Admissions Timeline

At Cardinal Newman, we're committed to helping families find the perfect educational fit for their child. Our admissions process is designed to provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision.

Admissions Events and Important Dates

Admissions Events

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Open House and Preview Day! If you missed these events, please contact our Admissions office to schedule a chat and a tour of our campus.

New Event in 2025!

Join Us for a Virtual Information Session!

When: Wednesday, January 22nd, at 6:00 PM
Where: On Zoom (link provided upon registration)

We warmly invite you to discover firsthand why Cardinal Newman High School has been voted “Best Private School in Sonoma County.” During this VIRTUAL event, you’ll hear directly from our Admissions team, school leadership, faculty, and current students and parents.

Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art facilities, classrooms, art studios, and athletic fields.
Learn about our diverse range of academic programs, including Honors courses, visual and performing arts, AP classes, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Discover our rich student life, including clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities.
The heart of our mission, including our commitment to leadership and service to our local community
Step-by-step guidance on our application process and important deadlines

We understand this is a busy time of year, so we’re hosting this session virtually for your convenience. During the event, you’ll also learn about all the different ways you can visit campus and get to know us in person.

Register today! When you sign up, we will provide the Zoom link, and get you set up to receive a reminder before the event. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing the Cardinal Newman experience with you.

Open HouseSunday, September 29th | 1:00-3:00 PM

Parents and students of all ages are welcome. Meet members of the Cardinal Newman community, learn more about our mission and curriculum, and hear from our teachers and counselors.

Who should attend? Prospective parents/guardians and 7th-8th grade students. Family members are welcome.

Calling All Cardinals - High School Preview Day

Friday, October 18th | 8:30 am - 1:05pm

Spend the day as a Newman student! This half-day student event is a great way for 8th grade students to learn about Cardinal Newman with friends and future classmates.

Explore our campus, meet our faculty and staff, and learn more about our welcoming community. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Who should attend? Prospective 8th grade students. Registration is required, details coming soon.

To register for Preview Day, please complete our Inquiry Form. Once you have filled out the form, you will have the option to register for this event.

Shadow DayGet a feel for the Newman experience – attend a regular day of classes hosted by a Cardinal Newman student.

Who should attend? Prospective 8th grade or high school transfer students. To schedule a Shadow Visit, complete our Inquiry Form. Once you have set up your Applicant profile, you will have access to the Shadow Day in the "Admissions Progress" tab.

High School Placement Testing

The HSPT® is a comprehensive placement test for eighth graders, and is one of many criteria used to determine placement in the ninth grade.

Saturday, December 7th, 8:45 am-12:00 pm
Saturday, December 14th, 8:45 am-12:00 pm

What to Bring:

$125 Exam Fee (checks payable to Cardinal Newman High School)
Please bring your own #2 pencil; calculators are not permitted.

Register for your High School Placement Test through your Admissions Checklist.

Student-Family Interviews

Early Decision Student-Family Interviews:
Saturday, November 2nd - Time slots available from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Student-Family Interviews:
Saturday, February 1st - Time slots available from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm

The interview is designed as an informal meeting for us to get to know you better and for you to get to know Cardinal Newman better. You will also have the opportunity to review course selection options.

Who should attend? Prospective students and their parents/guardians.

Note: Once you have submitted your application, you will have the option to schedule a time for your Family Interview.

Important Admissions Dates

Early Decision:

Early Decision Application:
Due Friday, November 1st

Early Decision Student-Family Interviews:
Saturday, November 2

Early Decision Application Notification Day:
Friday, November 15

Early Decision Enrollment Agreements:
Due Sunday, December 1
*Early Decision candidates who are also applying for Tuition Assistance can accept their offer of admission, but defer the enrollment process until they have received their Tuition Assistance Offer in March 2025.

Regular Decision:High School Placement Testing:
Saturday, December 7th, 8:45 am-12:00 pm
Saturday, December 14th, 8:45 am-12:00 pm

Regular Decision Student-Family Interviews:
Saturday, February 1, 2025

Regular Decision Application:
Due Saturday, February 15, 2025

Admission Decisions:
Communicated on March 15, 2025

Tuition Assistance:

Application opens November 1, 2024
Application due Saturday, February 15, 2025
Awards communicated on March 15, 2025

Admissions Steps

Inquire: Complete our "Get to know us!" inquiry form. Once you've completed the form, you'll be invited to establish a Blackbaud account. This account serves as a dashboard for communication and generates an Admissions Checklist of steps needed to complete your application.

Visit:Get to know Newman - join us for Open House and Preview Day. You can also schedule a campus tour and/or a Shadow Day.

Apply:

Complete our Primary Application through our application portal
Regular Decision: Complete the High School Placement Test
Early Decision: Complete the High School Placement Test
Participate in the Student & Family interview

Early Decision Application

Consider our Early Decision Application if:

CNHS is your first choice school
CNHS is a solid match for your family - academically, geographically, etc.
You are applying to the 9th Grade

Requirements:

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, with an A or B in Math and English in 6th and 7th grade
Strong academic and citizenship record in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
Submit Standardized Test Scores (STAR, ERB, CAASPP, etc.) or complete the High School Placement Exam

Important Dates:

Early Decision Application Deadline: November 1
Early Decisions Admissions Interview Day: November 2
Early Decision Notification: November 15th
Confirm Enrollment: Before December 1*

*Candidates who complete an Early Decision application will be notified of their acceptance status on November 15th, 2024. Admitted students who are also applying for Tuition Assistance can accept their offer of admission, but defer the enrollment process until they have received their Tuition Assistance Offer in March 2025. Tuition Assistance applications from Early Decision candidates will receive priority consideration. To be eligible for need-based tuition assistance, you must submit the online application and all required documents on or before the February 15th deadline.

Regular Decision Application

Consider our Regular Decision Application if:

You are applying to multiple schools and would like to compare other Admissions offers
You are applying as a Transfer Student
You do not currently meet the Early Decision requirements and feel you can submit a stronger application in February
You began the application process late in the season

Requirements:

Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, and submission of transcripts/report cards for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades (Due February 15)
Submit up to four Letters of Recommendation – Math, English, and Principal/Counselor are required. Pastor Recommendation and Adult Recommendation are optional
Submit Standardized Test Scores (STAR, ERB, CAASPP, etc.)
Complete High School Placement Test

Important Dates:

Regular Decision Interview Day: February 1
Regular Decision Application Deadline: February 15
Regular Decision Notification: March 15
Completed Enrollment Agreements: Due April 1