FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

  • Why should you choose an all-girls school?


    At St. Catherine's, we are girl centered. Every teacher, every lesson plan, and every resource dollar aligns with the way girls learn best. We intentionally foster a culture of confidence that allows each girl to emerge as a strong, smart and confident young woman.
  • Is St. Catherine’s School religiously affiliated?


    St. Catherine’s School is an Episcopal School in Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia (CSDV). We recognize the unique gifts and potential of each person and welcome students from all faith traditions. Learn more about spiritual life at St. Catherine's.
  • Is the St. Catherine's student body diverse?

    Yes! We actively engage students, families, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our school community respects the differences in ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Consistent with the School’s mission, St. Catherine’s fosters in our students, and expects from all others, respect for the dignity and wholeness of every person.

    This year, our students of color represent 20% of our student body and our students live across 44 zip codes in the Richmond region. We are proud to have more than 14 faith traditions amongst our students and we are committed to providing an inclusive educational environment.
  • At what age can girls first apply to St. Catherine’s?

    • In order to apply to our Early Learners Program, a girl must be at least three years old by September 30 of the entering school year. 
    • In order to apply to our Jr. Kindergarten Program, a girl must be at least four years old by September 30 of the entering school year 
    • In order to apply to our Kindergarten Program, a girl must be at least five years old by September 30 of the entering school year. 
  • What are main entry grades at St. Catherine’s?

    • Lower School main entry points are in Early Learners, Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
    • Middle School begins in grade 5
    • Upper School begins in grade 9 
  • Does St. Catherine's have a brother school?

    St. Catherine’s has a coordinate program with our brother school St. Christopher’s, which is located a couple of blocks away. This allows students at different grade levels the opportunity to connect on each campus throughout the year. As students move into Middle School, many programs such as music and theatre are coed. In the Upper School, we are fully coordinated with St. Christopher’s, with the girls and boys attending classes on both campuses, allowing for numerous opportunities for co-educational experiences.
  • When is the application deadline?

    We are accepting applications now for the 2024-2025 school year. The priority deadline to submit the initial application for first-round consideration for Fall 2024 are as follows:
    • January 1, 2024 for Early Learners, Jr. Kindergarten and Kindergarten
    • January 15, 2024 for Grades 1-12
  • Does St. Catherine’s offer financial assistance or scholarships?


    We are committed to helping families afford a St. Catherine's education. The school awarded more than $3 million in need-based financial assistance for the 2023-2024 school year.  22% of the student body receives financial assistance, with an average grant of $ 14,589.

    St. Catherine's offers one merit-based scholarship to an incoming student to our Upper School  Through the generosity of the Robert P. Holding Foundation, an endowment fund was established in 1986 to provide scholarships for girls with strong academic records, personal character, and a desire to learn. The Holding family has renamed the fund to honor First Citizens Bank, the institution that members of their family have led since 1935. The First Citizens Bank Merit Scholarship awards up to $15,000 on an annual basis to an incoming new student in grades 9, 10 or 11.
  • Can I pay for private school tuition with a 529 College Savings Plan?

    The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allows families to use 529 plans to pay up to $10,000 per year in tuition expenses at elementary or secondary private schools. Parents/Guardians may want to consult with a financial advisor to evaluate the potential benefits under this law.
  • Is there an admission test?

    • Early Learners applicants complete an admissions screening.
    • Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicants complete an abilities assessment (WPPSI-IV) and a readiness assessment.
    • Grades 1-8 applicants take an age-appropriate abilities assessment (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V) and a grade-level skills assessment.
    • Grades 9-12 applicants have the option to take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT).
  • Do St. Catherine’s students wear uniforms?

    St. Catherine’s has a dress code and encourages girls to dress in attire conducive to learning. Lower School students do wear specific attire when participating in school field trips. Lower School students in choir, strings, and band have performance attire.
  • Is lunch provided?

    Lunch 

    Lunch is served in the Dining Hall for grades 1-12.  Lunch for students in kindergarten is in McCue Hall. Early Learners and Junior Kindergarten eat in their spaces. Starting in kindergarten students have the option to participate in the lunch program. 
  • What are St. Catherine's after-school offerings?

    • After-school Care for Early Learners - Care is available up until 6 p.m. in the same space as their learning day. Families may select from one of three pick-up times. 

    • Extended Day - After-school care for students in JK - Grade 8 is available through our coordinated after-school program called “Extended Day” which is held at St. Christopher’s. There are various schedule options available.

    • Lower School Clubhouse - Kindergarten - Grade 4 girls can continue to explore, learn and grow after the school bell. Families may select Tuesdays and/or Thursdays up to 6 p.m., with sessions taking place throughout the school year on days when school is in session. Parents with daughters in kindergarten-grade 4 may choose Clubhouse participation with or without Extended Day enrollment.
    Learn more about after-school care and programs.
St. Catherine's admits qualified students without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students by the School.


Let's Get Started

The best way to discover what a St. Catherine's education can do for your daughter is to visit us or call us at 804-281-7140. We can't wait to meet you!

 
    • Private Girls Elementary School: St. Catherine's School
6001 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226 | 804-288-2804
(c)2021 St. Catherine's School. All rights reserved.