St. Joseph`s Academy is a Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory high school, the oldest high school in Baton Rouge.
For more than 150 years, SJA has stood as a pillar of excellence in the Baton Rouge community.
The Academy has been named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence four times by the U.S. Department of Education.
Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, this premier high school for young women is a place where relationships are strengthened and young girls become women of faith, hope and love.
Academy students grow in Catholic faith traditions through a comprehensive religious education program, liturgical rituals and service opportunities; become life-long learners through interaction with master teachers and mentors; and enjoy peer relationships and learn leadership skills in a variety of student clubs and through participation in a championship athletic program. Come experience all that makes SJA truly exceptional.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked LA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,127 students
- Yearly Tuition: $13,504
- Average class size: 24 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Joseph's Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Louisiana for:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1868
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in , 1992, 1996, 2002, 2016
Student Body
Total Students
1,127 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 22%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
124 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
24 students
Number of AP Courses
23 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art History AP, Biology AP, Calculus AB AP, Calculus BC, Chemistry AP, Comparative Government & Politics AP, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles AP, English Language and Composition AP, English Literature & Composition AP, Environmental Science AP, French Language & Culture AP, Human Geography AP, Latin AP, Macroeconomics AP, Microeconomics AP, Music Theory AP, Physics C AP, Psychology AP, Research AP, Spanish Language & Culture AP, Statistics AP, Studio Art AP, US Government and Politics AP, US History AP, World History AP
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform details are provided in the SJA Handbook.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$13,504
Tuition Notes
In keeping with the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph, no student has ever been denied admission solely on the basis of her family’s ability to pay full tuition. The philosophy of SJA’s tuition assistance program is that an Academy education be available to all young ladies who wish to attend and have the academic ability and motivation to succeed. Learn more at www.sjabr.org/admissions/financial-aid
% on Financial Aid
14%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$5,150
Admissions Director
Meredith Smith
Sports
Total Sports Offered
18 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
40 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Ambassadors, American Sign Language, Art Club, Beta Club, Broadcasting Club (SJABR TV), Cooking and Crafts Club, Creative Writers' Club, Film Club, French Club I, French Club II, French Club III and IV, Games Club, Girls Who Code, Historical and Geographical Society, Latin Club, Literary Ladies Society (Book Club), Liturgy Choir, Liturgy Committee, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Praise and Worship Band, Respect Life, Robotics Team (First Robotics Club), Science Club, SJA Ambassadors, SJABR TV, Spanish Club, Speech and Debate Team, Student Council, Student Ministry, Yearbook (The Shield), Youth & Government
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Catholic High School Bruinettes (Dance Team), Catholic High School Cheerleaders, Intramural Co-ed Volleyball, Intramural Dodgeball, Intramural Lacrosse, Intramural Pickleball, SJA Cheerleaders, Ultimate Frisbee
Ambassadors, American Sign Language, Art Club, Beta Club, Broadcasting Club (SJABR TV), Cooking and Crafts Club, Creative Writers' Club, Film Club, French Club I, French Club II, French Club III and IV, Games Club, Girls Who Code, Historical and Geographical Society, Latin Club, Literary Ladies Society (Book Club), Liturgy Choir, Liturgy Committee, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Praise and Worship Band, Respect Life, Robotics Team (First Robotics Club), Science Club, SJA Ambassadors, SJABR TV, Spanish Club, Speech and Debate Team, Student Council, Student Ministry, Yearbook (The Shield), Youth & Government
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Catholic High School Bruinettes (Dance Team), Catholic High School Cheerleaders, Intramural Co-ed Volleyball, Intramural Dodgeball, Intramural Lacrosse, Intramural Pickleball, SJA Cheerleaders, Ultimate Frisbee
School Notes
- This premier Catholic secondary school was founded in 1868 in Baton Rouge by the Sisters of St. Joseph. For 154 years, the Academy has provided an environment of excellence, where relationships are strengthened and young girls become women of faith, hope and love.
