St. Bernard Preparatory School

1600 St. Bernard Drive, S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055
Tel: (256) 255-5890
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St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #1 - Academic achievement is high on the list of St. Bernard Prep priorities, with students consistently ranking above national and state averages in ACT and National Merit Exams.
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #2 - The Abbey church is located at the center of campus. The location of the church is no accident, as the rich Benedictine tradition, which spans 1500 years, is central to all facets of the St. Bernard experience.
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #3
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #4 - St. Bernard encourages participation in a variety of extracurricular programs including sports. St. Bernard currently offers 11 varsity sports.
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #5 - Over the last 5 years the the graduating classes from St. Bernard have averaged $5.3 million in scholarship offers per 30 students. St. Bernard graduates go on to a wide array of colleges and universities across the country
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #6 - High school students are allowed to enjoy lunch outside, weather permitting, and have a large central quad available for visiting with friends
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #7
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #8 - The majority of students choose to participate in the fine arts offerings at St. Bernard.St Bernard has 3 different bands, 3 choirs, a spring musical and more. Each year the choir preforms a Christmas concert in the Abbey Church.
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #9 - Roughly 35% of the student body take advantage of the boarding program available at St. Bernard. A strong residential life team helps guide and support each boarding student as they grow in confidence and learn independence.
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #10 - St. Bernard is located in Cullman Alabama on a beautiful campus consisting of over 800 acres. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1891
  • 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.

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St. Bernard Preparatory School is listed among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 310 schools) for:

Definition of Terms
 | 2020 School Data
St. BernardBoarding School Avg.
School FocusCollege PrepCollege Preparatory
Grades Offered7-129-12
School TypeCo-edCo-ed
Religious AffiliationCatholicNon-denominational
Year Founded18911907
Campus Size900 acres120 acres

Student Body

Enrollment215 students310 students
% Students of Color
20%
25%
% International Students
12%
20%
% Students Boarding
35%
70%
Average SAT Score1290* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score27*National Avg. » View
Offers Post-Grad YearNoNo

Academics and Faculty

Saturday ClassesNoNo
Classroom Dress CodeFormal
(Blazer)		Casual
Average Class Size15 students12
*National School Avg. » 20
Teacher : Student Ratio1:81:7
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered1018
ESL Courses OfferedYesYes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
85%
70%
Summer Program OfferedNoYes

Finances

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)		$29,530
(* Includes all fees, uniforms excepted.)		$58,260
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)		n/a$30,000
Tuition international students$42,175$52,900
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)		$25,670$43,260
% Students on Financial Aid
70%
38%
Merit Scholarships OfferedYesNo

Admission

Application DeadlineNone / RollingJan. 15
Accepts Standardized ApplicationYesNo
SSAT RequiredNoYes
Acceptance Rate
80%
57%
Director of AdmissionsFr. Linus Klucsarits

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.
  • Over the past 5 years St. Bernard graduating clases have Averaged $5.3 million in scholarship offers per 30 students.
  • 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, The Association of Boarding Schools, Secondary Schools Admissions Test Board
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Quick Stats (2020-21)
  • Grades: (Boarding) 7-12
  • Students: 215 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $29,530
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
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