Frequently Asked Questions
Curriculum
Will Cardinal Newman Academy offer A.P./advanced classes?
Cardinal Newman Academy will offer a rigorous standard curriculum for all students. Those who are interested in doing so will receive guidance and support in order to take Advanced Placement exams.
Will students take part in standardized testing?
Yes. Students will receive instruction and guidance in preparing for standardized tests necessary for college admittance.
All students will take the CLT10 (link to cltexam.com) in 9th and 10th grades.
Spiritual Life
Will the Sacraments be available to students?
As the Catholic Church calls the Mass “the source and summit of our Christian lives” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324), students, faculty and staff will attend weekly Mass together at a nearby parish. The sacrament of Reconciliation will be coordinated based on location. As the school grows, we will explore with the Diocese of Richmond increased opportunities to offer the sacraments to our students.
What will be taught in religion class?
Cardinal Newman Academy’s religion curriculum is informed by the teachings of the Catholic Church and will follow the guidelines established by the Diocese of Richmond and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. To learn more about our religion curriculum, please visit our Curriculum page.
Must you be Catholic to attend Cardinal Newman Academy?
While Cardinal Newman Academy is Catholic in mission and founded to serve Richmond’s Catholic community, students of all faiths are welcomed.
To learn more, please visit our Spiritual Life page.
Tuition
What is tuition?
For the 2020-2021 school year, tuition will be $9,250.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes. The Board of Directors is committed to building a school culture that reflects the importance of the family. The specifics of the sibling discount will be decided when circumstances require it.
Is financial aid or scholarship money available?
Financial aid determinations are made on an individual basis in consultation with those families and a third-party financial aid service provider.
Are families required to fundraise?
While there will be no formal fundraising requirement, parents are expected to contribute to the school in various ways to ensure affordability. This will be accomplished through the Parents’ Guild in partnership with the Director and Board of Directors.
Cardinal Newman Academy Faculty and Parents
What is the Parents Guild?
Cardinal Newman Academy’s Parents Guild is an organization dedicated to assisting the Head of School in the promotion of the school’s mission and culture. This includes coordinating the involvement of parents in the life of the school and in keeping tuition affordable. All parents of CNA students are members of the Parents Guild.
What role will parents play in the education of their children at Cardinal Newman Academy?
With the Church, Cardinal Newman Academy believes parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. Effective communication between the school’s administration and parents will allow parents to fulfill this responsibility. To build school culture and community, parents and families of students are vital. Attendance and participation at spiritual, academic, athletic, and volunteer events will create a thriving school community and ensure excellence and affordability.
School Structure
What does it mean to be independent?
The administrative and financial governance of Cardinal Newman Academy are through its Board of Directors. There are no formal administrative or financial ties to any other entity, including the Diocese of Richmond.
Why co-ed?
The Richmond metro-area currently offers an all-girls and an all-boys Catholic high school option. As shown in the Feasibility Report published by the Board in 2015, parents expressed the need for an additional co-ed option.
Is the school accredited?
Cardinal Newman Academy has begun the process of receiving accreditation through AdvancED. We anticipate completing the process in 2020.