- A sponsored ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph, SJA is administered by the Sisters of St. Joseph and dedicated lay women and men who provide an environment of inspiration and learning. To date, the Academy has 11,574 alumnae, and our communities are enriched by the gifts they bring to their businesses, charitable organizations, volunteer efforts, governments, church parishes and families.
- The Academy is recognized on the local, regional, state and national levels as an outstanding high school for young women. We are devoted to our mission statement, which is to educate young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community. In the spirit and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Joseph`s Academy offers opportunities for faith development in the Catholic tradition, academic excellence and personal growth.
- Faith development in our Catholic tradition is a priority at SJA. We begin each day with prayer. Theology, which is taught throughout our students` four years, is supplemented by our service program, annual retreats at every grade level, monthly masses, prayer and reconciliation services, peer ministry and weekly rosary.
- As an expression of the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, education at SJA emphasizes the importance of relationships with the dear neighbor. The service component of our curriculum is one way we encourage our students to express God`s love, both within our school community and in the context of the broader world. Through service, our students grow in awareness of themselves and become increasingly connected with all God`s creation. The Academy has a longstanding tradition of sponsoring spring and summer service trips both in the United States and abroad.
- Academic excellence is an Academy hallmark. Our students' ACT and PSAT scores continue to surpass state and national averages. A number of our seniors are recognized each year by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. One hundred percent of our graduates advance to the university level. Our curriculum includes Advanced Placement, honors, dual-enrollment and college-prep core curriculum classes along with many electives, including Choir, Dance, Art, Painting, Drama, Media Arts, Family and Consumer Science and Computer Science.
- Students receive academic counseling from grade-level counselors as well as guidance with the college application process with two full-time College Advisors. A wellness educator designs social emotional wellness programs that are integrated throughout the school community.
- Students experience personal growth through a variety of co-curricular activities. Student-athletes compete in 12 sports and enjoy tremendous success, as the state championship trophies in our trophy case will attest. The Science Club plants seeds at SJA each year for the Coastal Roots Project and travels to areas devastated by hurricanes to plant the seedlings; our eSports team competes as one of the few all-girl squads in the High School eSports League; and our Black Box Company performs to standing ovations and rave reviews in fall and spring productions. These are just a few of the many opportunities our students enjoy.
- SJA provides tablet computers, wireless networking, email and 20 mb internet access to all students and faculty/staff. Technology is integrated across the curriculum to support the teaching of higher-order thinking skills and to allow students the opportunity to make the computer a standard learning tool. Our curriculum is constantly updated to meet the changing needs of our young women.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Joseph's Academy cost?
St. Joseph's Academy's tuition is approximately $13,504 for private students.
What sports does St. Joseph's Academy offer?
St. Joseph's Academy offers 18 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, E-sports, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Winter Track. St. Joseph's Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Louisiana for most sports offered.
What is St. Joseph's Academy's ranking?
St. Joseph's Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Louisiana for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Joseph's Academy?
The application deadline for St. Joseph's Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is St. Joseph's Academy located?
St. Joseph's Academy is located in the Mid City South neighborhood of Baton Rouge, LA. There are 6 other private schools located in Mid City South.
School Reviews
5 8/12/2018
A fantastic sisterhood of empathetic, driven and passionate women educated and mentored by dedicated faculty members who are at the top of their respective fields. The wide array of enrichment opportunities, extracurricular activities and varsity and intramural athletics allows for each student to pursue her passions far beyond the classroom.
5 6/25/2013
Amazing school. The computer program is outstanding and they are committed to giving an outstanding education. They are adding a new building for the arts because they really do care about your personal growth like they say in the mission statement. They teachers really do help you and they care about how well you are learning the material.
5 3/5/2013
This is a close knit school completely committed to educating strong, beautiful, God-filled ladies. The academics are perfect for college preparation, teachers are very well trained and very kind, and the facilities help make the high school experience a great one. I highly recommend this school.
Endorse St. Joseph's Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.