St. Albans School Expert Admissions Consulting
Guidance for Families Applying to This Washington National Cathedral All-Boys School, Grades 4–12
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including St. Albans School.
As Seen On
About the School
About St. Albans School
Founded in 1909, St. Albans School (STA) is an all-boys, Episcopal, day and boarding college-preparatory school located on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral, serving Grades 4–12. The school enrolls approximately 592 students, with boarding available from Grade 9. Through its Coordinate Program with sister school National Cathedral School, St. Albans offers dozens of coeducational academic, arts, and athletic opportunities that expand by grade, giving students the benefits of both single-sex and coeducational experiences. St. Albans sends 100% of its graduates on to four-year colleges.
Fast Facts
Location
Mount St. Alban, Washington, DC 20016 (Washington National Cathedral grounds)
Type
Private, All-Boys, Day and Boarding, Episcopal, College Preparatory, Grades 4–12
Enrollment
592 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
Approximately 6:1 to 8:1
Testing Required
SSAT or ISEE (Grades 6–11); on-campus testing for Grade 4
Academic & Admissions Snapshot
College Matriculation
100% of graduates attend a 4-year college
Accreditation
Middle States Association (MSA), AIMS MD-DC
Coordinate Academic Offerings
All Religion and History electives, all Senior English, Public Speaking, Chinese, Latin, Greek, AP Computer Science, AP Data Science, AP Physics C, and more
Chaplains’ Office
4 chaplains, including a Senior Chaplain and dedicated Upper and Lower School chaplains
SSAT / ISEE School Codes
SSAT: 6256 | ISEE: 090165
Athletics Conference
Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC), DCSAA
Want a Full Picture?
For a deeper look at St. Albans’s admissions process and student life, explore How to Get Into St. Albans School: Best Admissions Guide for Parents.
How Does the St. Albans Admissions Process Work?
Testing requirements shift by grade: Grade 4 applicants sit for a single on-campus test administered by St. Albans itself, while applicants to Grades 6 through 11 submit either SSAT or ISEE scores, registering for their chosen test independently in the fall. Every family, regardless of grade, sets up a single Ravenna account to manage the full application, and international applicants have an earlier December 1 deadline if applying through the SAO portal.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Admissions Window Open
September 1, 2026
Campus Tour
September 8, 2026 (8:15–9:45 am)
Application Form & Fee Due
January 5, 2027
Admissions Window Closes
January 13, 2027
Admissions Decision
February 26, 2027
What Are the Application Requirements for St. Albans?
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01Personal Statement & Applicant Questionnaire
The student essay provides the admissions committee with a direct sense of your child’s personal voice, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. Grades 6–8 applicants complete the Personal Statement (responding to two specific prompts in Ravenna), while Grades 9–11 applicants complete the Applicant Questionnaire (answering seven prompts).
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02Transcripts
Applicants must request official academic transcripts covering the prior school year and the current academic year (first and second quarters) through the Ravenna portal.
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03Recommendations
Recommendations are managed and submitted electronically via Ravenna. Grade 6 applicants require forms from two homeroom teachers (current and prior year). Grades 7–11 applicants require recommendations from their current math teacher and current English teacher.
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04Standardized Testing
Grades 6–8 applicants submit SSAT or ISEE scores. Grade 9 applicants may submit scores from the SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT. Standardized testing is optional for Grades 10–11 applicants.
Note: TOEFL is strongly encouraged for non-native English speakers.
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05Student Interview
Every applicant completes an individual 1-on-1 student interview integrated directly into their mandatory campus visit. For Grades 6–8, the interview takes place during the Family Tour; for Grade 9, it occurs during the full-day Shadow Visit.
Expert Support for the Competitive St. Albans Admissions Process
St. Albans School is highly selective, with a rigorous admissions process that demands precision. Because testing requirements and deadlines shift by grade, families often struggle to navigate these nuances alone.
Cardinal Education’s expert consultants provide the strategic support families need to manage these complexities. We help families prepare for all grade-specific requirements and build a complete, compelling, and holistic application that authentically highlights their son’s character, leadership, and alignment with the school’s mission.
Families interested in support tailored to Asian American applicants can also explore Admissions to St. Albans School: Expert Guidance for Asian American Families.
“St. Albans gave our son a rigorous education and a genuine community, from chapel to the playing fields. Cardinal Education helped us navigate the grade-specific testing requirements so nothing caught us by surprise.”— Parent of a 9th Grader
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Albans require the SSAT or ISEE?
Is St. Albans an all-boys school?
Does St. Albans offer boarding?
Are students required to attend chapel?
Do we need to be Episcopalian to apply?
Considering St. Albans School?
Our consultants help families navigate St. Albans’s grade-specific testing requirements and application process with clarity and confidence.