How to Get Into Archbishop Riordan High School: What You Need To Know

Is Archbishop Riordan a Good School?

Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, California, is a co-educational Catholic institution founded in 1949 by the Society of Mary. The school is perhaps best known for its conscientious college preparatory curriculum as well as feel-at-home boarding programs. 

Over its history, Riordan has transitioned from an all-boys school to welcoming young women in 2020, marking a point in its history that reflects its inclusive and progressive values that address educational needs. 

According to Niche, Archbishop Riordan High School has a diverse student body, with approximately 29.4% White, 19% Asian, 16.2% Multiracial, 15.8% Hispanic, 8.2% Unknown, 5.8% International, while the remaining 5.6% are others such as African American and Pacific Islander.

How Hard Is It To Get Into Archbishop Riordan High School? 

Very hard. Applying to Archbishop Riordan High School is very competitive, but understanding the admissions process and its requirements can help students increase their chances of admission. 

What Is the Acceptance Rate at Archbishop Riordan High School?

According to Private School Review, Archbishop Riordan has an acceptance rate of around 50%, reflecting its balance between selectivity and inclusivity. This rate highlights the school’s commitment to high academic standards while fostering a diverse student body. Strong academic performance, especially in core subjects, significantly improves an applicant’s chances.

The bar graph above highlights that Riordan is more selective than the average private or public high school, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and student fit. ​

Why Is Archbishop Riordan High School More Competitive Than Ever?

Another possible reason why it’s hard to get into Riordan is because of the growth in reputation and, thus, growth in demand. The school has expanded its programs, including the addition of a boarding option and a shift to co-education. These changes may seem simple on the surface, but they have attracted a larger and more diverse pool of applicants from both local and international communities. This surge in applications has made the admissions process more competitive, as the school maintains limited spots to preserve its strong student-to-teacher ratio and community-focused environment.

How Riordan’s Boarding Program Increases Selectivity

With the addition of the boarding program comes an added layer of selectivity. Being open to international and American students, the school had to be selective about who they admitted. The criteria then become much more than academic excellence; a student, therefore, needs to show independence. This is particularly important, especially when you realize that these students will be living on campus full-time. Thus, they need resilience and readiness in order to thrive at Riordan, and Riordan needs to ensure that each student they admit has what it takes. 

The Impact of Co-Education on Riordan’s Admissions Process

As noted earlier, Riordan used to be an all-boys school, and thus, only half of the population could apply. Now, with the transition to a co-educational model, more students can attempt to get in, thus increasing the admission criteria and lowering the acceptance rate. This growth in demand, combined with the school’s commitment to maintaining high academic and character standards, has intensified competition for limited spots. Another aspect to note about this change is that the expansion of various academic and extracurricular programs to support a co-ed environment has enhanced Riordan’s reputation, drawing high-achieving students and further raising the bar for admission.

What are the Steps in Archbishop Riordan’s Admissions Process 

The admission process for Archbishop Riordan High School is comprehensive and involves several key steps to ensure a thorough evaluation of each applicant. Below is an overview of the process:

1. Create an Admissions Portal account.
   1. Unlike most private high schools, Riordan uses their own admissions portal. 
2. Fill out your application.
   1. Personal Information (Such as address and nationality)
   2. Extracurriculars/Honors Information
   3. Personal Statement Video
   4. Parent/Guardian Statement
   5. Transcript of Records and Teacher Recommendation (Asked through Statement of Record Release)
3. In the portal, the form will also ask you where you want to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). 
   1. After selecting your venue, attend during the given schedule and take the test. 
4. Using the admissions portal, monitor the progress of your application. 
5. Receive admissions decision, and if accepted, enroll at Archbishop Riordan!

What are the application requirements for Archbishop Riordan?

Now that we have a clear understanding of the admissions process, let’s dive into each requirement and what you can do to boost your application’s chances of being admitted to Archbishop Riordan.

