90 application fee is required.

Applications submitted after November 20, 2026, carry an increased fee of $120, and the final late application deadline is Friday, December 18, 2026. Applicants applying after February 1, 2027, must contact the Admissions Office directly.

The freshman application for the 2027-2028 school year becomes available on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

A complete Serra application includes a submitted application and application fee, confidential teacher recommendations from the applicant's current English and math teachers, official transcripts from 7th and 8th grade, HSPT scores, a student interview and an optional Clergy Recommendation Form (required for families applying for the Archdiocese scholarship).

All supporting documents are due by Friday, January 15, 2027. Families can submit these documents through the Serra applicant portal.

Serra requires the High School Placement Test, commonly known as the HSPT. It is administered in person at Serra on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Students must submit their Serra application at least one week before the exam date if they plan to test on campus.

Yes. If students test in the Archdiocese of San Francisco or the Diocese of San José, they must list Serra High School on the HSPT exam on the test date. Students who take the HSPT at another school or testing location must request that their scores are sent to Serra High School no later than Friday, January 15, 2027.

Admissions decision notifications will be available via Serra's applicant portal on March 12, 2027 at 4 p.m.

Yes. Serra uses TADS to process all financial aid applications, ensuring a secure and confidential review process. Visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page to learn more about our financial aid program.

Serra's annual Open House is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Yes, Serra welcomes transfer student inquiries. Prospective transfer students interested in applying for the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 school year can visit our Transfer Students hub for resources. Families may also reach out to the Admissions Office directly with any questions regarding the transfer application process by emailing or calling 650-345-8207 ext. 6115.

Yes. Our Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides support services for students with documented learning differences, including IEPs, 504 Plans or psycho-educational evaluations.

To apply for ARC services, families must submit required documentation as part of the admissions process. The ARC application deadline is Friday, October 23, 2026.

Serra offers several ways for prospective families to connect with the school. Events include:

• Padre for a Day, a student shadow experience
• Walk Around Wednesday, parent-only Wednesday morning small-group meeting with school leadership, plus a campus tour
• Padre Previews, family events featuring student, parent and teacher speakers
• Padre Admissions Chats, smaller group sessions online with our director of admissions
• Open House, an event for families of 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade students interested in Serra

Explore upcoming admissions events and scheduling information by visiting the Campus Visits and Tours page, or complete the inquiry form at serrahs.com/admissions to be added to the prospective family mailing list.