Metro Guide
Catholic high schools in San Diego that use the HSPT
San Diego’s Catholic high schools admit through the HSPT, with entrance exams typically in January of 8th grade.
Schools with admissions details available now
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 San Diego: 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 San Diego schools tie merit awards to HSPT percentile — how the scholarship math works.
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 San Diego
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.
6-week HSPT study plan
The middle-ground schedule: enough time to cover every section without turning fall into one long cram.
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 San Diego
Which Catholic high schools in San Diego use the HSPT?
We currently track 1 schools in this area, including Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Open each school page for the admissions details we have and verify the current cycle directly with the school.
When do San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego 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 San Diego? Start with a free practice baseline.
Use the free diagnostic to see where your student stands before comparing schools, deadlines, and scholarship ranges.