Personal Statement Video 

One of the most important components of the admissions process at Archbishop Riordan High School is the submission of a personal statement video. This film gives students the opportunity to introduce themselves in a more interesting and intimate manner than they might in a conventional written essay. It gives them a chance to show off their individuality, principles, and life experiences while showcasing their inventiveness and communication abilities. This film helps the admissions team learn more about each candidate than just their academic history and extracurricular involvement. It assists in assessing how well the student embodies Riordan’s mission and values, especially the school’s motto, “Think More, Do More, and Be More.”

Parent/Guardian Statement

To provide more insight into their child’s character and growth, parents or guardians must submit a statement in addition to the student’s personal statement video. From a parental standpoint, this statement enables families to emphasize their child’s special talents, academic pursuits, and personal development. The chance to discuss why Riordan is the best fit for their kid and how they would benefit the school community is also provided. The admissions team is given a complete picture of the applicant’s potential thanks to the combination of the parent/guardian statement and the personal statement video.

High School Placement Test (HSPT)

The HSPT is a standardized entrance exam commonly used by private and Catholic high schools, such as Archbishop Riordan 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:

1. Verbal Skills
2. Quantitative Skills
3. Reading
4. Mathematics
5. Language

Some schools may include optional sections, such as science or mechanical aptitude, but Archbishop Riordan typically focuses on the core sections.

What Are Key Study Tips for the High School Placement Test (HSPT)?

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and sections included in the test.
2. Use Practice Tests: Practice regularly with HSPT prep books or online resources.
3. Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time strengthening skills in challenging subjects like math or language.
4. Develop Time Management Skills: Practice completing sections within the allocated time.
5. Stay Relaxed and Confident: Get plenty of rest before the test and approach it with a positive mindset.

Preparing for the HSPT can be a challenge, but expert guidance can make all the difference. Cardinal Education offers support through our HSPT Practice Tests, helping students build confidence and improve their performance. 

High School Transcript 

By submitting an application, families automatically authorize Archbishop Riordan’s Admissions Office to request transcripts from the student’s current school. This means parents do not need to obtain these documents themselves; Riordan will handle the request directly. To ensure a smooth process, families should notify their current school about their application to Riordan and confirm that records are sent on time.

Good grades will give you an advantage, but if the numbers are not that impressive, consider tutoring and academic coaching to polish skills and gain mastery of certain subjects. Remember that grades reflect academic proficiency, so make sure your transcript shows that.  

Teacher Recommendations

Similar to the high school transcript, Riordan requests letters of recommendation directly from the applicant’s current school. Like other independent schools, they ask for recommendations from an English teacher, a Math teacher, and the Middle School Director or counselor. 

Teacher recommendations help the Riordan admissions committee understand what kind of learner your child is and how they perform in the classroom. Make sure to secure strong recommendations to convince the admissions officers that your child fits with the academic requirements at Riordan. Talk to an admissions consultant to get tips on how to secure teacher recommendations that reflect your child’s exemplary performance.  

English Proficiency Test Requirements for International Students

International applicants to Archbishop Riordan High School must take an English proficiency test to demonstrate their ability to succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. The admissions office will provide details on accepted tests and score requirements, so international applicants should check the Admissions Portal or contact the school for specific guidelines. Preparing in advance and submitting test results on time will help keep the application process on track.

Why Families Choose Archbishop Riordan

Despite the sheer competitiveness in admissions and the high electives of admissions officers, families are still swarming to apply to Riordan. Why? Because Archbishop Riordan offers an excellent student life and academic experience rooted in its religious values. 

• Marianist Values

Being one of the best catholic private schools and being deeply influenced by Marianist traditions, the school places special emphasis on faith and how it transforms service and moral responsibility. Unlike most schools where community service is more of a cherry on top of a graduation requirement, Riordan encourages its students to foster their communities throughout their entire time at the school through the Christian Community Service Learning Days.

• Christian Community Service Learning Days

At Riordan, students engage in House Mentor Groups to understand community needs and take action through structured service projects. Each semester, they participate in intentional discussions, hands-on service, and reflection rooted in Marianist values. Over four years, they built a digital portfolio documenting their experiences and growth, encouraging a lifelong commitment to service. This makes sure that your child isn’t only getting an education through classes but also learning lessons of kindness that will help them become key members of our community.  

