St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School Admissions Support for Asian American Families
Navigating an Alexandria Episcopal high school on its own dedicated St. Stephen’s Road campus
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. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School.
As Seen On
About the School
Inside SSSAS High School: An Asian American Family’s Perspective
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School does not publish a current, specific Asian American enrollment percentage. The Upper School serves students from across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, on its own dedicated campus on St. Stephen’s Road.
SSSAS states a strong emphasis on character development, integrating values like kindness, empathy, respect, and service into daily life, alongside its stated commitment to “Knowledge + Goodness Together.” SSSAS is an Episcopal, coeducational school serving Grades 9–12 at the Upper School level.
Fast Facts
Location
1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria, VA 22304 (Upper School campus)
Type
Private, co-ed, day school, Episcopal, college preparatory, Grades 9–12
Regional Draw
Students from Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC
Testing Required
SSAT (Grades 9–11)
Community & Admissions Snapshot
Regional Draw
Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC
Stated Values
Kindness, empathy, respect, service; “Knowledge + Goodness Together”
Curriculum Structure
Single-gender math and science classes within a coeducational school
Demographic Data
Not independently verified for the Upper School specifically; confirm directly with the school
Testing Required
SSAT
Because SSSAS doesn’t publish a specific Asian American demographic figure for the Upper School, families weighing fit should ask directly during a Shadow Day visit.
Want a Full Picture?
For families also considering SSSAS Middle School, see our How To Get Into St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes.
What Families Should Ask About Community Life
Since SSSAS Upper School’s demographic reporting isn’t broken out by specific ethnicity, families interested in the Asian American community specifically should ask direct questions during a Shadow Day visit: what current student clubs or affinity spaces exist on the St. Stephen’s Road campus, how the school’s stated character and service values show up for students from different backgrounds, and what current Asian American families say about their experience.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Application Window Opens
Early September 2026
Priority Application Deadline
January 15, 2027
Upper School Open House
October 25, 2026 (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Upper School Shadow Day
Oct. 28, Nov. 4 & 11, & Dec. 2, 2026 (9:00 am – 2:00 pm)
SSAT Assessment Deadline
January 31, 2027
1st Round Admissions Decisions
February 26, 2027
Enrollment Commitment & Deposit Due
March 12, 2027
What the Upper School Application Requires
- 01Applicant Writing Prompt Response
Required exclusively for Grades 6–12 via the online portal. Lower School (JK–5) does not submit a prompt. Applicants complete personal writing responses detailing their interests and voice for admissions review.
- 02Teacher Evaluations
Delegated electronically via the online portal. Grades JK–5 require one evaluation from the current lead/homeroom teacher. Grades 6–12 require two evaluations: one from current English and one from current Math.
- 03Transcript & School Records
Parents submit an electronic Release of Records form. Grades 1–12 require current-year report cards plus full prior-year transcripts. JK–K transcripts are optional. Additional educational testing may be attached.
- 04Student & Parent Interview
Required for all applicants. Grades JK–5 complete a Parent Interview. Grades 6–12 complete a joint Student and Parent Interview, scheduled via the portal checklist post-application submission.
- 05SSAT Standardized Test
Required exclusively for Grades 6–12. Grades JK–5 complete internal developmental assessments instead. Official SSAT scores (verbal, math, reading, writing sample) must be submitted by late January.
Expert Admissions Consulting for SSSAS Upper School
Cardinal Education has worked with Asian American families across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC, navigating SSSAS Upper School’s testing options and helping them ask informed questions about community fit during a Shadow Day visit. Our consultants also help families build a complete, compelling application.
For the general SSSAS Upper School admissions timeline and requirements that apply to every applicant, see our St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School Admissions Guide & Consulting.
“The Shadow Day gave our daughter a real feel for Upper School life before she ever applied. Cardinal Education helped her prepare for the SSAT and put together a genuine, thoughtful application.”— SSSAS Upper School Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SSSAS Upper School require standardized testing?
Is SSSAS Upper School a religious school?
Where do SSSAS Upper School families come from geographically?
Are single-gender classes offered in the Upper School?
What is the best way to evaluate campus climate during admissions?
Considering St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School?
Our consultants help Asian American families navigate the St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School admissions process with clarity and confidence.