Frequently Asked Questions
Does my family have to be Catholic for my child to attend St. Michael’s?
No. St. Michael’s is a Roman Catholic school in the Lasallian tradition, but only about 70% of our students identify as Catholic. Students of all faiths are welcome. Our students do attend monthly Mass, and prayer is a regular part of the school day. However, students are required only to respect the Catholic tradition; they are encouraged to explore their personal spirituality and faith during times of prayer.
Many families have gone to St. Michael’s for generations. We are not a legacy family; will this count against us in the admissions process?
St. Michael’s welcomes applications from all families, regardless of the length of their affiliation with our school. It was the goal of the founders to serve all people who seek a St. Mike’s education while providing these students with a community they can depend on for structure, tradition and an excellent education. One-hundred-and-fifty-one years after our founding, we are dedicated to serving the diverse populations of Santa Fe.
St. Michael’s is a private school, so it must be expensive. Are most of the students from wealthy families?
St. Mike’s has the most economically, socially and culturally diverse student body of any private school in Santa Fe. Our students come from every area of the city and their parents work in every possible industry. Tuition at SMHS is approximately one-third of that at comparable Santa Fe private schools, and the Lasallian tradition emphasizes our dedication to providing financial aid to the largest possible number of students in need.
Is it true that you have to play a sport to fit in at SMHS?
While we have a stellar athletic reputation, the St. Michael’s community isn’t defined by sports and no student is required to join a team. All students are encouraged to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity, athletic or non-athletic. School spirit is definitely characteristic of St. Michael’s students; regardless of our personal interests, we are all Horsemen.
Is St. Michael's High School accredited?
Yes. St. Michael's High School is accredited by AdvancED and the State of New Mexico Department of Education.