FAQS
Will my child wear a uniform?
Yes, starting in Kindergarten, St. Edmund’s Academy students wear uniforms. Uniforms help set the tone for a serious day of school and are part of a long school tradition. Boys wear pants and shirts in school colors. Girls wear pants, jumpers or kilts in school colors. All students in grades 1 – 8 wear a maroon blazer and tie on Chapel days. Chapel uniforms are required on some field trips. Upper School students wear navy or maroon blazers on non-Chapel days.
How much homework should my child expect?
Homework is intended for reinforcing, reading comprehension, writing papers or studying for tests. But it also instills the importance of responsibility, preparation and setting high standards. Expect about 15 minutes of nightly homework in first grade. That will increase by another 15 minutes or so with each grade level.
Is St. Edmund’s Academy a parochial school?
No. St. Edmund’s Academy, a non-sectarian, independent school, is a private alternative to the public schools in the Pittsburgh area.
What is the Chapel service like?
The weekly, 45-minute service, held in the adjacent Church of the Redeemer, is a cherished school tradition. With song, a talk from the Chaplain, and a celebration of the many ways that the students demonstrate the school’s core values, it’s a warm and meaningful gathering of the school community. Parents and friends of all faiths are welcome. Students needn’t participate in any parts of the service that differ from their own beliefs.
How is lunch handled?
Students eat lunch in the dining room with their teacher. They may pack a lunch or buy from the dining room, where all food is cooked at the school. Parents are billed for lunches monthly.
A St. Edmund’s education ends at eighth grade. Why?
St. Edmund’s Academy focuses on the critical early years of its students. Upper School, fifth through eighth grade, can be particularly challenging. At St. Edmund’s those students assume leadership roles that build character and self-confidence. The school isn’t distracted by the particular demands of high school, such as college choice, social pressures and other important issues. St. Edmund’s Academy provides information and placement services for local high schools.
How can I receive information about schools to consider after St. Edmund’s Academy?
You can click here to submit your request via email or you can call 412-521-1907 ext. 121.
Who can tell me about the Secondary School Admission Test?
You can click here to submit your questions via email or you can call 412-521-1907 ext. 524 to speak with Mr. Jim Sciulli.
Is after-school care available?
Yes. The school’s extended day program runs from 3:30 until 6 p.m. for children in PreK through grade four. Parents may pay a daily rate or a flat rate for the year. Teachers oversee homework, and provide snacks and juice for the students. After homework, students may play outside, work on computers or take part in sports. St. Edmund’s Academy also offers after school enrichment classes.
How can I get a copy of school transcripts?
You can submit your request by calling 412-521-1907 ext. 111. We will send you a request for information/release form to complete and return.
What transportation is provided to and from St. Edmund’s Academy?
Students who live more than 1.5 miles in the city of Pittsburgh from St. Edmund’s will be picked up by bus via the Pittsburgh Public School system. Students who may encounter a dangerous walking route may also be picked up by bus via the Pittsburgh Public School system. Students who live in outlying areas must contact their local school district to determine transportation options.
How long is the school day?
Students are expected to be in the school building by 8:00 a.m., and in their homeroom by 8:05 a.m. Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:20 p.m.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Assistance is awarded on the basis of need as determined by the Student Service for Financial Aid. The Head of the School will address your questions confidentially. Financial need won’t influence whether your child is accepted at St. Edmund’s Academy.
What sports are offered at St. Edmund’s Academy?
Though there is plenty of physical activity, there are no formal, inter-scholastic teams for the Lower School.
For Upper School students, St. Edmund’s Academy offers competitive interscholastic sports for girls and boys in basketball, field hockey, soccer and lacrosse at its field house and school playing fields on Darlington Road and Forbes Avenue. Students may also take part in the Harrier's Running Club cross-country running team, however, this is a club sport and not an official school sport.
How can parents become involved?
Click here for Parent Teacher Association.
Click here for Family Involvement.
How many students are enrolled at St. Edmund’s Academy?
The St. Edmund’s Academy student body enrollment is approximately 270 students, resulting in an average class size of 15 students. Also on average, St. Edmund’s has nearly 20% minority enrollment. The overall student : faculty ratio is 7 : 1.