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Is Archbishop Mitty a Good School?
Archbishop Mitty High School is one of the best Catholic private schools in the Bay Area. It’s ranked 6th out of 27 catholic schools; Archbishop Mitty ensures parents that their children receive a top-tier education that is rooted in Catholic values.
The school is known and celebrated for its outstanding athletics program, making it a top choice for student-athletes in the region. With over 26 varsity sports teams, the school provides countless opportunities for students to excel in athletics across multiple disciplines.
Serving 1,768 students in grades 9-12, Archbishop Mitty holds an impressive student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, holding a supportive and engaging learning environment. The school is well known for preparing students for their future, as shown in the impressive statistics: 96% of graduates going on to 4-year colleges.
Student Population
Archbishop Mitty High School prides itself on its diverse student body, representing a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This commitment to inclusivity enriches the learning environment, fostering mutual understanding and a sense of community among students.
After graduation, 96% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college. Archbishop has been home to many, and some notable alumni are:
- Aaron Gordon: A professional basketball player currently in the NBA.
- Kerri Walsh Jennings: A three-time Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball.
- Brandi Chastain: An Olympic gold medalist and Women’s World Cup champion in soccer.
- Mitch Haniger: A professional baseball player in Major League Baseball.
- Myha’la Herrold: An actress known for her roles in television and film.
How Hard Is It To Get Into Archbishop Mitty High School?
Given the school’s track record of academic and athletic excellence, Archbishop Mitty holds itself to a very high standard. Admitting only around 450+ freshmen out of 1500+ applicants, competition is tough! Therefore, parents need to know what Archbishop Mitty is looking for in a student. These are the admissions criteria outlined by the school:
What Does It Take to Get Into Archbishop Mitty?
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Mitty Wants Students with Excellent Grades and Integrity of Character
Archbishop Mitty requires applicants to have previous 7th and 8th grades that are no lower than a C and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. This hurdle is to ensure that students are prepared to handle the school’s rigorous curriculum.
Being a Catholic school, discipline and obedience are core values of the school; as such, the school also requires students to have a clean attendance and discipline record. Any glaring issues, such as cutting class or misbehavior, will significantly cut an applicant’s chances.
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Passing the High School Placement Test for Archbishop Mitty
Standardized tests are a staple of all high-quality private schools. Thus, all applicants for Archbishop Mitty are required to take the High School Placement Test. The standardized tests ensure that students who pass and are admitted are ready to thrive in the school’s very competitive environment.
What are the Steps in The Archbishop Mitty High School Admissions Process?
The admission process for Archbishop Mitty High School is comprehensive and involves several key steps to ensure a thorough evaluation of each applicant. Below is an overview of the process:
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Create a Ravenna Account to Access Your Archbishop Mitty Application Requirements
Most private schools, like Mitty, use Ravenna as their main method of enrollment and application management. Here you will find the complete list of requirements as well as the request forms for recommendation letters and school transcripts.
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Submit the Archbishop Mitty Online Application
After creating an account in Ravenna, complete the application form and submit online. You will provide information and details about your family and your child, so make sure to thoroughly check your answers before hitting the send button.
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Register and take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for Mitty
Applicants are required to take the HSPT and submit scores as part of the admissions process. Registration for the test is also through Ravenna. Examination is administered around January, so make sure your child is well prepared to get good scores.
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Receive Admission Decision Notification from Archbishop Mitty
The admissions team will release the list of successful candidates by mid-March.
High School Placement Test (HSPT) for Archbishop Mitty
The HSPT is a standardized entrance exam commonly used by private and Catholic high schools such as Archbishop Mitty High School, to assess prospective students’ academic abilities. The test helps schools determine admissions eligibility and place students in appropriate courses. The HSPT consists of five main sections:
- Verbal Skills
- Quantitative Skills
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Language
Some schools may include optional sections, such as science or mechanical aptitude, but Archbishop Mitty typically focuses on the core sections. Preparing for the HSPT can be a challenge, but expert guidance can make all the difference. Cardinal Education offers support through our private school test prep services, helping students build confidence and improve their performance. Explore our proven strategies and resources here.
Confidential Recommendation vs Teacher Evaluation: What Are the Key Differences in Mitty Admission?
| Teacher Evaluation Form | Confidential Recommendation Form | |
| Who Completes It | Teachers of core academic subjects (e.g., math, English)
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School counselors, principals, or other educators familiar with the student |
| Focus | Academic performance, classroom behavior, and learning habits | Overall character, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities
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| Format | Rating scales with optional written comments
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Narrative-style recommendation or detailed form |
| Purpose | Provides classroom-specific feedback on academic and behavioral performance
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Offers a holistic view of the student as a learner and member of the community |
| Key Objective | Highlights academic readiness and behavior in a classroom setting
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Demonstrates personal qualities, achievements, and fit for the school |
What is Student Life Like at Archbishop Mitty?
Archbishop Mitty High School is known for its inclusive community rooted in Catholic values. Students are encouraged to take part in retreats and service opportunities that instill a strong sense of faith, compassion, and social responsibility. The school promotes an environment where students build lifelong friendships and meaningfully uplift their community.
Volunteering Opportunities and Initiatives at Mitty
- Charity Drives: Students participate in fundraising and awareness efforts for organizations like Harvest Pack and Second Harvest Food Bank.
- LIFE Team: Members plan and lead Campus Ministry programs, including retreats and school-wide service projects.
- Bringing Joy Club: This club visits senior homes to provide companionship and conversation for elderly residents.
