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Quick Answer for Busy Parents
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (SSSAS) serves Grades 6-12 across two Alexandria campuses: Middle School on West Braddock Road and Upper School on St. Stephen’s Road. SSSAS requires the SSAT for applicants in Grades 6-12. Submitting applications by the January 15 priority deadline guarantees a decision by February 28. SSSAS is renowned for SAINTS Skills alongside robust AP and honors courses, grade-level bonding trips, and personalized college counseling.
Why Do Families Choose St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School?
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School traces its roots to 1924, formed through the 1991 merger of St. Agnes School (a girls’ school founded in 1924) and St. Stephen’s School (a boys’ school founded in 1944). Today, the Middle School (Grades 6-8) occupies its campus on West Braddock Road, while the Upper School (Grades 9-12) resides on St. Stephen’s Road, giving students tailored environments for early adolescence and high school maturity.
Families are drawn to SSSAS for its balance of rigorous academics, single-gender math and science options in middle school, advanced Upper School courses, and holistic development spanning arts, athletics, and spiritual growth.
How Competitive Is Admission to St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School?
Admission to St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School is highly competitive, driven by strong regional demand for its top-tier college preparatory education. Grade 6 and Grade 9 serve as the primary entry points, attracting a high volume of applicants for a limited number of spots, while admission to non-entry grades remains exceptionally tight and dependent on student attrition.
To stand out in this selective applicant pool, families are evaluated through a holistic admissions process. Decision committees closely review academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, and student interviews, alongside required SSAT scores, seeking candidates who demonstrate both academic readiness and strong alignment with the school’s values.
Top Tips for a Strong Application
- Submit your application by the January 15 priority deadline to guarantee a decision by February 28.
- Self-schedule your child’s shadow day visit and interview through the applicant checklist.
- Register for the SSAT early, since results are due by late January.
Best Practices for Prospective Families
- Request teacher recommendations and transcripts with plenty of lead time.
- Ask directly about SAINTS Skills and the grade-level overnight bonding trips during a visit.
- Plan ahead for SSAT prep and testing dates to ensure official scores are submitted on time.
The SSSAS Middle & Upper School Admission Process
Creating a candidate account in the online portal is the first step in St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School’s admissions process, where families can access a personalized checklist, complete application forms, request records, and schedule admissions events.
- Attend Admissions Events
- Submit Online Application
- Application Form & Fee
- Applicant Writing Prompt Response
- Designate Recommendations
- Math & English Evaluation Form
- Request Transcripts & School Records
- Signed Release of Records Form
- Current & Previous Year Transcripts
- Additional Supporting Educational Testing
- Schedule Student & Parent Interview
- Complete SSAT Assessment
- Await Decisions
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Application Requirements
Applicant 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.
How to write a compelling writing prompt response
Focus on specific moments of personal growth, curiosity, or community engagement rather than listing accomplishments. Academic tutoring and writing support can help middle school applicants refine their ideas and build an authentic voice.
Teacher 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.
How to get the best teacher evaluations
To secure strong teacher evaluations, your child must build genuine relationships with teachers. Recommenders should highlight your child’s leadership, behavior, and academic impact on the school community.
Transcript & 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.
How to improve academic performance
If grades need improvement, seek targeted, consistent academic support months before applications are due. Academic coaching helps strengthen key skills early, allowing students to demonstrate sustained growth on their transcripts.
Student & 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.
How to prepare for the admissions interview
Applicants and parents can benefit from targeted interview prep to practice discussing academic interests, personal passions, and reasons for applying to SSSAS in a relaxed, conversational manner, ensuring they communicate authentically and confidently with the admissions team.
SSAT 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.
How to prepare for testing day
For Grades 6-12 applicants taking the SSAT, focused test preparation helps students build familiarity with standard quantitative, verbal, and reading comprehension sections while learning pacing strategies and test-taking confidence prior to the late-January submission deadline.
Have Questions About Your Child’s Application?
Cardinal Education’s consultants help families navigate admissions choices, testing strategy, and application preparation for both Middle and Upper School at SSSAS.
Student Life at SSSAS Middle & Upper School
Student life at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (SSSAS) is a dynamic blend of academic rigor, character development, creative expression, and community leadership rooted in Episcopal traditions.
Across three campuses, students are encouraged to pursue their passions, explore new interests, and build lasting connections while upholding the core principles of knowledge and goodness.
Academics
Academic life at SSSAS emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and holistic character development through a structured yet flexible college-preparatory curriculum.
| Feature | Overview & Academic Highlight |
| Core Ethos | Guided by the Portrait of a Saint framework, emphasizing leadership with optimism, empathy, and critical thought. |
| Early Literacy and Math | Lower School uses Orton-Gillingham phonics, Heggerty phonological awareness, and Singapore Math (Developing Roots). |
| Specialized Pathways | High School Certificate Programs offered in Fine Arts, STEM, World Languages, and Community Engagement. |
| Community Learning | Annual Colloquium for the Common Good featuring student-led workshops, policy discussions, and social impact sessions. |
This academic structure prepares students to approach complex issues with confidence, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Arts
The arts curriculum fosters creative risk-taking, self-expression, and technical proficiency across visual, instrumental, vocal, and theatrical mediums.
