St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School Admissions Guide & Consulting
Guidance for families applying to this Alexandria, Virginia Episcopal high school, Grades 9–12
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. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School.
As Seen On
About the School
Overview of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (SSSAS) educates students on three genuinely separate campuses across Alexandria, Virginia: the Lower School on Fontaine Street, the Middle School on West Braddock Road, and the Upper School on St. Stephen’s Road. The Upper School serves Grades 9–12 on its own dedicated campus, guided by the school’s Episcopal tradition and its mission of pursuing “Knowledge + Goodness Together.” Prospective Upper School students are encouraged to complete a Shadow Day, spending a half-day, including lunch, alongside current Upper School students.
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
Testing Required
SSAT
Shadow Day
Encouraged for all applicants; a half-day (including lunch) with current students
Academic & Admissions Snapshot
Curriculum Structure
Single-gender math and science classes within a coeducational school
Required Writing
Applicant Writing Prompt
SSAT School Code
6238
Decision Release
February 27, 4:00 pm
Enrollment Decision Deadline
March 13, 4:00 pm
Admission Events
Open Houses and Shadow Days held on the St. Stephen’s Road campus, September through November
Want a Full Picture?
For families also considering SSSAS Middle School (Grades 6–8, located on the separate Braddock Road campus), see our How To Get Into St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes.
What Makes SSSAS Upper School’s Admissions Process Unique?
The Upper School admissions process stands out because it takes place entirely on its own dedicated campus on St. Stephen’s Road, completely separate from SSSAS’s Lower and Middle Schools. Consequently, all admissions events—including Open Houses and immersive Shadow Days where prospective students spend a half-day attending classes and eating lunch with current students—are hosted specifically at this location. Additionally, all Upper School applicants are uniquely required to take and submit official SSAT scores to evaluate academic readiness across math, reading, and verbal skills.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Partner with Cardinal Education for Expert SSSAS Admissions Guidance
Because SSSAS Upper School’s testing options shift slightly by grade and its admissions events are tied specifically to the St. Stephen’s Road campus, families benefit from confirming the exact requirements and events that apply to their child. Cardinal Education’s consultants help students prepare for the SSAT and build a complete, compelling application.
Families interested in support tailored to Asian American applicants can also see our St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School Admissions Support for Asian American Families.
“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 the Upper School require the SSAT?
Is the Upper School on the same campus as the Middle or Lower School?
Is a Shadow Day required?
Does SSSAS require a specific religion to apply?
Are classes co-ed at SSSAS Upper School?
Considering St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School?
Our consultants help families prepare for the SSAT and build a standout Upper School application.