Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
- Students and their families choose SHC for the strength of our academics, our diverse array of cocurricular opportunities and for the warmth of our inclusive and nurturing community. The tenets that SHC was founded upon in 1852 remain today: a commitment to serving San Francisco’s diverse youth and providing an academically rigorous, Catholic education.
- We are proud of our vibrant, close-knit community, and we all work together to educate today’s youth and create tomorrow’s leaders.
Quick Stats (2019-20)
- Grades: 9-12
- Students: 1,297 students
- Yearly Tuition: $17,500
- Average class size: 25 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Top Placements
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory places among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Body Largest student body
- AP Courses Most AP courses offered
- Sports offered Most sports offered
- School History Oldest founding date
School Overview
| School Membership(s)School Assoc. | National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Grades Offered | Grades 9-12 |
| Learning Difference Programs | Yes |
| Year Founded | 1852 |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |
Student Body
| Total Students | 1297 students |
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| % Students of Color | 72% State avg.: 44% |
| Students by Grade |  |
Academics and Faculty
| Total Classroom Teachers | 76 teachers |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 17:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
| Average Class Size | 25 students |
| Number of AP Courses | 21 courses |
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
| Advanced Courses | AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Computer Science, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP French Language and Culture, AP Human Geography, AP Japanese Language and Culture, AP Music Theory, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History |
| Average ACT score | 23 |
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual (Khaki pants and polo shirt) |
Finances and Admission
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $17,500 |
| Tuition Notes | In order to keep tuition affordable and fund key aspects of SHC curriculum, we additionally count on a yearly parent pledge for each child who attends SHC. For more information, please read more about our Parent Pledge Program. |
| Admissions Director | Tim Burke '70 |
| Admissions Associate | Erica Pfeiffer |
Sports
| Total Sports Offered | 14 sports |
| Sports | Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track, WrestlingBaseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track, Wrestling, |
School Notes
- The Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (SHC) community is dedicated to the intellectual and academic excellence of our students, and we strive to develop the unique talents and passions of each individual. Our devotion is illustrated in our enthusiastic and highly educated teachers, commitment to service and social justice, innovative curriculum and cutting-edge classroom technology. At SHC, academic excellence is not only measured in the range and quality of our courses, but in our students’ curiosity, drive and desire to learn. We challenge our students to stretch themselves, to experience and learn as much as they can, to honor their passions and develop their talents, to generously share of those talents and to become their best selves.
- FACULTY
- Approximately one hundred lay teachers, including five Christian Brothers and two Daughters of Charity comprise the professional staff. In addition to bachelor’s degrees and teaching credentials, five hold doctorates and more than seventy percent hold master’s degrees.
- ACCREDITATION
- Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, affiliated with the Christian Brothers Education Association and the Daughters of Charity Education Association, has received full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA).
- STUDENT BODY
- Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory enrolls approximately 1,325 students from San Francisco and its environs. Reflecting the diversity of the Bay Area, students represent different religious, economic and ethnic backgrounds, which include Caucasian, Asian, Filipino, Hispanic, African-American and Native American.
- ADMISSIONS
- Approximately 1,100 eighth-graders apply for the 300+ openings in the freshman class. Admission is competitive and is based upon GPA in the seventh and eighth grades, test results from STS High School Placement Test and teacher/principal recommendations.
- ACADEMIC PROGRAM
- The school year, divided into semesters, begins in late August and ends in early June with a Thanksgiving break, vacations at Christmas and Easter, and observance of national holidays. A typical school day begins at 7:55 am and ends at 2:30 pm. Parents receive grades twice per semester, or approximately every nine weeks, and may view informal progress reports through PowerSchool. The Honor Roll recognizes academic excellence based on grade point average. Conversely, students whose grades fall below a 2.0 (GPA), are placed on academic probation and may not participate in cocurricular activities. Students must take six courses each semester.
- SPECIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
- Inquiry & Innovation Program
- Inquiry & Innovation is a dynamic four-year program that focuses on science, technology and math using project based learning and evolving 21st century learning tools. The program inspires students to ask critical questions and discover inventive solutions to complex challenges. It includes hands-on summer workshops, leadership opportunities in technology, access to Honors and Advanced Placement courses, a vibrant humanities curriculum, and collaborative service learning. Program members are among our top applicants, displaying high academic achievement (3.5 GPA or above) and exemplary standardized test scores (especially in math and science).
- De Paul Scholar Program
- The De Paul Scholar Program off ers a rigorous four-year curriculum which includes accelerated content, in-depth study, interdisciplinary approaches, opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, development of leadership skills, and a service component to the poor and marginalized. Admission to the De Paul Scholar Program is predicated upon a student’s academic achievement as demonstrated by standardized test scores, grade point average and teacher recommendations. The successful applicant must also demonstrate a commitment to service and a desire to develop leadership skills. Consequently, many academically gifted students do not automatically gain admission to the De Paul Scholar Program.
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