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Take the first step to becoming a McNicholas Rocket!
The admission application for the 2025-2026 year is open.
Application Deadline for Freshmen: November 15, 2024.
McNicholas High School admits qualified young men and women of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin. The Enrollment Committee looks for students who are committed to spiritual growth, service to others, and academic achievement. Students must demonstrate the ability to be successful within the McNicholas High School curriculum and possess a satisfactory disciplinary record.
Application Process
Incoming Freshmen
- STEP 1: Learn more about McNicholas
- STEP 2: Submit an Application
- STEP 3: Submit a Records Release Form
- STEP 4: Take the HSPT
- STEP 5: Learn about Scholarships & Financial Aid
- STEP 6: Become a Rocket!
STEP 1: Learn more about McNicholas
STEP 2: Submit an Application
To access the admission application, please click on “Apply Now” below to create a parent portal account. After creating an account and applying, you will be able to view your student's admission checklist and all requirements to complete the application.
Admission applications for students applying for 9th grade for the 2025-2026 school year are open September 1 through November 15, 2024.
If you are applying to the SAIL Program, you must also submit a separate SAIL Application, which will populate on your parent portal admission checklist after applying to McNicholas.
For questions about the application, please contact
STEP 3: Submit a Records Release Form
McNicholas requires academic records from the current or prior school of all applicants. 8th graders applying to McNicholas from an Archdiocese of Cincinnati grade school will be provided a Records Release Form in the fall from their current school and records will be sent directly to McNicholas.
Applicants attending a non-Archdiocesan school will need to complete a Records Release Form to provide to their school. Please download the form below and submit it to your student’s current school. Your school will send the records directly to McNicholas High School.
Release of RecordS FOR 8TH GRADE STUDEnTs
Release of RecordS FOR TRANSFER STUDEnTs
STEP 4: Take the HSPT
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati requires all 8th grade applicants to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). The HSPT was administered on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Please contact the admissions office for HSPT testing options after November 23, 2024.
Scholastic Testing Services (STS) will email HSPT scores to parents on January 17, 2025.
STEP 5: Learn about Scholarships & Financial Aid
McNicholas Scholarships for class of 2029
McNicholas believes in providing opportunities for students with a wide range of passions and talents and offers four types of scholarships/awards to incoming freshman candidates.
The deadline to apply for McNicholas scholarships available to incoming freshmen was November 15, 2024. Applications are now closed.
State of Ohio Scholarships
McNicholas High School accepts both EdChoice and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarships funded by the state of Ohio. These are separate scholarship programs and students are eligible to apply for one or the other. Students must reside in the state of Ohio to qualify.
All students enrolled at McNicholas are expected to apply for a state scholarship.
Please read below to learn more about your eligibility:
EdChoice
There are two types of EdChoice Scholarships: Traditional and Expansion.
EdChoice Traditional Scholarships are awarded to students whose residential school district is on the State of Ohio’s designated list of schools in academic distress. The full Traditional Scholarship amount for the 2024-25 school year is $8,408. A family’s adjusted gross income is not a factor in receiving a Traditional Scholarship; it is based solely on residential school district.
EdChoice Expansion Scholarships are based on a family’s adjusted gross income and are awarded to families who reside in any Ohio school district. There are two types of EdChoice Expansion scholarships:
- For families with an adjusted gross income above 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, the scholarship amounts for high school students for the 2024-25 school year range from a minimum of $840 to the full award amount of $8,408.
- For families with an adjusted gross income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, the scholarship will cover full tuition at McNicholas.
You can use this CALCULATOR to estimate your EdChoice Expansion award amount for the 2024-25 school year.
More information on how to apply will be provided after enrollment at McNicholas.
Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship OR Jon Peterson Special Needs Autism Scholarship
The Jon Peterson Special Needs (JPSN) Scholarship program through the Ohio Department of Education provides scholarships to students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their district. To qualify, a student must have a current IEP from his or her district of residence and all parties, including the parent, must be in agreement with the IEP.
The scholarship typically covers the price of the SAIL Program.
For more information on the scholarship and award qualifications and amounts, please visit the Ohio Department Education’s website.
Financial Aid
Thanks to the generosity of the McNicholas community, we are able to offer financial assistance to families.
Need based financial aid is based on the recommendations of our financial aid service company, FACTS. Factors that are taken into consideration are income, number of people in your household, amount of debt, medical expenses, and other financial situations.
McNicholas expects state scholarship funds (EdChoice or Jon Peterson) to be the first dollars applied towards a family’s need for tuition assistance as demonstrated through FACTS. McNicholas financial aid funds will be applied toward helping with demonstrated need that remains after the state of Ohio scholarship has been applied. Learn more about EdChoice and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarships in the tab below.
Families in need of financial aid must apply every year; the aid amount may change from year-to-year based on the number of requests we receive and your current financial situation. Incoming families must have an application on file with the admissions office prior to applying for aid.
To apply for financial assistance, please fill out an application via FACTS.
