Admissions FAQ
The Marist Admissions Process
Q: What factors determine whether or not I can be admitted to Marist Catholic High School
A: Marist welcomes and encourages all interested students to learn more about its admissions process. We evaluate a student’s academic preparedness, extra-curricular involvement, diversity, and commitment to personal and spiritual growth in determining whether or not we can offer admission. No two applications are identical, however, and when evaluating an application and supplemental materials, a student is considered holistically, meaning no single factor makes or breaks an admission decision.
A: Marist welcomes and encourages all interested students to learn more about its admissions process. We evaluate a student’s academic preparedness, extra-curricular involvement, diversity, and commitment to personal and spiritual growth in determining whether or not we can offer admission. No two applications are identical, however, and when evaluating an application and supplemental materials, a student is considered holistically, meaning no single factor makes or breaks an admission decision.
Q: What does it cost to apply for admission to Marist Catholic High School?
A: To apply for admission, we require a $50 non-refundable application fee. We do not provide application fee waivers.
A: To apply for admission, we require a $50 non-refundable application fee. We do not provide application fee waivers.
Q: In addition to submitting an application and paying the application fee, what else is required in order to complete my application?
A: All applicants must provide an official transcript from their current school, as well as any other schools they have previously attended. Standardized test scores must also be provided. A recommendation from a current principal, teacher, or counselor is mandatory so we can learn about the applicant from another perspective. If a student is currently or has previously received accommodations (i.e., IEP, ILP, 504 plan) in school, Marist Catholic High School requires a copy of this documentation to evaluate.
A: All applicants must provide an official transcript from their current school, as well as any other schools they have previously attended. Standardized test scores must also be provided. A recommendation from a current principal, teacher, or counselor is mandatory so we can learn about the applicant from another perspective. If a student is currently or has previously received accommodations (i.e., IEP, ILP, 504 plan) in school, Marist Catholic High School requires a copy of this documentation to evaluate.
Q: Are there factors that do not impact my admission decision?
A: Yes, several. Marist Catholic High School does not base admissions decisions on socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, athletic capability, legacy, geography, or financial need. While we do collect personal information about applicants via their application for admission, admission decisions are not determined by these items.
A: Yes, several. Marist Catholic High School does not base admissions decisions on socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, athletic capability, legacy, geography, or financial need. While we do collect personal information about applicants via their application for admission, admission decisions are not determined by these items.
Q: Once I have completed my application, how long will it take to hear back?
A: Please refer to the timeline on this page for a breakdown of our admission decision timing. We do not evaluate incomplete applications, so the sooner you provide the application itself, application fee, report cards, test scores, and recommendation, the sooner we can respond with an admission decision. You are welcome to track the status of your application via your online admissions account, or you can email [email protected] for an update."
A: Please refer to the timeline on this page for a breakdown of our admission decision timing. We do not evaluate incomplete applications, so the sooner you provide the application itself, application fee, report cards, test scores, and recommendation, the sooner we can respond with an admission decision. You are welcome to track the status of your application via your online admissions account, or you can email [email protected] for an update."
Q: My friend applied after I did but heard back from you before me. What’s with that?
A: It is extremely important not to compare your application process to that of your peers. Every application is unique and every student is evaluated individually and holistically. Because there are many factors at play, some decisions are more labor intensive than others. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about your application’s timeline.
A: It is extremely important not to compare your application process to that of your peers. Every application is unique and every student is evaluated individually and holistically. Because there are many factors at play, some decisions are more labor intensive than others. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about your application’s timeline.
Q: Is the Marist Catholic High School admissions process competitive? Selective?
A: When a student applies for admission, our goal is to try and say “yes” wherever possible. While we cannot say “yes” to every application for a variety of reasons, we do have a history of saying “yes” more often than we say “no.” Every application cycle is unique, and our past history may or may not be indicative of what happens in the present.
