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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.
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
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.
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.
How much does Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory cost?
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory's tuition is approximately $17,500 for private students.
What schools are Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory often compared to?
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is often viewed alongside schools like St. Ignatius College Preparatory by visitors of our site.
What sports does Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory offer?
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory?
The application deadline for Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory located?
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 2 other private schools located in Cathedral Hill.
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