We want applying to Serra to be easy. Here’s what you need to do:

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• Applicants are encouraged to submit applications by Friday, December 3, 2021. A $75 application fee is required with submission. Late applications received after December 3 will incur a $100 application fee. Applications must be submitted no later than Thursday, January 6, 2022. All supporting documents must be received no later than January 24, 2022. 
• Students cannot take the online high school placement test (HSPT) through Serra if an application is not submitted. The Serra online HSPT will be administered on Saturday, December 11, 2021.
• After completing the form, you will have the option to register for any upcoming events that the school has made available. See steps below for more information.

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Parents who wish to complete the application for the Academic Resource Center (ARC) must submit the required documentation (IEP, 504-Plan, and/or psych-educational evaluation, including diagnosis and testing results, with rationale and recommendation relevant to high school) for their son to be considered for membership in the ARC.For more information on Serra's Academic Resource Center, please click here.

Serra will host creative in person and virtual events for students and parents throughout the 2021-22 school year. Please visit our site regularly for updates and additions. Below are a few of the events we will be holding.

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Padre for a Day Experience

Wondering what your high school experience will be like? Immersing yourself in Padre life by participating in a Padre for a Day (PFD) visit is an important step in determining if Serra is the right community for you. This year, in accordance with state, county, and Archdiocesan guidelines, Serra will host on-campus Padre for a Day visits.* We will also hold several one hour virtual visits for those who do not wish to or cannot come on campus.

• Check-in begins at 8:15 AM; event ends approximately 12:30 PM
• Our PFD format has changed; host requests are no longer an option.
• One parent must attend the parent welcome session from 8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m on the day of your son's visit.
• At check-in on the day of the visit, ALL visitors - parent(s) and student(s) - must provide either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test result administered no more than 72 hours prior. Without this proof, registrants will not be able to enter campus and will have to reschedule. All visitors are required to wear face masks while on campus.

*Subject to changes in state, county, or Archdiocesan COVID policy. 

Check out our Visit Us page for more information.

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Padre Previews

We invite you to attend one of our Padre Previews to meet Serra students, parents, and teachers who will speak to the rigor of our academic program, our extensive extracurricular programs and  Serra brotherhood. Padre Previews show you why Serra is the right choice for your son during the transformative years of high school when character is shaped and foundational values are determined. These are exciting events for parents and middle school boys considering a Padre future! 

Check out our Visit Us page for more information.

 

Tuesday, 9/21 - San Mateo - 5PM - 7PM

Saturday, 10/2 - Belmont - 4PM - 6PM

Tuesday, 10/5 - Hillsborough - 5PM - 7PM

Saturday, 10/9 - Menlo Park - 3:30PM - 5:30PM

Tuesday, 10/12 - San Mateo - 5PM - 7PM

Sunday, 10/17 - San Mateo - 2PM - 4PM

Tuesday, 10/19 - San Carlos - 5PM - 7PM

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Walk Around Wednesday

 Walk Around Wednesday is a parent-only program held Wednesdays in our Admissions Center, September through December. President Barry Thornton and Admissions Director Julie Behn will open the meeting with an overview that covers a number of topics of interest to prospective parents; they will also entertain questions from our guests. We also include one or two Serra Parent Ambassadors who will share their unique perspective on the Serra community and their sons’ experiences. The morning will end with a short tour of the school.

Check out our Visit Us page for more information.

 

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Padre Admissions Chats (parent exclusive event)

 Join Director of Admissions, Julie Behn, to discuss what to expect when applying. In these intimate lunchtime gatherings, you can ask questions, learn about the application and admission process, and discover what qualities Serra looks for in a student when determining acceptance.

Check out our Visit Us page for more information.

The freshman entrance exam (HSPT) will be held in person on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Registration information for the HSPT at Serra will be available in mid to late September.

We understand that the total cost of a Serra education is a significant investment. Serra's Financial Aid program is designed to help those families who, even with their sacrifices, are unable to afford full tuition. If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please click here for more information.

Confidential teacher recommendations from the applicant's current English and math teachers are required. These forms will be available September 15, 2021

Should your school require a release form for your son's records, print and provide the following: Transcript and Confidential Teacher Recommendation Release Form.

We appreciate and value the chance to get to know you and your son beyond his application materials. This is your son’s opportunity to share with us his unique talents, accomplishments and qualities. Families will be invited into the conversation. Upon submission of your completed application, you will be able to schedule a virtual interview date and time that fits your schedule. Interviews will be held on January 8, 10, and 20, 2022.

The (optional) Clergy Recommendation form should be completed by your pastor, minister, or spiritual advisor and returned to us. These forms will be available August 30, 2021.

Track your progress to ensure that Serra has received all of your application materials and fees by the given deadlines. More information to come.

Acceptance notifications will be available on March 18, 2022.

 

Every year, Serra identifies a select group of incoming freshmen whose academic and co-curricular achievements truly stand out. These exceptional young Padres are acknowledged as St. Junípero Serra Scholars.

St. Junípero Serra Scholars receive a $6,000 scholarship, renewable each year they attend Serra and meet the criteria established for the program. Students are identified by Serra’s Admissions Committee to receive this honor.

The general profile of a scholarship recipient is a young man who has:

• Grades of A- or better in each of the core subjects of English, math, history, and science in seventh and eighth grades
• Outstanding recommendations from teachers for his academic achievements, moral character, and conduct
• High School Placement Test scores in the 90th percentile or above on multiple measures.
• Standardized test scores from seventh and eighth grades that are consistent with his academic profile
• Demonstrated initiative and/or leadership in extracurricular and community activities

Serra is proud to welcome a new cohort of St. Junípero Serra Scholars each year. If you have questions about this program, please contact the Admissions Office.

At Serra, we understand that students have many gifts that a grade point average or a number on an exam might not show us. The admissions committee is interested in learning about who the student is as a person, not just a statistic. We want to learn about his goals and interests and how he can contribute to the Serra community. Serra makes every attempt to evaluate each applicant holistically and truly focus on every aspect of the application, including grades, HSPT scores, letters of recommendation and the personal interview.

If admission is offered to your son, you will have until March 25, 2022 to make a decision.

If the decision is to accept our admission offer, we ask that you register your son for the Class of 2026 by the March 25 deadline.

Because the San Francisco Archdiocese respects each family’s need to evaluate its son’s high school decision without distraction, we will not contact you between March 18 and March 25. However, you are welcome and encouraged to reach out to us at any time during this “quiet week” with any questions.