Metro Guide
Catholic high schools in Philadelphia that use the HSPT
Philadelphia’s Catholic preps — many run by religious orders rather than the archdiocese — set their own admissions calendars, with entrance exams clustered in October and November of 8th grade.
Schools with admissions details available now
St. Joseph's Preparatory School
Philadelphia · Archdiocese of Philadelphia
All-boys Jesuit prep in North Philadelphia, founded 1851.
HSPT: typically early November (Nov 8 in the 2025 cycle)
La Salle College High School
Philadelphia · Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Lasallian college prep for young men just outside Philadelphia.
HSPT: early–mid October, two sittings (Oct 4 and Oct 25 in the 2025 cycle); doubles as the scholarship exam
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School
Philadelphia · Archdiocese of Philadelphia
All-girls Catholic college prep in Gwynedd Valley, in the Mercy tradition.
HSPT: Those who do not sit for the entrance exam at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School may submit HSPT scores (to AdmissionsDept@gmahs.org) from another all-girls school to complete the admissions application.
Pope John Paul II High School
Philadelphia · Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Co-ed Catholic high school in Royersford, serving Philadelphia’s western suburbs.
Nazareth Academy High School
Philadelphia ·
Catholic high school in Philadelphia, PA with an admissions process that explicitly uses the HSPT.
HSPT: Take the 8th Grade Entrance and Scholarship Exam October 11, 2025 & October 25, 2025 | 7:45 AM The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a critical tool in the admissions process as we consider candidates for the Class of 2030.
Dates change every cycle — each school page lists when we last checked, and you should confirm specifics with the school’s admissions office.
Applying in Philadelphia: what to know
- One test, several schools.Most families apply to 2–4 schools. Ask each school whether they accept HSPT scores from another school’s sitting — policies differ by diocese.
- The calendar is compressed. Open houses run September–November, applications are typically due in November, and exams follow in late fall — see the full application timeline.
- Scholarships ride on the exam. Many Philadelphia schools tie merit awards to HSPT percentile — how the scholarship math works.
If cost is a primary filter, read philadelphia catholic high school scholarships before narrowing the list. It reframes this metro around scholarship comparison instead of generic score advice.
New to the test? Start with What is the HSPT? and the 8-week study plan, or try the free practice test.
Useful parent guides for families applying in Philadelphia
HSPT timing: when to start prep
How far ahead to start, based on your test date, school list, and how much prep your child can realistically sustain.
4-week HSPT study plan
A realistic one-month plan for families starting late but still trying to move the score before test day.
HSPT study schedule for busy 8th graders
How to fit HSPT prep around homework, sports, and the real-life schedule most families are actually managing.
What is a good HSPT score?
A cleaner admissions-focused read on what different percentile bands actually mean to a family.
How Catholic high schools use HSPT scores
Admissions, placement, scholarships, and why the same percentile can carry different weight at different schools.
HSPT accommodations for IEP and 504 students
What families should ask for, when to ask, and how documentation usually fits into the process.
How to help a child with HSPT test anxiety
How parents can lower stress without turning prep into a second source of pressure.
Common questions about the HSPT in Philadelphia
Which Catholic high schools in Philadelphia use the HSPT?
We currently track 5 schools in this area, including St. Joseph's Preparatory School, La Salle College High School, and Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. Open each school page for the admissions details we have and verify the current cycle directly with the school.
When do Philadelphia Catholic high schools give the HSPT?
Most Catholic high schools test between November and January, but the exact calendar varies by school and diocese. Compare the school pages first, then confirm each date before registering.
Can one HSPT score be sent to several Philadelphia schools?
Sometimes, but score-sharing policies are local. Ask where the student should test, which recipient codes or forms are needed, and whether any school requires a separate sitting.
Do HSPT scores affect scholarships in Philadelphia?
Many Catholic high schools use HSPT percentiles when considering merit awards, but score bands, award amounts, and renewal rules differ. Ask every admissions office the same scholarship questions.
How early should students start preparing for a Philadelphia HSPT date?
Six to eight weeks of short, consistent practice is a practical default. Start with a five-section baseline and plan around the earliest exam date on the school list.
Applying to Catholic high school in Philadelphia? Start with a free practice baseline.
Use the free diagnostic to see where your student stands before comparing schools, deadlines, and scholarship ranges.