From the Director of Admissions

Personal Guidance Through Your Admissions Journey

Mrs. Erica Rossio

Director of Admissions

(760) 305-8505

admissions@sjaclassical.org

Welcome to Saint Joseph Academy!  Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions your family will make, and I'm honored to walk with you through that process. At SJA, students are prepared for life and formed for heaven through academic excellence rooted in Catholic faith and the classical tradition.


I warmly invite you to begin the admissions process by applying online, scheduling a campus tour, or arranging a "Crusader for a Day" visit. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly with any questions. I'm here to guide you every step of the way.


I look forward to welcoming your family to the SJA community!

The Roadmap To Admission

Select a step in the process to learn more!

Step 1:

Inquiry

Step 2:

School Tour

Step 3:

Application

Step 4:

Crusader For A Day

Step 5:

Entrance Exam

Step 6:

Family Interview

Interested in joining the school in the future?

Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

  • When do applications open?

    Applications for the upcoming school year open each December.

  • When can I expect to hear back after submitting an application?

    You can expect to hear from the Admissions Office within two business days of submitting your application.

  • Is there a waitlist? If so, how can my child be added?

    Yes, Saint Joseph Academy maintains a waitlist for select grade levels. Families may request to be added to the waitlist by completing the waitlist form here. Our Admissions Office will contact you as space becomes available.

  • What sports are offered, and for which grade levels?

    Saint Joseph Academy offers a variety of athletic opportunities for students. Sports offerings vary by grade level and season. Please contact the Athletics Department for the most up-to-date list of available sports and grade-level participation.

  • Is financial aid available?

    Yes. After a student has been accepted, families may apply for financial aid. Financial aid awards are based on demonstrated need and availability of funds.

  • Do you offer Extended Care before and after school?

    Yes. Extended Care is available Monday–Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  • Does Saint Joseph Academy offer a hot lunch program?

    Yes. We partner with local restaurants to provide students with hot lunch options throughout the week.

  • What after-school programs are offered?

    Saint Joseph Academy offers a variety of enrichment programs, which may include:

    • Ballet
    • Tap Dance
    • Irish Step Dance
    • Tae Kwon Do
    • Drama
    • Great Outdoors Club
    • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

    Program offerings may vary by semester.

  • Do you accept mid-year transfers?

    Yes. Applications for the current school year are accepted on a rolling basis, and mid-year transfer requests are considered based on space availability.

  • Does a student have to be Catholic to attend?

    No. Mission-aligned students from all backgrounds may attend.  

  • Does Saint Joseph Academy offer special education services?

    Saint Joseph Academy supports a limited number of students with mild/moderate special needs, with each student accepted on a case-by-case basis. To ensure Saint Joseph Academy can appropriately meet your child's needs, please submit an application with all recent psychoeducational evaluations, IEPs, 504s, or relevant medical reports attached. Our team will review the information, and then meet with you to discuss how Saint Joseph Academy might support your child's individual needs. 

News & Noteworthy

Scuffs and Shine: Reflections on the Home Stretch

By Mark Kalpakgian • April 20, 2026
Saint Joseph Academy Families, As we prepare for the Saint Joseph Academy Gala this Saturday, I spent some time this week polishing my dress shoes. Months of daily wear during this busy school year had left them scuffed and dull. After some elbow grease with a tin of polish and a rag, the leather was restored to a deep shine. It reminded me that with two-thirds of the school year behind us, we have all walked a long and sometimes dusty road together. Between the rigor of schoolwork, the pace of spring sports, and the everyday demands of family life, it is natural to feel a bit worn down, perhaps even a bit "scuffed" by the routine of life. In his Easter message , Pope Leo XIV speaks to this very feeling. He acknowledges the inner burdens that weigh us down: our disappointments, our fatigue, and the daily "sufferings and the daily grind of life" that can make us feel trapped in a tunnel. Yet, he offers a beautiful promise of renewal: “In the risen Christ, a new creation is possible every day.” The Pope reminds us that the Resurrection isn't just a past event; it is a "vital power" that allows us to spread our wings and take flight even when we feel tired. As we gather for the Gala, let’s view it as more than just an event on the calendar. Let it be a moment of "polish" for our community, a chance to shake off the dust of the winter months, celebrate our children, and renew our spirits. Just as a bit of care can make old shoes shine like new, may this Easter season allow us to support one another with renewed patience and bring the light of the Resurrection back into our homes and classrooms. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday. May we shine brightly together and finish the school year strong, as families renewed in the risen Christ.

National Success! SJA Academic Decathlon Brings Home the Bronze

April 7, 2026
Following our Gold Team’s trip to the National Academic Junior High Decathlon, we are bursting with pride to share the final results! Our students competed against the top schools in the country and once again proved that Saint Joseph Academy is a center for academic excellence. Highlights from Nationals: National Super Quiz Champions: For the fifth year in a row, SJA took home 1st Place in the Super Quiz! This incredible streak highlights the power of our students’ teamwork and collective knowledge. Overall Performance: Out of the best teams in the nation, SJA earned 3rd Place Overall. This marks our fourth consecutive year on the national podium. Individual Excellence: A special congratulations to Elsie Peschke, who earned 2nd Place in the Nation for her individual performance in Science! We are so proud of every student who participated this year. Their dedication, from zoo field trips to early morning study sessions, has truly paid off. Thank you to the coaches, parents, and teachers for your unwavering support. Congratulations, AcaDeca!

Strengthening Our Future: Welcoming Nick Madden to the Board of Directors

March 19, 2026
We are thrilled to announce that Nick Madden has been appointed as the newest member of the Saint Joseph Academy Board of Directors! This appointment fulfills our ongoing promise to the SJA community to ensure strong parent representation within our leadership. Nick and his wife, Kaci, are active members of our school family along with their daughter Isley who is currently in 1st grade. Nick brings an exceptional background in strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, and faith-based mission work to the Board.  Catholic Mission: He is the CEO of SENT Ventures, a national network based in San Diego that supports Catholic entrepreneurs through mentorship and community. Proven Growth: As the founder and CEO of Red Door Experiences, Nick scaled the business from a single location to 20 units nationwide, leading a team of over 400 employees. Academic & Athletic Excellence: A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Economics, Nick also served as a two-year captain of the Harvard Varsity Volleyball team. Deacon Frank Mercardante, Board President commented: "We are incredibly blessed to have Nick join our leadership team. His proven track record of scaling mission-driven organizations and his experience as a CEO bring a high level of strategic vision to our Board. Beyond his professional accolades, Nick is a devoted father who deeply understands the heart of our school, making him an ideal leader to help us fulfill our promise of growth and excellence for every SJA family." Nick Madden shared: "As an SJA parent, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact this community has on our children, including my daughter Isley. I am honored to step into this role and apply my experience in building and leading organizations to help Saint Joseph Academy thrive. My goal is to ensure that the Academy continues to be a place where faith and excellence meet, providing a strong foundation for the next generation of Catholic leaders."
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