Saint Mary’s Admissions Support: Tailored Guidance for Asian American Families
Understanding how this Berkeley/Albany Catholic school approaches diversity through curriculum rather than affinity clubs
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As Seen On
About the School
Saint Mary’s Through an Asian American Family’s Lens
One structural detail is worth understanding before applying: Saint Mary’s explicitly does not permit clubs or organizations built around ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or economics, stating that such groups can divide rather than unite the community. Instead, the school says it integrates diversity through curriculum and programs, including the Inclusive Community Project and courses like the three-course Epistemology series and History Through Another’s Eyes, an elective set covering Islamic, African, Latin American, East Asian, and American Social History.
Berkeley Parents Network reviews specifically mention students choosing Saint Mary’s for its diversity, describing a community with students and staff from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds. Founded in 1863 and Lasallian Catholic in tradition, Saint Mary’s enrolls roughly 630 students in Grades 9–12.
Fast Facts
Location
1294 Albina Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94706 (campus in Albany)
Type
Private, co-ed, day school, Catholic (Lasallian), college preparatory, Grades 9–12
Enrollment
630 students
Ethnic breakdown
Current ethnic breakdown not published
Diversity Approach
No ethnicity/culture-based clubs; diversity integrated through curriculum and the Inclusive Community Project
Relevant Coursework
Epistemology series (Grades 9–11); History Through Another’s Eyes (Islamic, African, Latin American, East Asian, American Social History)
Community & Admissions Snapshot
Ethnicity-Based Clubs
Not permitted by school policy
Diversity Programming
Inclusive Community Project; curriculum-integrated approach
Relevant Elective
History Through Another’s Eyes: East Asian History option available
Testing Required
HSPT (High School Placement Test)
College Matriculation
88% of graduates attend a 4-year college
Because Saint Mary’s takes a deliberately curriculum-first, rather than club-first, approach to diversity, families should ask directly during a visit how the Inclusive Community Project and courses like History Through Another’s Eyes work in practice.
Want a Full Picture?
For full admissions requirements and student life details that apply to every applicant, read our How to Get Into Saint Mary’s College High School.
What Families Should Know About Saint Mary’s Approach to Diversity
Saint Mary’s takes a specific, deliberate position: rather than supporting affinity clubs organized by ethnicity or culture, the school integrates diversity through its Lasallian Educational Outcomes, curriculum choices like the Epistemology series and History Through Another’s Eyes, and the Inclusive Community Project, a team dedicated to cultivating an authentic, collaborative program of diversity education across the school.
Families who value dedicated ethnic affinity spaces specifically should understand this is a different model than schools built around a network of individual identity-based clubs and should ask admissions directly how the Inclusive Community Project functions day-to-day.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Applications Open
September 1, 2026
Panther for a Day
8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Register through the portal to select a date)
Panther Parent Preview
9:00 am – 11:00 am (Register through the portal to select a date)
Open House
October 25, 2026 (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Application Deadline
January 5, 2027
HSPT Exam
January 9 & 13, 2027
Interview Night
January 27 & 28, 2027
Admissions Decision Notification
March 12, 2027
What Are the Saint Mary’s Application Requirements?
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01Student Questionnaire
Submitted via the Finalsite portal, the Student Questionnaire allows 9th-grade applicants to share their personal goals, interests, and alignment with Lasallian values through short-answer prompts.
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02Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
The Parent/Guardian Questionnaire allows parents to share insights on their child’s strengths, character, learning style, and reasons for choosing Saint Mary’s.
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03HSPT
All 9th-grade applicants must take the High School Placement Test (HSPT), which evaluates reading, language, verbal, and quantitative skills.
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04Recommendation Letters
Submitted electronically through the portal, recommendations are required from the applicant’s current 8th-grade math teacher, English teacher, and principal or counselor.
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05Transcript
Parents authorize middle schools via the portal to send transcripts, including current 8th-grade fall grades and 6th and 7th-grade report cards, attendance, and conduct records.
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06Admissions Interview
Prospective 9th graders attend an on-campus Interview Night in winter to meet with faculty. Parents accompany their child but do not interview.
Get Expert Saint Mary’s Admissions Support with Cardinal Education
At Cardinal Education, our experienced admissions consultants empower Asian American families to evaluate Saint Mary’s curriculum-first approach to diversity and make confident, informed decisions. From customized HSPT prep and application strategy to interview coaching and deadline management, we provide comprehensive support to help your student succeed.
For the general Saint Mary’s admissions timeline and requirements that apply to every applicant, explore our Expert Consulting for Saint Mary’s College High School Admissions.
“Choosing Saint Mary’s was the best decision for our family. Cardinal Education was right there with us through every step of the admissions process. Their HSPT prep, steady guidance on the application, and interview practice gave our child the push they needed to really stand out and get accepted.”— Saint Mary’s Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saint Mary’s have an Asian American affinity club?
How big is the Asian American population at Saint Mary’s?
Does the curriculum cover Asian history or perspectives?
Does Saint Mary’s require standardized testing?
What is the Inclusive Community Project?
Considering Saint Mary’s College High School?
Our consultants help Asian American families navigate the Saint Mary’s admissions process with clarity and confidence.