How to Get Into Shattuck-St. Mary’s

Overview

Shattuck-St. Mary’s is one of the best boarding schools in Minnesota. Though its primary campus is located in Faribault, Minnesota, the school has expanded, opening campuses in China and Malaysia. The main campus has a population of just over 400 students from grades 6-12, housed on 245 acres in the rolling countryside. With an average class size of 10 students and a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, students are supported academically and personally.

Founded in 1858, Shattuck-St. Mary’s has spent over 150 years faithfully serving students through academics, activities, and community service. Their diverse community not only represents the United States but also reflects a global perspective that is reflective of their mission to transform students in an ever-changing world.   

How hard is it to get into Shattuck-St. Mary’s? 

Many children aspire to pursue their education at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. With a legacy dating back to 1858, the school is extremely selective. Their rolling admissions mean that applicants are able to apply at any time throughout the school year. However, it’s strongly encouraged that potential students send in their applications as soon as possible to ensure that slots do not run out.       

While the application process may seem daunting, with the help of experienced private school admissions consultants who understand the admissions process, we can help you plan and strategize on how to make your child stand out among the rest. 

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Application 

The Shattuck-St. Mary’s application process begins by creating your account at Ravenna, where you can sign up for events, fill out and submit application requirements, and monitor your application status. Here are the steps you should follow:

The Shattuck-St. Mary’s application process begins by submitting your information through their inquiry form for their admissions officers to reach out to you. After, here are some of the steps you should complete:

1. Fill up the inquiry form.
2. Submit the recommendation letters.  
3. Provide report cards or a transcript. 
4. Submit state testing results 
5. Schedule an admissions interview. 

The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Admissions 

Recommendation Letters

Applicants are required to submit letters of recommendation from their English and Math teachers, as well as either their principal or counselor. Recommendation letters are an important aspect of the admissions process as they give the admissions officers a glimpse into your child’s personality and disposition beyond their academics. It’s crucial that your child builds a relationship with their teachers and counselors for professional and unbiased observations.  

Transcript

All applicants from Grades 6-11 are required to submit either their report cards or transcripts from the previous two school years. Students applying for 12 and PG are required to submit all records from grade 9 to the present. 

Transcripts and report cards are a measure of a child’s readiness to manage Shattuck-St Mary’s demanding curriculum. If your child is struggling at school and this is reflected in their grades, we suggest that you begin private school admissions consulting. As a seasoned consultancy firm, our tutors and coaches work closely with your child to boost both their academics and soft skills.  

Admissions Interview

Applicants are encouraged to schedule a campus visit. During the campus visit, potential students will be given a tour of the historic campus and the opportunity to shadow a student. At the end of the tour, an interview will be conducted by a member of the admissions team.  Those unable to participate in a campus visit may schedule a virtual admissions interview. 

The campus visit and interview serve as avenues for Shattuck-St Mary to assess whether your child will be a great fit for the community. Admissions officers will be looking at how your child carries themselves, assessing fit and personality. With nearly two decades of industry experience, we know what Shattuck-St. Mary’s is looking for. Our admissions consultants can provide interview preparation, which will cover common interview questions and how to answer them the Shattuck way.   

Testing

Shattuck-St. Mary’s applicants are required to submit standardized test scores. Students applying to the 6th- 9th grade must submit recent state testing scores. SSAT may also be submitted if available. Students applying to the 10th-12th grade are required to submit scores from any of the following tests: SSAT, PSAT, ACT Aspire, SAT, or ACT.

International students interested in applying to Shattuck-St. Mary’s whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL/TOEFL Junior, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.   

Not confident in your child’s ability to ace these tests? Our academic coaches can guide them through a comprehensive test prep program to make sure they’re ready to face even the most challenging math questions out there. 

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Alumni

1. Wendy Shon – a member of the K-pop girl group, Red Velvet.
2. Ben Barr – the head coach for the Maine Black Bears.
3. William Blake Herron – an American screenwriter and actor best known for his contributions to the 2022 film The Bourne Identity.
4. Zach Parise – an American professional hockey player currently serving as the left winger for the Colorado Avalanche. 
5. Fred Upton – an American politician who represented Michigan’s 6th congressional district. 
6. Amanda Kessel – an American professional hockey player and 2018 Olympic gold medalist. 
7. Alfonso Pichardo – a Mexican singer who cofounded the Mexican electronic group Mœnia.
8. Esther Agbaje – a Nigerian-American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives. 
9. Sidney Crosby – a Canadian professional hockey player who ranks fourth in the list of 100 Greatest NHL Players of All Time.  
10. Sarah Murray – a Canadian-American professional hockey player who served as the head coach for the Korean unified team in the 2018 Winter Olympics. 

