St. Bernard is a co-ed Catholic boarding and day school for grades 7-12. Since 1891 St. Bernard has been providing a quality education that prepares students for college/university studies and life.
Operated by the Benedictine monks of St. Bernard Abbey, the school offers students a Catholic Christian education, college preparatory curriculum, 5 or 7-day boarding, supervised study hall, and financial assistance.
The school's purpose is to assist students to grow to their potential in mind, body and spirit.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked AL School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 144 students
- Yearly Tuition: $9,350
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Bernard Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Year Founded
1891
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
144 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
29%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Number of AP Courses
8 courses
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus I, Calculus II, Chemistry, Dual Enrollment English, English A, English B, European History, Physics
Average SAT score
1290
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
26
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Khaki pants, girls uniform skirt, blazer
School Colors
White, Blue, Navy Blue
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Day Tuition - 9350 including Books and Fees27100 boarding, incl. Room, Board and Books and Fees
% on Financial Aid
60%
Admissions Director
Brother Bernard Denson, O.S.B.
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Art Club, Astronomy Club, Bernardian Admissions Team, Campus Ministry, Drama Club, Interact, Jazz Band, Junior Classical League (Latin), Mu Alpha Theta (Math), Music Ensemble, National Honor Society, Recycling Club, Show Choir, Sigma Tau Delta (English), Spanish Club
School Notes
- St. Bernard Preparatory School admits students who seek to prepare for college and university studies and who are academically capable of excelling through standard college prep instructional and testing methods. The school endeavors to challenge each student to academic excellence through a rigorous and reasonablecollege preparatory program, including AP courses and dual-enrollment in college courses.
- - St. Bernard averages over$3 million in scholarships per 25 graduates. Over $5 million in 2014, 24 graduates.
- - St. Bernard graduates are accepted to numerous prestigious colleges and universities.
- - ACT and SAT scores consistently rank well above the national average.
- - Cultural diversity is promoted through our international student population.
- - Foreign travel opportunities are available to students.
- - Highly-educated and experienced faculty of Monks and Lay personnel.
- - Extensive athletics program as well as a full spectrum of visual and performing arts.
- - Safe, secure environment on the picturesque 900 acres of St. Bernard Abbey.
- - Located in North Alabama in the quaint community of Cullman (originally founded by German immigrants in 1877),an hour drivenorth of Birmingham,an hoursouth of Huntsville, two hours from Nashville, TN,from three hours from Atlanta, GA.
- - Residential life that promotes growth, maturity and the self-knowledge that comes through a healthy measure of independence and self-reliance.
- - The school's "House System" organizes the student body into "houses" of less than 20 students, supervised by teachers and staff members. This results in integration of the student body, student leadership skills, and personal connection with faculty and staff.School accreditations:
- - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools, Secondary Schools Admissions Test Board
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Bernard Preparatory School cost?
St. Bernard Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $9,350 for private students.
What sports does St. Bernard Preparatory School offer?
St. Bernard Preparatory School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. St. Bernard Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for most sports offered.
What is St. Bernard Preparatory School's ranking?
St. Bernard Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Bernard Preparatory School?
The application deadline for St. Bernard Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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