St. Bernard Preparatory School strives to create an environment that encourages student growth in self-discipline, respect for self and others, and mature social interaction.
The college preparatory curriculum is based on the liberal arts: languages and literature, history, mathematics, science, theology and the arts.
This program emphasizes the ability to think, to read with understanding, to express oneself with precision and grace, and to solve problems creatively.
Courses not only provide the transmission and reception of facts, they encourage the development of mental and physical discipline, of breadth and depth of view, of responsible thought and action, and of critical thinking.
The school motto, Corpus, Mens, Spiritus (Body, Mind, Spirit) indicates the mission of St. Bernard Preparatory: "St. Bernard Preparatory School is committed to fully engaging students in learning for the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
St. Bernard pursues this mission through the search for truth and the striving for goodness in the classroom, through participation in religious, social and athletic events, and by involvement in mentoring and community service activities.
Founded and administered by the Benedictine Monks of St. Bernard Abbey, the school stands on 1,500 years of monastic history and experience of the love for learning.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 131 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $34,000
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $11,800
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Bernard Preparatory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
7-12
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1891
1906
Campus Size
800 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
131 students
315 students
% Students of Color
10%
26%
% International Students
9%
20%
% Students Boarding
29%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
4
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$34,000
(* Includes all fees, uniforms excepted.)
(* Includes all fees, uniforms excepted.)
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$11,800
(* Includes all fees, uniforms excepted.)
(* Includes all fees, uniforms excepted.)
$35,600
Tuition international students
$48,800
$57,650
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$28,900
$49,400
% Students on Financial Aid
70%
40%
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate
80%
60%
Director of Admissions
Meg Glover
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
9
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
10
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Doves of the Altar, Knights of the Alter
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Ensemble, Concert Band, High School Choir, Jazz Band, Middle School Choir, Theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery Club
Chess Club, Doves of the Altar, Knights of the Alter
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Ensemble, Concert Band, High School Choir, Jazz Band, Middle School Choir, Theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery Club
College Matriculation
Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
-
St. Bernard Preparatory School admits students who seek to prepare for college and university studies and who are academically capable of excelling through standard college prep instructional and testing methods. The school endeavors to challenge each student to academic excellence through a rigorous and reasonablecollege preparatory program, including AP courses and dual-enrollment in college courses.
- St. Bernard graduates are accepted to numerous prestigious colleges and universities.
- ACT and SAT scores consistently rank well above the national average.
- Cultural diversity is promoted through our international student population.
- Highly-educated and experienced faculty of Monks and Lay personnel.
- Extensive athletics program as well as a full spectrum of visual and performing arts.
- Safe, secure environment on the picturesque 900 acres of St. Bernard Abbey.
- Located in North Alabama in the quaint community of Cullman (originally founded by German immigrants in 1877),an hour drive north of Birmingham,an hour south of Huntsville, two hours from Nashville, TN,and three hours from Atlanta, GA.
- Residential life that promotes growth, maturity and the self-knowledge that comes through a healthy measure of independence and self-reliance.
- St. Bernard Preparatory School accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), Secondary Schools Admissions Test Board (SSATB)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Bernard Preparatory School cost?
St. Bernard Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $34,000 for boarding students and $11,800 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Bernard Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of St. Bernard Preparatory School is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does St. Bernard Preparatory School offer?
St. Bernard Preparatory School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country Running, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Bernard Preparatory School's ranking?
St. Bernard Preparatory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid.
When is the application deadline for St. Bernard Preparatory School?
The application deadline for St. Bernard Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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