Typically, we accept approximately 30 freshmen.

2. If there is no space available for my child in the Benilde Program, can he or she still be admitted to St. John’s?

The answer is, possibly. If there is no space for a student in the Benilde Program, the student’s records will be reviewed. If the student meets all the criteria for our regular program, including grades, standardized test scores and teacher recommendations, then that student will be considered for the regular program. However many Benilde applicants have at least one low grade or standardized test score which will prevent us from offering acceptance to the regular program. Applicants to the regular program must meet the same admissions criteria as all SJC applicants.

3. Do students stay in the Benilde Program all four years?

The Benilde Program is offered for all four years. However, it is a parental decision whether a student remains in the program or not. It is typical for students to remain in the Benilde Program through their sophomore or junior year, and then not participate. This is an individual decision based on a student's learning needs.

4. Will my child be given an interview as part of the application process?

Not every student who applies will be invited in for an interview. In some cases, it is clear that the student will be admitted (a sibling, for example) and the parents may be well aware of our program, so an interview may not be necessary. In other cases, it may be clear from the psycho-educational evaluation that the student is not appropriate for our school, and therefore will not be admitted.

The director does invite some students and their parents in for interviews, on an as needed basis.

5. How many Benilde students fail out of St. John’s?

It is unusual for a Benilde student to have such low grades as to be asked to leave St. John’s. Out of the more than 100 students at any one time who are currently in the Benilde Program, or were in the Benilde Program during their freshmen, sophomore or junior years, we usually have only one or two students at risk for failing out.