Financial Aid applications for the 2025-2026 school year for incoming freshmen were due November 15, 2024.
For questions about financial aid, please contact
STEP 6: Become a Rocket!
International Students
Welcome to the McNicholas International Cultural Program, where global connections meet transformative learning experiences.
The McNicholas International Cultural Exchange Program cultivates a dynamic environment where students from around the world converge to engage in a rich cultural exchange and academic exploration. Through our comprehensive curriculum and supportive community, students embark on a journey of global understanding, personal growth, and academic excellence.
At this time, McNicholas High School is only accepting students working in cooperation with an agency.
Application and Acceptance Process
Complete the Application
Submit Documents and Application Fee
Submit the following and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
- TOEFL or IELTS Exam 9-12 Results. The McNick TOEFL code is D888.
- English translated transcripts and recorded grades for 3 years
- Letter or recommendation (addressing English proficiency)
- Personal statement/Student Profile
- Agency support materials
- Birth Certificate
- Copy of Visa
- Submission of I-20 and pay SEVIS fee
Online Interview
Once all application materials have been reviewed, a friendly and professional online interview will be scheduled via Teams or Zoom. During this interview, we will assess your character strengths, academic abilities, and English proficiency, including advanced skills in writing, listening, and speaking. This interview is an important step in ensuring you are well-prepared for the exciting journey of studying abroad.
Tuition Information
Included
- Tuition Fees, Textbook Rental Fees, Facility Fees, Tablet/Computer, and Retreat Fees
Not Included
- McNicholas is not a boarding school and does not provide housing.
- Miscellaneous School Fees (sports, field trips, clubs, or printing and technology or additional school material)
- Any Extracurricular Activities
- Additional Extra Fees (lost or damaged textbooks, tablets/computer, AP Exam Fees, online classes, or any private tutoring)
- McNicholas does not provide assistance or merit scholarships for international students.
- McNicholas does not have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
Support for International Student
Orientation Program | Check-In’s
Our dynamic orientation program is crafted to ensure exchange students integrate smoothly into our school community. From day one, students will get acquainted with crucial resources, including counseling services, campus facilities, school policies, uniforms, academic standards, and the student handbook.
We conduct regular check-ins to monitor students' well-being and address any concerns they may have. To offer optimal support, we create personalized plans that cater to each student's unique needs and challenges, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported throughout their journey with us.
Language Mentors
McNicholas Culture Club
Welcome to the McNick Culture Club! We’re passionate about celebrating diversity, fostering cultural exchange, and expanding our horizons. Our vibrant lineup of activities includes delicious cultural potlucks, engaging language exchanges, and eye-opening world cinema nights. Get creative in our dynamic workshops, explore global heritage on museum trips, and immerse yourself in a journey of discovery and appreciation. Join us and uncover the rich tapestry of cultures—there’s always something exciting and enlightening waiting for you!
For information on our admission process for International Students, please contact our International Exchange Coordinator, Mel Gaskins
SAIL Students
The SAIL Program addresses the needs of identified students of all academic levels whose learning styles require tutorial assistance to learn the material presented in a mainstream classroom. Full-time SAIL intervention specialists work 1:1 with students to achieve the best from their learning styles and improve their strengths.
If you are interested in applying for our SAIL Program, we ask that you first apply to McNicholas and indicate you are interested in the program on your application. The SAIL application and accompanying requirements will then appear in your Parent Portal checklist for completion. There is a $50 fee to apply to the SAIL Program.
SAIL applications for incoming freshmen for 2025-2026 are due November 15, 2024.
Please contact the Admissions Department for more information about applying to SAIL and program availability.
*There is an additional fee for this program. Visit Tuition & Financial Aid to learn more.
For questions about the SAIL program, please contact
Transfer Students
If you are entering 10th grade or above, please contact our Admissions Team to discuss your interest in transferring to McNicholas High School.
Please note that McNicholas does not admit transfer students entering their senior year from the Greater Cincinnati area unless the student has moved or there are extenuating circumstances necessitating a transfer.
Transfer Student Admission and Enrollment Process
- Submit an Application for Admission. You will first set up an account on our Parent Portal to access the application.
- If you are interested in our SAIL program, submit an additional SAIL Application which will be reviewed by the SAIL Director and faculty. Students must first apply to McNicholas before submitting a SAIL application. After applying, the SAIL Application and other requirements will appear on your Parent Portal checklist to complete. Visit our SAIL page to learn more about this program.
- Provide copies of current academic records and standardized test scores by submitting a Release of Records Form to your current high school. Your school will send the records directly to McNicholas.
- Participate in an admissions interview with the Enrollment Team.
- Receive an acceptance decision.
- Upon acceptance to McNicholas, sign our Enrollment and Tablet PC Contract, create a FACTS account, and set up a meeting to schedule your courses.
We love McNick! The sense of community, faith based education, collective leadership of the school, longevity of key teachers, and focus on communication in classes were the top reasons we chose to send our sons here.Susan, McNicholas parent
