A Sacred Heart education prepares students for a lifetime a lifetime where learning isn`t limited to just classrooms and textbooks. It`s an education that inspires students to be inquisitive about the world and lets them discover the joys of lifelong learning. We impel our students to apply their knowledge to the real world and to be active, informed and responsible global citizens while respecting the marvels of the earth`s resources. Our mission is to educate the whole person in mind, body, and spirit.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 1,216 students
- Yearly Tuition: $35,560
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 6
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1898
Colors
White, Black, Cardinal
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
1,216 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
146 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
73%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
21 courses
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniforms Preschool - 8th grade only. 9-12 free dress with a dress code.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 6
Yearly Tuition Cost
$35,560
Tuition Notes
Preschool Half Day: $28,424
Preschool Full Day: $31804
Kindergarten: $31804
Grades 1-5: $35081
Grades 6-8: $47157
Grades 9-12: $47826
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Wendy Quattlebaum
Admissions Associate
Lisa Ignoffo
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
14 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Choir, Dance, Drama, Strings
School Notes
- School Motto: Love. Confidence. Purpose.
- School Mascot: Gators
Founded in 1898 Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, a Roman Catholic, independent, coeducational school, preparing students with a global perspective for the 21stcentury. Offering unparalleled opportunities to foster the development of the whole child, Sacred Heart is the only school along the San Francisco Peninsula to educate students from preschool to twelfth grade on one unified 63-acre campus.
This unique opportunity to oversee a child`s learning from their early years through young adulthood provides an integrated and aligned curriculum that delivers a consistent educational philosophy. The curriculum allows for the introduction of academic conceptual threads that are deeply developed as students` progress through the school divisions. The principles of a Montessori education are applied at the preschool and kindergarten grades to build a child`s positive self-image and a lifelong love for learning.
Our goal is to foster creative thinkers and problem-solvers to build connections in their minds between the sciences and the arts," said Richard A. Dioli, Director of Schools. "Once students master core elements, the challenge to them becomes `now what are you going to do now with that knowledge.` We strive to educate students to become inspired global citizens who have the social awareness and motivation to make a difference in the world."
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton offers:
- A safe and welcoming environment in which each person is valued, cared for and respected
- Small class sizes enable teachers to fully engage in their students` intellectual development
- Faculty who use a variety of teaching and learning strategies that recognize the individual needs of each student
- A uniquely diverse, multi-generational community where everyone learns from each other
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Tierna Davidson (SHP '16) Soccer at Stanford University -
- Abby Dahlkemper (SHP '11) Soccer for US National Team -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton cost?
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton's tuition is approximately $35,560 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton?
The acceptance rate of Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton?
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton famous alumni include: Tierna Davidson (SHP '16) Soccer at Stanford University and Abby Dahlkemper (SHP '11) Soccer for US National Team.
What sports does Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton offer?
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton's ranking?
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton?
The application deadline for Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is Jan. 6.
In what neighborhood is Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton located?
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is located in the West Atherton neighborhood of Atherton, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in West Atherton.
School Calendar
View the Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton yearly calendar below.
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