Student Life at Shattuck-St. Mary’s

With a dynamic mix of extracurricular activities, community service, and academics, student life at Shattuck-St. Mary’s is lively and diverse. Students from more than 40 countries connect and learn from one another in the school’s close-knit community. By encouraging inclusivity and respect for one another, this international setting enhances school culture.

Residential life includes structured routines and opportunities for socialization through movie screenings, game nights, and other cultural activities that encourage independence and camaraderie among students. By taking on the role of dorm parents, faculty members foster a kind and encouraging environment.

Students can develop their talents through a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to a wide range of interests, such as robotics, drama, music, and student government. Athletic programs, particularly hockey, soccer, and figure skating, are central to student life, offering competitive and recreational options.

Students also engage in service-learning projects and leadership programs, contributing to personal growth and community impact. This holistic approach to education ensures that students leave Shattuck-St. Mary’s prepared for the challenges of college and life beyond high school. 

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Academics

Shattuck-St. Mary’s is distinguished for its rigorous college-preparatory academics that prepare students for success in higher education and beyond. The curriculum is designed to help students develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It integrates personalized learning experiences with project-based coursework, allowing students to explore their passions in unique and meaningful ways. 

SSM offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and specialized programs, including Centers of Excellence in BioScience, Engineering, and Pre-Conservatory for the Arts. These programs allow students to explore their interests in science, research, technology, and performing arts, among others, while receiving expert mentorship and accessing modern cutting-edge resources. Additionally, the weCreate Center encourages innovation through hands-on projects in digital media, design, and entrepreneurship.

SSM emphasizes a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with leadership development and community engagement. Small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty ensure that students receive a tailored educational experience. This robust academic foundation equips graduates with the skills and confidence to thrive in top colleges and have greater chances for success in the career paths they choose. 

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Athletics

Shattuck-St. Mary’s is recognized as a leader in sports education and is renowned for its exceptional athletics program. The school offers world-class training through its Centers of Excellence in hockey, soccer, figure skating, and golf. Students are given opportunities to pursue their passions while doing well in their studies because SSM ensures a balance between rigorous athletic training and academics.

The hockey program, often referred to as the backbone of SSM athletics, has produced numerous NHL stars, including Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews. The varsity teams have earned accolades for their skill and dedication in various state and national tournaments. Likewise, the school’s soccer, figure skating, and golf programs also boast impressive achievements, attracting top talent from around the world. 

The athletic facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring dedicated training spaces and expert coaches who focus on both physical and mental development. 

SSM is committed to balancing athletic excellence with academic rigor to ensure students are prepared for collegiate sports, whether they are aspiring to pursue professional careers or seeking personal growth. Student-athletes at Shattuck-St. Mary’s thrive in an environment of discipline, support, and success. 

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Arts

Shattuck-St. Mary’s offers rich and dynamic arts programs, which allow students to develop their creative talents. Through its Centers of Excellence, SSM offers specialized training in vocal performance, instrumental music, visual arts, theater, and dance. These programs combine professional instruction with hands-on experiences, allowing students to refine their skills while expressing their individuality. 

The Pre-Conservatory Music Program provides talented young musicians with the resources and training needed to prepare for careers in the performing arts. Students are mentored by master teachers and perform in recitals, competitions, and community events, building confidence and expertise. Similarly, the Visual Arts program encourages innovation through diverse mediums, from painting and sculpture to digital design. 

The school is committed to further fostering creativity through its weCreate Center, where students explore film production, graphic design, and other cutting-edge disciplines. Theater and dance programs allow students to shine on stage with productions that bring the community together and celebrate artistic expression.

By blending tradition with innovation, Shattuck-St. Mary’s creates a nurturing environment where students not only hone their craft but also develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Activities at Shattuck-St. Mary’s

Shattuck-St. Mary’s offers a variety of activities that students can select from to support their academic and personal development. Such activities help students explore their interests, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships with peers through a variety of activities, including academic clubs, athletics, and the creative arts.

Students can join numerous clubs and organizations, such as robotics, student government, debate, and community service groups. These activities emphasize leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in the real world, helping students build confidence and make a positive impact on the campus and beyond. The weCreate Center enhances this experience by providing resources for students to delve into passions like filmmaking, design, and innovation.

Athletics also play a central role in extracurricular life at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, with opportunities for recreational and competitive sports in addition to is elite training programs spearheaded by professional coaches. Students who enjoy the arts, on the other hand, participate in theater productions, musical ensembles, and visual arts exhibitions, showcasing their talents and creativity,

SSM values community engagement and offers students opportunities to engage in service projects and cultural events. These activities not only enhance personal development but also create a strong sense of belonging within the school. With such a wide range of offerings, students at Shattuck-St. Mary’s can pursue their passions and broaden their horizons.