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Admissions Policy

Cardinal Newman is a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory high school committed to educating the whole person — mind, body, and soul. We seek students who demonstrate the potential to succeed academically and to participate in a faith-based Catholic education.

Students joining Cardinal Newman High School are evaluated by our Admissions Committee to ensure a smooth and successful transition into our community. Applicants are assessed through a review of academic records, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. Additional placement assessments may also be administered as needed.

All new students are admitted on a probationary basis. Continued enrollment is determined by:

  • Academic and social success within the school environment
  • Consistent attendance and punctuality
  • Active parent involvement and support
  • Fulfillment of financial responsibilities to the school
  • Full disclosure of any information necessary to support the student’s success at Cardinal Newman, including all prior academic testing pertinent to the student’s studies at CNHS.

Students who complete the Regular Decision and Early Decision application process must complete eighth grade successfully according to the criteria listed below.  In all cases, Cardinal Newman retains the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether or not to select a student for admission or re-enrollment.

Cardinal Newman High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Admissions Acceptances are based on the following criteria:

  • Completed application
    Applications should be completed on or before the stated due date, including all supplemental materials.

     

  • Sixth, seventh and eighth-grade transcripts
    Transcripts should demonstrate the student has achieved and is working toward success and/or improvement. Grade history and teacher comments should align with the type of student Cardinal Newman seeks. Students should contribute in their classes with a positive attitude, in addition to demonstrating good effort, motivation, and school behavior.

     

  • Academic evaluations and personal recommendations
    Both academic evaluations and personal recommendations are crucial in understanding more about each prospective student. As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to submit recommendations and/or evaluation forms. Students must read and follow the instructions on these forms, which should be submitted directly by the person providing the recommendation or evaluation.

     

  • Academic Readiness

    Cardinal Newman seeks students who demonstrate strong academic potential and readiness for our college preparatory program.

    For Regular Decision applicants, we look for solid grades across core subjects and performance at or above grade level on standardized tests.

    For Early Decision applicants, the academic expectations are more rigorous. Students should have a strong GPA, typically with A’s and B’s in core subjects, and standardized test scores consistently above grade level.

    In either application track, a history of standardized test results below grade level may require additional academic screening to determine whether the student can be successful at Cardinal Newman.

     

  • High School Placement Test (HSPT)
    All applicants are required to take the High School Placement Test during one of the scheduled testing windows. Test dates and registration links are available in your Admissions Checklist.

     

  • Student-Family Interview
    All applicants will participate in an interview with a parent or guardian present. This is intended to be a relaxed and conversational experience — an opportunity for us to get to know your student and family, and for you to learn more about our school, so we can work together to support your student’s success.

     

  • Admissions Committee Review Process
    Each application is reviewed by our Admissions Committee, which includes administrators, counselors, and faculty. The review process considers previous school records, recommendations and evaluations, online assessment results, and the Student–Family Interview.