A: When a student applies for admission, our goal is to try and say “yes” wherever possible. While we cannot say “yes” to every application for a variety of reasons, we do have a history of saying “yes” more often than we say “no.” Every application cycle is unique, and our past history may or may not be indicative of what happens in the present.
Q: My student applied but was not offered admission. Can I appeal this decision?
A: Unfortunately, Marist Catholic High School cannot offer admission to every applicant for a variety of reasons. In situations where the Director of Admissions and Outreach feels admission is not possible, each application is evaluated by an administrator before that conclusion is reached. In the event you have new, relevant information that was not presented in the initial application itself, you may contact [email protected] to discuss submitting an appeal. Please know that we discourage appeals because of the fact that all initial admission decisions are made holistically and that all denials are reviewed by multiple persons prior to the decision being made official. Finally, it is important to understand that submitting an appeal may not bring a different result.
A: Unfortunately, Marist Catholic High School cannot offer admission to every applicant for a variety of reasons. In situations where the Director of Admissions and Outreach feels admission is not possible, each application is evaluated by an administrator before that conclusion is reached. In the event you have new, relevant information that was not presented in the initial application itself, you may contact [email protected] to discuss submitting an appeal. Please know that we discourage appeals because of the fact that all initial admission decisions are made holistically and that all denials are reviewed by multiple persons prior to the decision being made official. Finally, it is important to understand that submitting an appeal may not bring a different result.
Q: I want to advocate for a student I know who is applying to Marist Catholic High School. Who do I contact?
A: It is best to provide any advocacy for an applicant in writing to [email protected]. It is our policy not to discuss individual applicant details with individuals who are not directly connected to the applicant (i.e., a parent who calls to talk about their daughter’s application can discuss different information than a next-door neighbor who knows the family down the block has a student considering Marist Catholic High School).
A: It is best to provide any advocacy for an applicant in writing to [email protected]. It is our policy not to discuss individual applicant details with individuals who are not directly connected to the applicant (i.e., a parent who calls to talk about their daughter’s application can discuss different information than a next-door neighbor who knows the family down the block has a student considering Marist Catholic High School).
Determining if Marist is right for your student
Q: I only know what other people have told me about Marist Catholic High School. How can I get to know you for myself?
A: Our webpage is loaded with current, accurate information about our admissions process and student experience, so please review it as a starting point. You can also email [email protected] with any questions you may have. Additionally, we’d welcome you to come for a tour of campus led by a current student, or for our annual Preview Week, where various academic and extra-curricular interest sessions are offered so you can further explore all we offer. Finally, consider our Spartan for a Day program, where your student can shadow a current Marist Catholic High School student and get to know us from his or her perspective.
A: Our webpage is loaded with current, accurate information about our admissions process and student experience, so please review it as a starting point. You can also email [email protected] with any questions you may have. Additionally, we’d welcome you to come for a tour of campus led by a current student, or for our annual Preview Week, where various academic and extra-curricular interest sessions are offered so you can further explore all we offer. Finally, consider our Spartan for a Day program, where your student can shadow a current Marist Catholic High School student and get to know us from his or her perspective.
Q: I’m struggling to determine if Marist is the best fit for me. What are some of the reasons Marist Catholic High School stands out from other high schools?
A: We strive to holistically educate students in academic, faith-based, and extra-curricular capacities. Our curriculum is structured to fulfill admission requirements at most public and private four-year colleges and universities. Faculty get to know students in multiple ways, via retreats, athletics, and our small class sizes. We maintain an open, transparent line of communication between administrators, counselors, students, and families. Our alumni network is rich and diverse, with former students in all other US states and dozens of countries worldwide.
A: We strive to holistically educate students in academic, faith-based, and extra-curricular capacities. Our curriculum is structured to fulfill admission requirements at most public and private four-year colleges and universities. Faculty get to know students in multiple ways, via retreats, athletics, and our small class sizes. We maintain an open, transparent line of communication between administrators, counselors, students, and families. Our alumni network is rich and diverse, with former students in all other US states and dozens of countries worldwide.
