FAQs

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about St. Edward and the admission process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does St. Edward look for when reviewing applications for admission?

An application review committee considers each candidate on his own merits, and accepts learners who will be most successful in the St. Edward academic program.

Grades and teacher recommendations weigh heavily in acceptance decisions. However, the Admission Committee also considers students who demonstrate: a strong work ethic; an enthusiasm for personal growth; a willingness to live by the school’s mission; and a genuine desire to contribute positively to the St. Edward community.

Priority consideration is given to applicants who fully participate in the admission process by attending Open House, taking the HSPT, and shadowing a current student as an Edsman for a Day.

An applicant's current school placement, religion, and financial background is not taken into consideration in acceptance decisions.

Are most St. Edward students Catholic?

Yes. Approximately 70% of St. Edward students identify as Catholic. At the same time, the student body is remarkably diverse. While about half of Edsmen come from Catholic grade schools, the other half enroll from public, private, charter, and other independent schools, bringing with them a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and faith traditions. Students of all faiths are welcomed and encouraged to fully participate in the life of the school while growing in an environment rooted in the Holy Cross tradition.

All students are required to take theology all four years. The curriculum delves into contemporary topics while applying principles of morality and justice. This approach not only sparks respectful ecumenical dialogue, but also promotes inter-religious understanding.

Does St. Edward offer transportation services?

St. Edward does not provide bus transportation. However, students travel to campus from more than 90 communities across Northeast Ohio, with some commuting more than an hour each way. Many families arrange carpools, take advantage of public transportation, or use private transportation services.

Once enrolled, families may choose to be included in the St. Edward carpool directory, which helps connect families who live near one another and are interested in sharing rides.

Does St. Edward accept students with IEPs, 504, or other learning plans?

Absolutely. St. Edward is committed to helping every young man reach his full potential by providing the support he needs to succeed.

Each freshman class includes approximately 20 students with mild to moderate learning differences. These students are fully immersed in the college-preparatory curriculum while receiving additional support through Supported Study, a small-group intervention period led by an Intervention Specialist. During Supported Study, students receive individualized academic support, have questions answered, strengthen executive functioning skills, and develop the strategies needed to succeed in a rigorous college-preparatory environment.

The school also offers the St. Andre Scholars program, which welcomes approximately five students with moderate cognitive disabilities into each freshman class. St. Andre Scholars participate in specialized academic and life skills programming while building meaningful relationships with their classmates through electives, campus life, and collaborative learning experiences.

In addition, St. Edward is an approved provider of the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship.

When is the application deadline and how will we know if my son is accepted?

Applications for the freshman class are due each January. Students attending a Catholic grade school apply through the Diocese of Cleveland's Common Application, while students attending a public school or a non-diocesan private school apply through St. Edward's online application.

For the Class of 2031, freshman applications must be submitted by January 25, 2027.

Admission decisions are released in February. Families receive their decision both by email and by mail.

Transfer students are considered on a case-by-case basis and only if space is available in the class. Current high schoolers interested in transferring to St. Edward must undergo an interview, as well as submit an application, two teacher recommendation forms, and high school transcripts.

How much is the tuition?

Tuition for the 2026–27 school year is $21,150. However, every St. Edward student is eligible for a scholarship from the State of Ohio, and many families also qualify for additional tuition assistance and St. Edward scholarships.

To help families understand the actual cost of attendance before applying for admission, St. Edward begins reviewing applications for scholarships and tuition assistance in November of a student's eighth-grade year. Families who submit the required applications and supporting documents receive a personalized tuition estimate, allowing them to make an informed decision before completing the admission process.

Click here to read more about our scholarships and financial aid offerings.

What do St. Edward students wear to school?

The standard school dress code at St. Edward includes a button-down dress shirt, necktie, and khaki or other solid-colored dress pants. Shirts must remain tucked in, and students are expected to wear a belt. Hair must be neat, and facial hair is not permitted. Sneakers and other clean, casual shoes are acceptable.

During designated times of the school year, students have additional dress code options. In warmer months, they may wear a St. Edward-branded polo shirt in place of the dress shirt and tie. In colder months, they may wear a St. Edward-branded crewneck sweatshirt over their dress shirt and tie.

My son is already in high school, and is interested in transferring. Is the process the same?

Transfer students are considered on a case-by-case basis and only if space is available in the class. Current high schoolers interested in transferring to St. Edward must undergo an interview, as well as submit an application, two teacher recommendation forms, and high school transcripts.

Families who would like to learn more about this process should contact the Office of Admission.

Admission Process

Admission Process

There are five important steps in the admission process, which begin in the fall of eighth grade.