How to Get Into Sage Hill School: Admissions Tips and Strategies for Success

Overview of Sage Hill School 

Sage Hill School is a coeducational independent high school located in Newport Coast, California. Founded in 2000 by a group of dedicated parents and educators, Sage Hill was established with the vision of creating a school that emphasizes a balanced educational experience. The founders aimed to combine rigorous academics with character development and community involvement. Since its inception, Sage Hill has been committed to providing an innovative and comprehensive education that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.

Sage Hill’s mission is centered on inspiring a love of learning and fostering intellectual curiosity. The school encourages students to think critically, act ethically, and engage actively in their communities. Sage Hill’s curriculum is designed to challenge students while also supporting their individual growth, promoting a well-rounded education that includes academics, arts, athletics, and service learning.

The school is known for its innovative programs, such as the Sage Center for innovative curricula and the Service Learning Program, which integrates community service with classroom learning. These programs exemplify Sage Hill’s commitment to experiential learning and developing socially responsible citizens. Through these initiatives, Sage Hill strives to cultivate leaders who are not only academically accomplished but also compassionate and engaged members of society.

Sage Hill School Ranking

Why Families Choose Sage Hill School

Families who have attended Sage Hill School often mention its balance of academic rigor and holistic development. Here’s what sets Sage Hill apart from other private schools: 

• Extensive arts programs in visual, performing, and digital media. 
• Competitive athletics with opportunities for both participation and excellence. 
• Signature programs like Spring at Sage and service-learning projects that encourage students to think globally and act locally. 
• Challenging academics with Honors, AP, and post-AP courses that push students to think critically and prepare for top colleges. 
• A vibrant student life filled with clubs, leadership opportunities, and community events that build friendships and foster collaboration. 

Admissions Process at Sage Hill School 

Here are the key steps to apply to Sage Hill School: 

1. Submit the Online Application – Applications open on September 1. 
2. Register for Testing – Applicants must take either the ISEE or SSAT and submit scores by January 31. Sage Hill accepts scores sent directly using their school codes. 
3. Schedule the Interview – Middle School applicants interview with a parent. High school applicants interview on their own.
4. Provide Transcripts and Recommendations – Academic records and teacher recommendations are needed to complete the application. 
5. Stay Aware of Deadlines – The application is typically due in mid-January, with decisions released in March. 

Sage Hill Application Requirements

Admissions Interview

Seventh and eighth grade applicants are interviewed with their parents or guardians, while grades 9 to 11 applicants are interviewed alone. The interviews last about one hour and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The admissions interview is an integral part of the admissions process because admissions officers take this as an opportunity to get to know your child beyond grades and test scores. They would also want to know more about your role as parents and how much support they can expect from you. They will evaluate how great of a fit you will be to their community. 

So, how do you make sure you sit well with the interviewers? Come prepared. Your answers should be honest and authentic yet aligned with the school’s values. Practice with professionals who know the types of questions you will most likely be asked and who can help you craft sincere responses. Remember that this is a one-off chance to present yourself, your child, and your family, so you have to impress the admissions team. Through interview preparation, we will conduct mock interviews to help you become familiar with the usual questions and gain confidence in answering them. We’ll also coach your child to organize their thoughts and to speak confidently and convincingly. 

Standardized Tests

All applicants are required to submit either the SSAT or ISEE scores before the January 31st deadline. Sage Hill will accept test scores taken from a test site, at home, or online. The official score reports will be sent directly to the admissions office. Codes and other information are available at the school website. 

If you’re an international family and your child has not studied in the U.S. in the past three years, they will be asked to take an English proficiency test. The following tests are accepted: Duolingo English Test, IELTS, iTEP Slate Plus, TOEFL iBT, or TOEFL Essentials. Just like the SSAT and ISEE, test scores will also be forwarded directly to the Sage Hill admissions office from any of the official testing centers.  

To ensure your child submits their best test scores, we offer SSAT and ISEE test prep. We start with a diagnostic test to assess areas of strength and difficulty so our test prep tutors can design a suitable program. All our sessions are one-on-one to ensure your child’s needs are targeted and met. We give unlimited SSAT and ISEE practice tests to help gain mastery and improve test scores. Aside from skill building and subject mastery, what sets our test prep program apart from other tutoring firms is that we also focus on test-taking strategies so your child feels confident and more relaxed on test day. 

Official Transcripts

Your child’s present school will be asked to submit grades and other academic records from the last two years. If your child attended different schools in the past two years, then each should submit via a different form. You will need to print and fill out the form for the release of student records found on the admissions website and send it to your child’s school. They will submit the official transcripts directly to the Sage Hill admissions office. 