• Academic Excellence at Riordan

Excellence is in everyone’s vocabulary at Riordan, and every student is expected to achieve greatness. However, the distinction between Riordan and other schools is drawn in how they support students. Riordan does not simply set high expectations but also provides the resources and guidance necessary for students to meet and exceed them. Class experiences are highly collaborative in nature, not just between students but with the entire faculty and staff. 

As a renowned college preparatory school, Riordan’s curriculum offers a diverse array of advanced placement courses that help develop students’ competence to face college and beyond. With such a number of AP courses, your child is sure to find a field that they can thrive and contribute meaningfully. 

• Diverse Arts Programs at Riordan

Archbishop Riordan provides opportunities for students to explore and develop their creative skills through arts. The school’s Visual and Performing Arts Department offers drama, dance, music, and visual arts classes where students are trained in traditional mediums such as drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. 

In music, students can learn to play various instruments and express their musical talents through the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Combo, drumline, and Color Guard. In fact, the marching band has performed at major local events such as the San Francisco Giants victory parade, the America’s Cup, and the Super Bowl. 

• Competitive Athletics Programs at Riordan

Athletics plays an integral role in student life at Archbishop Riordan. As a member of the West Catholic League, Riordan offers high-level training across a variety of sports, such as football, cross country, wrestling, basketball, soccer, track, volleyball, swimming, tennis, baseball, sailing, and golf. Its prestigious sailing team trains at the St. Francis Yacht Club and competes in regattas throughout the state as part of the NorCal league of the Pacific Coast Interscholastic Sailing Association.

For students interested in the medical field and who are thinking of pursuing a major in college, they can participate in sports medicine internships with hands-on experience in treatments and injury prevention.   

• Best Boarding Life Experience at Riordan

Lastly, another huge reason why families all over the world want to apply to Riordan is its exemplary boarding program and at-campus student life. It is consistently recognized as one of the best boarding schools in the Bay Area. Students live in comfy dormitories with access to study halls, recreational spaces, and top-tier campus facilities, including athletic centers, an engineering maker space, and even a theater!

The program provides catered meals, a fully stocked kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment. With structured academic support, leadership opportunities, and a diverse, inclusive community, Riordan’s boarding program prepares students for independence and success in college and beyond. For more details, visit the Residential Life page.

Archbishop Riordan High School Famous Alumni

1. Donald Strickland – a former professional football player who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, and New York Jets.
2.  Joe Spano – is an American actor known for his roles on Hill Street Blues and NCIS.
3. Derek Loville – is a former running back in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Denver Broncos for nine years.
4. Francisco Aragón – is an award-winning Latino poet who received awards from the Academy of American Poets and Outstanding Latino/a Cultural Award in Literary Arts or Publications in 2010.
5. Donald Haderle – is an American computer scientist known as the “Father of DB2” and recognized for his work on relational database management systems which debuted on IBM’s mainframe in 1983.
6. Jimmie Fails – is an American actor known for his debut film, The Last Black Man in San Francisco in 2019.
7. Steve Ryan – is a retired professional soccer player who played in the North American Soccer League and American Soccer League.
8. Chris Munk – is a retired NBA player for the Utah Jazz. He stands 6’9″ (198 cm) and is a power forward. 
9. Dan Ferrigno – is a recipient of the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame award. He is a former football coach and player, and quality control coach at Washington State University. 
10. Warren Hinckle – was an American political journalist remembered for his work as editor of Ramparts magazine, a publication that featured American radicalism during the Vietnam War. 

Need Help With Riordan Admissions?

If you need help with admissions, Cardinal Education can offer expert guidance on private school admissions, helping students refine their essays, prepare for interviews, and showcase their strengths effectively. With academic coaching, test prep, and private school admissions support, we ensure students present themselves as top candidates.

For expert insights on maximizing your child’s chances at Archbishop Riordan High School, contact Cardinal Education today and let our experts guide you through the process.