7TH GRADE FAMILIES
Seventh grade is the year to look without deciding. Come see a school day before anyone asks you for an application.
Why start now
High school still feels a year away. That is why this is a good time. You can watch a class change, see how two divisions share one campus, and sit in the chapel, with no deadline attached.
You are not expected to have every question yet. Come see an ordinary school day, meet people and begin learning what feels right for your child.
These dates reflect the current admissions cycle and update with the cycle. Use them as a planning guide for your family.
Here is what matters now
Preparedness matters. Pressure does not.
1
Classrooms, the dining hall, the walk between buildings, while school is in session.
2
Students, teachers, and Marcus or Kelly in Admissions. Ask what you actually want to know.
3
What happens in eighth grade, and when: the HSPT, the application, scholarships, aid.
4
Encourage steady work, good habits and a complete seventh-grade academic year.
Academics now
St. Mary’s looks for students who are ready to participate, grow and take their work seriously. Academic-merit review considers the full seventh-grade record along with first-quarter eighth-grade performance.
That is not a reason to worry. It is a reason to keep doing the ordinary things: homework in on time, help asked for early.
Visit before applying
Attend an admissions event, tour the campus or talk with Admissions. You do not need to be applying to begin.
Admissions event
Tuesday, September 22 · 8:30 – 10:00 AM EDT · Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory
Open audience
A 30-minute presentation with school leadership, then a student-led walking tour while school is in session.
Preview night
Wednesday, September 30 · 6:00 – 7:00 PM EDT · Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory
Open audience
One hour, the whole family: how admission, scholarships and aid work, and the people who would know your child.
Admissions event
Thursday, October 8 · 4:00 – 7:00 PM EDT · Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory
Open audience
Tour academic buildings, meet faculty and students, explore each academic pathway, and experience hands-on learning and faith formation.
One community. Two divisions.
Two divisions, separate classrooms. Shared outside the classroom: the campus, the chapel, the Eaglets, clubs and traditions.
Before eighth grade begins
By the end of seventh grade, your family should know the basic admissions sequence and have a short list of questions for the fall.
October 1, 2026
Application opens
November 1
December 17
January 1
Your first step
Start with a visit. There is time to learn, ask and picture what could come next.