If your child has good grades, you have nothing to worry about. The transcript will speak volumes to your child’s academic abilities. However, if your child needs help to pull up their grades, consider enrolling them in subject tutoring. The earlier they start, the better the outcome you can expect. At Cardinal Education, we offer individualized tutoring sessions across different subjects from math, English, history to foreign languages, AP courses, and others. You can choose what works best for your child, whether they will benefit more from onsite tutoring or online sessions. Our tutors are highly trained and passionate about helping students succeed. 

Letters of Recommendation

Once you have registered your online application, you will have access to the application checklist. Recommendation forms will be emailed directly to any one of the following: principal, head of school, counselor, or adviser. Once completed, the recommenders will also be sent directly to the Sage Hill admissions office.  

Just like the admissions interview, recommendation letters give a glimpse into your child’s personality, character, and leadership abilities, but this time it is coming from the perspective of officials, teachers, and other faculty from their current school. So, how do you ensure strong recommendations? It takes a strategy that needs to be established long-term most of the time. Our private school admissions consultants are experts in securing recommendation letters that speak highly of your child. Get in touch with us today to learn more. 

Sage Hill School Notable Alumni

• Jeff Cruttenden – Co-founder of the robo-investing platform Acorns, named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
• Carolyn Witte – Co-founder of Tia, a healthcare startup for women, and named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. 
• Jackie Ni – Recognized on the Orange County Register’s Most Influential People list for developing SupplyCrate.org, a platform to provide PPE during the pandemic.
• Mark Ramadan – Co-founder of the gourmet condiments brand Sir Kensington’s, recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
• Matthew Schlicht – Recognized by Forbes in the Social & Mobile and Games & Apps categories for his work in digital media.
• Carter Bryant – Professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs and played for the Arizona Wildcats in college. 

Student Life at Sage Hill School 

Life at Sage Hill School goes far beyond the classroom. Families are drawn to the vibrant community where academics, athletics, the arts, and diverse extracurricular activities come together to create a balanced, engaging experience. 

Sage Hill School Academics 

Sage Hill School offers an academic curriculum designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. The curriculum is both rigorous and flexible, providing students with a strong foundation in core academic disciplines while also allowing them to explore their individual interests. At the heart of Sage Hill’s academic philosophy is the belief in a well-rounded education that prepares students not only for college but for lifelong success in a rapidly changing world.

Students at Sage Hill benefit from small class sizes and a seminar-style teaching approach that promotes active discussion and personalized learning. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses across various subjects, giving students the opportunity to engage in college-level studies while still in high school. Beyond AP courses, Sage Hill provides numerous electives in areas such as the arts, technology, and humanities, allowing students to tailor their education to their passions.

One of the distinguishing features of Sage Hill’s curriculum is the integration of experiential learning opportunities, such as the Sage Center for innovative curricula and the Service Learning Program. These programs encourage students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and developing skills in leadership, collaboration, and social responsibility.

Sage Hill School’s commitment to academic excellence ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of higher education and are equipped with the critical thinking and ethical framework needed to thrive in a complex, global society.

Athletics at Sage Hill School

Sage Hill offers a large variety of sports for different skill levels across three seasons. See the full list of sports offered below:  

Athletic Training and Support at Sage Hill School

Sage Hill School places a strong emphasis on athletic training and support, ensuring that student-athletes receive comprehensive care and guidance. The school’s commitment to sports medicine and training programs underscores its dedication to student health, well-being, and athletic excellence.

The sports medicine program at Sage Hill includes preventive care and conditioning programs tailored to each sport. These initiatives aim to build resilience and reduce injury likelihood by focusing on proper technique, conditioning, and overall fitness. The program also emphasizes education, teaching students about the importance of nutrition, hydration, and mental health in maintaining peak performance.

Sage Hill’s athletic facilities are top-tier and include the Peter V. Ueberroth Gymnasium, a multi-use gymnasium that supports various indoor sports and is equipped with specialized flooring to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Outdoor facilities include an all-weather track, tennis courts, and fields for soccer, lacrosse, and other sports. These facilities provide ample space for practice, competition, and conditioning.

In addition to physical training, Sage Hill’s athletic support extends to academic and emotional well-being. Coaches and trainers collaborate with teachers and counselors to ensure student-athletes maintain a healthy balance between their sports commitments and academic responsibilities. This holistic approach helps students thrive both on and off the field, fostering a supportive environment where they can achieve their full potential.

The Arts at Sage Hill

The arts at Sage Hill School are just as integral as academics and athletics. Students can explore visual arts, theater, music, and digital media through classes, performances, and showcases. The school emphasizes creativity and expression, giving every student the chance to shine on stage, behind the camera, or in the studio. 

Arts Curriculum at Sage Hill School

The arts curriculum at Sage Hill School provides a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing students to explore their creative potential across a variety of disciplines. A significant component of this curriculum is the Ninth Grade Experience, designed to introduce freshmen to the diverse world of visual and performing arts.

