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APPLICATION PROCESS

How do I apply to Seton School?

To apply to Seton, please visit https://setonschool.net/admissions/ and complete the short form which will generate your request for an application. The Admissions Staff will send you the link to the online Adobe application. You may also directly email the Admissions Director or Admissions Associate to request an application: admissions@setonschool.net or admissionsassociate@setonschool.net.

Is there an application fee?

There is a non-refundable $150 per student application fee. You may pay online at FactsGiving (https://setonschool.factsmgtadmin.com/form/AYAzAp84e), send in a check made payable to Seton School, or tender the fee in cash at the main office.

When can I apply to Seton?

Applications will be accepted between Friday, September 4, 2026, and Monday, January 4, 2027. The priority deadline for the January test, however, is Friday, December 18, 2026. Students who apply after the Dec. 18 date are not guaranteed a seat at the January test. A detailed timeline will be linked on the Admissions page and also emailed to all applicant families.

Do I need to submit grades?

Yes! Applicants for Grades 7-9 must submit a copy of their grades from the past two years as well as their first semester or most recent report card on or before February 1, 2027. Applicants for Grades 10-12 must supply a complete high school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) on or before February 1, 2027. Final acceptance is contingent upon receipt of your child’s official transcripts from schools previously attended, including formal and informal homeschooling programs, no later than June 18, 2027. All applicants are expected to attain “C’s” or better for final grades in all subjects. Records can be submitted to the main office or emailed to: records@setonschool.net.

Are letters of recommendation required?

While not required, you are welcome to submit recommendations in support of your student’s application.

Do you have to be Catholic to attend Seton School?

Non-Catholic students are welcome to apply; however, when applicants outnumber spaces available, preference is given to students with a strong Catholic identity. All students, regardless of religious affiliation, are required to attend the two weekly Seton Masses and monthly holy hour, and participate in the annual Lenten retreat.

Is it true that Seton has a strong Catholic identity and is Newman Guide recommended?

Absolutely yes! Provision of a Catholic education and the formation of students consistent with Catholic teachings are integral to Seton’s mission. Parents seeking admission for their children should acknowledge and actively support the fact that Seton’s operations, teachings, policies, and code of conduct are in complete harmony with the Magisterium of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Seton School is honored to be recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as the longest existing independent Catholic school in the nation, and as such stands as an exemplar of faithful Catholic education.

My student has a learning disability. Can Seton accommodate his/her needs?

Seton School values the beautiful mission of accessible Catholic education. Unfortunately, at this time we lack the resources, personnel, and authorization to work effectively with children presenting with emotional disorders, behavioral issues, or serious learning disabilities. Parents of students with a professional psycho-educational evaluation or an IEP, ISP, SAP, or who have been previously enrolled in a special education program must supply those records when applying to Seton School. The Guidance staff can make a preliminary decision as to whether an application may move forward after reviewing the provided documents. While Seton does not have the standard support systems in place found at larger or diocesan schools, we carefully and prayerfully assess each student’s potential needs on a case-by-case basis to determine whether Seton can provide the necessary academic assistance.

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DECISION NOTIFICATION

When will I learn whether my student has been accepted at Seton School?

Letters of acceptance and non-acceptance for high school applicants will be sent on Friday, February 12, 2027, and junior high school applicants will receive notification by March 1, 2027.

How do I accept the admissions offer for my student?

On or before February 26, 2027, high school applicants must remit a non-refundable $300 registration fee, signed enrollment confirmation, and registration contract to secure enrollment. The enrollment deadline for junior high applicants is March 12, 2027, and includes the same requirements as mentioned above to secure enrollment. The registration fee is not refundable should you later decide to decline admission. If the deposit is not received by the relevant deadline, the child/ren’s name/s will be removed from the acceptance list and a waitlisted student will be offered admission.

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FINANCIAL AID

Does Seton offer financial aid and how do we apply?

For Financial Aid consideration, families of accepted students must complete a financial aid application in the spring and provide requested financial documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. FACTS, an independent third party, assesses a family’s financial situation and recommends to Seton School the level of aid a family requires. The Seton administration exclusively makes final determination of all awarded aid. Seton’s financial assistance comes through a work program. Families receiving reduced tuition must work in various capacities to contribute to the betterment of Seton School. If the assigned work is not completed, then tuition will be assessed. For additional information about FACTS, please refer to: https://factsmgt.com/parent-faqs/.

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THE DIRECTOR INTERVIEW

Do all families need to meet with the Director, Mr. Robert Pennefather?

Only new families are required to meet with the Director for an interview. This will take place the morning or afternoon of your student’s test date. You may sign up for a time via the SignUpGenius link that will be provided when you register your student for his/her testing date.

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TUITION 2026-27

* Additional fees for dual enrollment and electives may also be applied.

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ADMISSIONS TESTING

Seton tests all applicants; however, does my high school applicant need to test even if he or she has taken the High School Placement Test (HSPT)?

Yes, all applicants must test at either the September, October, or January test date. Ninth grade applicants who have taken the Diocesan HSPT are welcome to submit their scores; however, they also need to undergo the Seton testing.

What does testing cover?

1. 40 minute general knowledge test to assess a student’s aptitude. There is no way to prepare for this test other than catching a good night’s sleep and consuming a good breakfast!

2. 10 minute math assessment. Topics may include any or all of the following: rounding, simple multiplication and division, adding decimals, order of operations, dividing and multiplying fractions, adding and subtracting fractions, writing decimals and percentages as fractions, writing fractions as a percent, ordering decimals from least to greatest, finding the GCF of 2 numbers, and solving a word problem involving subtraction. Older students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 take a short assessment covering basic algebra concepts.

3. 15 minute grammar assessment. This includes identifying all parts of speech as well as subjects in sentences.

4. Essay

5. Faculty interview

6. Reading Assessment

Do you use the admissions results to place my child in math?

In the spring, all admitted students will take a math inventory test for math class placement.

What should my student wear to the testing and does he/she need to bring anything?

Modest and interview appropriate attire is required for students taking the entrance exam. Jeans, shorts, leggings, sweat pants, athleisure, and hoodies are not permitted. Students should bring pencils with erasers, a water bottle, a snack (if needed), and a book to read.
How long does the test last? Students should expect to be at Seton for 2 ½ to 3 hours the day of the admissions test.

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ANNUAL NOVEMBER OPEN HOUSE – Sunday, October 4, 2026 * 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Families interested in Seton are strongly encouraged to attend our Open House. The Open House provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the philosophy and academic standards of Seton School. Following the formal presentation, visitors will meet our faculty, tour the school, mingle with families of current students, and attend “mini-classes” in several subject areas. Formal presentations begin at 2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium located in the main building. Mini classes, school tours, and a reception will follow from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the Corpus Christi building across the street.

TOURS & SHADOW POLICY

Families may contact the main office (703.368.3220) or admissions staff to set up a school tour or shadow day. Prospective students may shadow a current student only after they have applied to Seton and paid the application fee. Only high school applicants from prospective new families are required to participate in a shadow day and must do so before January 29, 2027.

 

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