- Performance Opportunities: Three major Upper School theatrical productions staged annually by Stage One (mainstage play, spring musical, and student-helmed black box show), alongside lower and middle school concerts.
- Music & Ensemble Tracks: Comprehensive instrumental and vocal options including Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz, and Pit Orchestra.
- Curricular Approach: Lower School music uses the Orff-Schulwerk method, blending movement, rhythm, and early drama before transitioning into specialized Middle/Upper School tracks.
- Fine Arts Distinction: Upper School students can earn a Fine Arts Certificate through advanced coursework, leadership, and a capstone project.
Students gain creative confidence and technical skill while showcasing their work in school exhibitions, theatrical runs, and regional festivals.
Athletics
The Saints athletic program focuses on physical fitness, sportsmanship, and high-level competition across regional independent school leagues.
| Athletics Metric | Program Highlights |
| Team Identity | The SAINTS |
| Interscholastic Sports | Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Softball, Squash, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Wrestling |
| Program Tradition | Historically dominant Girls Lacrosse program with 40+ combined VISAA & ISL Championships under legendary coaching leadership |
| Collegiate Progression | Multi-sport student-athletes regularly advance to compete in NCAA Division I and Division III programs. |
The athletic department provides support for both beginner athletes looking to explore new sports and competitive athletes aiming for collegiate recruitment.
Signature Programs
SSSAS features signature experiential programs designed to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.
- Certificate Programs: Targeted Upper School tracks in STEM, Fine Arts, World Languages, and Community Engagement recognized on official transcripts and at commencement.
- Colloquium for the Common Good: An interactive campus-wide forum focusing on ethics, social impact, public policy, and community activism.
- Ninth Grade Bridge Program: A transition framework paired with advisory mentorship to support incoming Upper School students.
- Senior Chapel Talks: A long-standing tradition where graduating seniors present personal reflection speeches to the Upper School community.
These signature initiatives foster civic responsibility, leadership, and purposeful real-world application.
Clubs & Student Leadership
Co-curricular life offers extensive opportunities for student voice, faith formation, service, and governance.
| Category | Key Student Leadership & Organization |
| Student Governance | Student Council Association (SCA): Executive Board and grade-level officers organizing events, spirit weeks, and morning meetings. |
| Integrity & Ethics | Honor and Disciplinary Board (HDB): Elected student body representatives responsible for upholding school standards and peer review. |
| Mentorship | Peer Leaders: Selected senior mentors trained to guide freshman advisories through orientation and high school transition. |
| Faith & Community | Student Vestry: Student team assisting chaplains in leading worship and supporting the school’s Episcopal identity. |
| School Representation | Admission Ambassadors: Tour guides and student panellists greeting visiting families during admissions events. |
Through these organizations, Saints take an active role in shaping campus culture and driving peer engagement.
Notable Alumni of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
The legacy of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School is best reflected in the remarkable achievements of its graduates, who embody the school’s commitment to leadership, service, and creative expression across diverse fields.
- Tipper Gore: Author, photographer, mental health advocate, and former Second Lady of the United States who dedicated decades to public service, national mental health initiatives, and co-founding the Parents Music Resource Center.
- Christopher Meloni: An Emmy-nominated actor best known for his defining roles as Detective Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Chris Keller on Oz, exemplifying the creative confidence and artistic training fostered at the school.
- Jennifer Griffin: Chief National Security Correspondent for Fox News Channel, who has spent decades covering major international conflicts, global defense policy, and military affairs directly from the Pentagon.
- Steven Pruitt: Globally recognized digital archivist who holds the record for making over 5 million edits on English Wikipedia and authoring thousands of articles, recognized by Time magazine for his extraordinary contribution to internet knowledge sharing.
- Dave Flemming: Renowned play-by-play broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants and ESPN, where he covers Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball, showcasing the versatile communication skills nurtured at SSSAS.
These distinguished graduates serve as a powerful inspiration to current students, proving that a foundation built on intellectual curiosity and goodness can lead to extraordinary real-world impact.
What Families Say
Secure Admission to SSSAS With Cardinal Education
Gaining admission to St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School is highly competitive across both Middle and Upper School entry points. Standing out in a selective applicant pool requires a targeted testing strategy, campus-tailored preparation, and a compelling, authentic narrative.
Cardinal Education’s elite admissions consultants work closely with families to highlight every student’s unique strengths, refine application materials, and give candidates a distinct competitive edge.
Related Articles
SAINTS Skills: How SSSAS Teaches Executive Function to Every Sixth Grader
Building Community Before Day One: SSSAS Middle School’s Overnight Bonding Trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSSAS Middle School on the same campus as the Lower or Upper School?
Does SSSAS Middle School require standardized testing?
What is SSSAS known for?
When is the application deadline for SSSAS?
Can prospective students shadow or visit the campus?
Did You Know?
SSSAS Middle School’s grade-level overnight bonding trips have included kayaking and team-building exercises, with students describing the friendships formed there as some of the closest of their entire Middle School experience.
The transition from Middle School to Upper School was seamless for our daughter. SAINTS Skills gave her study habits that proved invaluable for AP classes in high school, and Cardinal Education guided us through test strategy every step of the way.
— SSSAS Parent