Ninth-grade students engage in Arts Survey, a course that covers the basics of both visual and performing arts. This foundational class helps students develop essential skills and provides a solid base for more advanced artistic endeavors. As part of the Ninth Grade Experience, students are encouraged to experiment with different mediums and techniques, fostering a sense of curiosity and creativity. Students work with their teachers to decide on which arts discipline suits their artistic desires to explore more in-depth. 

Beyond the foundational course, the curriculum offers a range of specialized classes. For example, students can take Ceramics, where they learn the intricacies of working with clay, from hand-building to wheel throwing and glazing. Digital Photography is another popular course, offering insights into both the technical aspects of capturing images and the creative process of composition and editing. Advanced students have the opportunity to audition or submit a portfolio in order to take more advanced classes beyond Arts Survey.

Sage Hill’s arts facilities are integral to the curriculum. The Studio is a 30,000-square-foot space that includes specialized areas for painting, sculpture, and digital arts. The ceramics studio, equipped with potter’s wheels and kilns, provides students with the tools they need to create both functional and sculptural pieces. The digital art lab, featuring the latest technology, supports students in exploring graphic design and digital media.

Visual & Performing Arts Program at Sage Hill School

The Visual and Performing Arts Program at Sage Hill School is a vibrant and dynamic part of the student experience, offering a wide array of opportunities for artistic exploration and performance. This comprehensive program includes visual arts, theater, music, and dance, providing students with a well-rounded arts education.

In the visual arts, students begin with foundational courses like Arts Survey, which cover basic principles of drawing, painting, and design. They can then move on to more specialized classes, such as Sculpture, where they experiment with different materials and techniques to create three-dimensional art. Digital Photography allows students to explore both the technical and creative aspects of capturing images using state-of-the-art equipment and software.

The performing arts are equally emphasized, with robust programs in theater, music, and dance. The school’s Black Box Theater is a versatile space that hosts a variety of performances, from intimate plays to larger productions. Students can take classes in Acting and Stagecraft, participate in the Drama Club, and perform in school productions, gaining practical experience in all aspects of theater.

Music students have the opportunity to join a choir, band, or orchestra, with access to well-equipped practice rooms and performance spaces. Courses in music theory and composition further enhance their understanding and skills. Dance classes, including styles such as contemporary, ballet, and jazz, provide students with the chance to express themselves through movement and performance.

Sage Hill Activities

Beyond academics, athletics, and arts, Sage Hill fosters leadership and connection through student activities. With a variety of clubs, student organizations, and service-learning opportunities, there’s something for everyone. These activities allow students to pursue interests, develop leadership skills, and build lifelong friendships.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at Sage Hill School

Sage Hill School is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Central to this commitment are student-led groups like S.A.M.E. (Sage Advocates for Multicultural Education), which advocate for multicultural education and an inclusive school culture. S.A.M.E. organizes activities, events, and discussions that celebrate cultural diversity and address equity and social justice issues, providing a platform for students to share experiences and perspectives.

In addition to S.A.M.E., the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) plays a significant role in promoting acceptance and understanding for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. These groups collaborate to host cultural heritage celebrations, workshops, and guest speaker sessions that educate and engage the entire school community.

The school’s curriculum also reflects its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Courses like Cultural Studies and Global Perspectives encourage students to explore different cultures and social issues, helping them develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world.

Faculty and staff at Sage Hill are actively involved in DEI initiatives through ongoing professional development focused on cultural competency and inclusive teaching practices. This training ensures that educators can support and engage all students effectively, creating classrooms where diverse perspectives are valued.

Through these comprehensive efforts, including the work of S.A.M.E. and GSA, Sage Hill School cultivates an environment where diversity is celebrated, and every student feels empowered to contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community. This commitment to DEI prepares students to be compassionate, informed, and active participants in an interconnected world.

Community Engagement and Events at Sage Hill School

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the educational experience at Sage Hill School, fostering a strong sense of connection among students, families, and the broader community. The school hosts a variety of events and initiatives designed to bring people together, celebrate achievements, and support the local community.

One of the standout events is the annual Spring Celebration, which brings together students, parents, faculty, and alumni for an evening of entertainment, food, and fundraising. This event not only strengthens community bonds but also supports the school’s programs and initiatives through the generous contributions of attendees.

Another key aspect of community engagement at Sage Hill is the Service Learning Program. This program integrates community service with classroom learning, encouraging students to engage with local organizations and address real-world issues. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, students participate in projects that have a tangible impact on the community, such as environmental conservation efforts or assisting underserved populations. This hands-on approach to learning helps students develop a deeper understanding of social responsibility and the importance of giving back.

Sage Hill School also hosts Sage Hill Forum, a speaker series that invites prominent leaders, authors, and experts to engage with the school community on a wide range of topics. These events provide valuable learning opportunities and inspire students to think critically about global and local issues.

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