Athletics at Archbishop Mitty
The school is nationally recognized for its exceptional athletics, offering a wide range of sports for students to take part in. Archbishop Mitty teams consistently rank high in championships, creating a competitive atmosphere on campus. The school nurtures student-athletes with excellent coaching and high-quality facilities for numerous sports from all sorts of ball games like basketball or soccer to even swimming.
In total, Archbishop Mitty offers competition in 26 different sports, fielding 66 teams supported by 122 coaches. The school’s athletic dominance has been recognized with many awards, including being named the MaxPreps Cup #1 Athletic Program in California for the 2023-24 school year.
Seasonal Breakdown Of Sports At Archbishop Mitty High School:
| Season | Sports Offered |
| Fall | Cross Country, Football, Field Hockey, Tennis (Women’s), Volleyball (Women’s), Water Polo |
| Winter | Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling |
| Spring | Baseball, Badminton, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Swimming, Tennis (Men’s), Track & Field, Volleyball (Men’s) |
Performing Arts at Mitty
Archbishop Mitty’s performing arts program is one of its most celebrated highlights. Students have countless opportunities to showcase their talents such as in the school’s award-winning music, theater, and dance programs. Students thrive in a creative environment supported by dedicated faculty and cutting-edge resources.
A few notable awards include:
- Rita Moreno Awards
- CMEA Superior Ratings
- Santa Cruz Jazz Festival
- National Youth Theater Award
Related Articles
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How to Secure Strong Recommendation Letters for Archbishop Mitty
Did You Know?
All Archbishop Mitty students are issued iPads.
At first, we didn’t really think we could enroll our child in Mitty, but after a few consultations with Cardinal Education, our hopes were boosted!
— Parent of a 9th Grader
Frequently Asked Questions
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I’m not Catholic, will my application to Archbishop Mitty still be considered?
Yes. Although Archbishop Mitty prides itself on its foundation of Catholic and Christian values, being non-Catholic doesn’t automatically mean they reject you. The school values other qualities reflective of your character, regardless of your religious affiliation. You will be evaluated on the same criteria as all other applicants, and your unique background and experiences will be considered an asset to the school community. In fact, according to the latest student demographic the school provides, only about 60% of the student population is actually Catholic. While Catholicism is predominant throughout the school, all faiths are welcomed and accepted.
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What is Archbishop Mitty’s acceptance rate?
The school claims to expect to receive over 1,500 applications every school year, and out of those 1,500 applications, only 450 will be enrolled. With these numbers, we can confidently deduce that Archbishop Mitty’s acceptance rate is around 30%. In terms of the average acceptance rate of private schools across America, which is 81% per year, Archbishop Mitty’s acceptance rate is relatively low. This low acceptance rate highlights how selective the school actually is. With this insight, families that aim for admission at Archbishop Mitty need to understand that their children would need to surpass the standards of their current school to even be considered at Archbishop Mitty.
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Does Archbishop Mitty High School offer shadow days or campus tours for prospective students?
Yes, the school provides opportunities for prospective students to participate in shadow days or attend campus tours primarily through their Visit Mitty program. To attend these tours, students must apply using their Ravenna accounts. These experiences allow students to get a feel for the school environment and culture. They can interact with current students and faculty, observe classes, and participate in extracurricular activities. The Visit Mitty program is available from September to December only for 8th graders, with registration typically open around the start of September. If ever prospective students are unable to attend campus visits, a Virtual Tour is also available.
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Does Archbishop Mitty High School consider extracurricular activities in the admissions process?
Yes, extracurricular activities, while not strictly required for high school admissions, play a role in showcasing an applicant’s well-rounded profile. Top-tier schools such as Archbishop Mitty typically consider the overall profile of an applicant rather than just their academic prowess, and extracurricular involvement can demonstrate qualities such as leadership, teamwork, passion, and commitment. While strong academics and standardized test scores are critical, extracurriculars often serve as a valuable addition that helps applicants stand out in competitive admissions processes.
Take note that Archbishop Mitty is a top choice for many athletes, with a strong involvement in sports such as baseball or basketball, which will definitely boost your application.
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Are there opportunities for non-athletic students to participate in sports at Mitty?
Yes, in addition to a robust competitive sports program, the school provides a wide array of intramural activities and recreational programs. These programs offer students of varying skill levels the opportunity to participate in sports and other physical activities in a less competitive and more relaxed environment. This inclusive approach to athletics and physical education ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, can experience the joys and benefits of physical activity, teamwork, and social interaction. By providing a wide range of athletic opportunities and adapting activities to meet the needs of all students, the school fosters a sense of belonging and encourages every student to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
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When do students get their iPads?
Students receive their school-issued iPads during the first full week of August before the academic year commences. This early distribution ensures that all students are equipped with the necessary technology for the upcoming school year and allows them ample time to familiarize themselves with the device and its features. By providing iPads in advance, the school aims to facilitate a smooth transition into the digital learning environment and enable students to start the year prepared and ready to engage with their coursework. Additionally, having access to iPads beforehand empowers students to proactively explore educational resources.
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Are there sibling or legacy considerations in the Mitty admissions process?
Archbishop Mitty High School does not explicitly state that it considers sibling or legacy status in its admissions policies, however, these factors are commonly taken into account by educational institutions during the admissions process. The school may give preference to applicants who have siblings currently attending or alumni parents, as this can strengthen a sense of community and family connection within the school. However, take note that the extent to which these factors are considered if at all, is not publicly disclosed by the school. Therefore, prospective students and their families should not assume that sibling or legacy status will guarantee admission and should focus on presenting a strong overall application that highlights the student’s profile.