Q: How many students currently attend Marist Catholic High School?
A: Point in time, our enrollment is roughly 400 students (approximately 100 students in each grade level). We do have plans to grow enrollment, but gradually and without jeopardizing the student experience or student-to-teacher ratio.
A: Point in time, our enrollment is roughly 400 students (approximately 100 students in each grade level). We do have plans to grow enrollment, but gradually and without jeopardizing the student experience or student-to-teacher ratio.
Q: Our family is not Catholic. Is this a problem?
A: Marist Catholic High School welcomes applications from all students, regardless of their faith background. It is important to understand that all students will take four years of Theology classes here, as well as complete 65 Christian service hours prior to graduation. We also have monthly all school Masses that students attend.
A: Marist Catholic High School welcomes applications from all students, regardless of their faith background. It is important to understand that all students will take four years of Theology classes here, as well as complete 65 Christian service hours prior to graduation. We also have monthly all school Masses that students attend.
Securing enrollment at Marist
Q: I’ve been admitted to Marist Catholic High School, and I want to enroll. What do I do next?
A: Wonderful! To confirm your spot in our entering freshman class, please sign and return your tuition contract. You will also need to pay the annual registration fee ($500, non-refundable). Once we have received these two items from you, we know you will be a Spartan in the near future!
A: Wonderful! To confirm your spot in our entering freshman class, please sign and return your tuition contract. You will also need to pay the annual registration fee ($500, non-refundable). Once we have received these two items from you, we know you will be a Spartan in the near future!
Q: Wait…$500 annual registration fee? What’s that?
A: All Marist students are required to pay this annual fee. The funds are used to offset costs we incur in maintaining student records, extra-curricular programming, technology networks, athletic participation, and more.
A: All Marist students are required to pay this annual fee. The funds are used to offset costs we incur in maintaining student records, extra-curricular programming, technology networks, athletic participation, and more.
Q: After I’ve confirmed my spot in the freshman class, what happens next?
A: All incoming freshmen are required to take placement tests. The goal of these tests is to ensure incoming students are positioned in the correct coursework when they get started at Marist Catholic High School. We administer a standardized test with four sections to it, and a separate math test written by our faculty. A Spanish placement test is also available for students who have prior experience with the language or are native speakers. After completing placement tests, incoming freshmen are mailed a tentative class schedule at the end of June. We also have on-campus welcome events in the spring and summer for incoming students and their families to get acclimated with their peers and our campus. Additional forms and paperwork required for student records are sent electronically over the summer, and need to be returned before school starts.
A: All incoming freshmen are required to take placement tests. The goal of these tests is to ensure incoming students are positioned in the correct coursework when they get started at Marist Catholic High School. We administer a standardized test with four sections to it, and a separate math test written by our faculty. A Spanish placement test is also available for students who have prior experience with the language or are native speakers. After completing placement tests, incoming freshmen are mailed a tentative class schedule at the end of June. We also have on-campus welcome events in the spring and summer for incoming students and their families to get acclimated with their peers and our campus. Additional forms and paperwork required for student records are sent electronically over the summer, and need to be returned before school starts.
Q: Are there other costs I should expect to see come my way, and if so, when?
A: Although students are required to purchase their own textbooks, we have seen a sharp decline in this over the years since our iPad program for all students has been implemented. Students may elect to purchase a yearbook, participate in retreats, or take college entrance tests as well as AP exams. These items all require additional costs. Students applying for tuition assistance must also pay the $40 application fee annually.
A: Although students are required to purchase their own textbooks, we have seen a sharp decline in this over the years since our iPad program for all students has been implemented. Students may elect to purchase a yearbook, participate in retreats, or take college entrance tests as well as AP exams. These items all require additional costs. Students applying for tuition assistance must also pay the $40 application fee annually.
