Admissions Process

STEP 1:

SUBMIT THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Submit your son's application with the non-refundable application fee.

STEP 2:

SUBMIT TWO SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS

As part of the admissions process, we value hearing directly from your son’s current school whenever possible. Recommendation requests can be submitted directly through the online admissions portal.

Teacher Recommendation
The teacher recommendation should come from a teacher who currently teaches your son in one of the following academic subjects: English, Social Studies/History, Mathematics, Science, Language Other Than English

Administrator Recommendation
The administrator recommendation should come from someone with access to your son’s school records, including discipline information. This will typically be the Principal, Vice Principal, Assistant Principal, or Guidance Counselor.

We are seeking an academic evaluation of your son’s performance in the classroom, along with general administrative information from someone who knows your son and his school record well. Because these recommendations can provide valuable context as we consider your son’s application, we encourage you to select individuals who can best speak to these areas.

Recommendations from a sports coach, friend, or community member should not be submitted in place of recommendations from appropriate academic or administrative school personnel.

STEP 3:

UPLOAD TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts are required. Report cards and progress reports are not accepted in place of transcripts.

Transcripts are especially important for transfer students because they allow us to verify the courses your son has completed and the units he has earned.

Unofficial transcripts are perfectly acceptable. You do not need to request an official transcript from your son’s current school. In most cases, an unofficial transcript can be downloaded directly from the school’s student information system and uploaded through the online admissions portal.

For Incoming Freshmen: The transcript should include:

• All academic work completed during 7th grade
• All academic work completed during the first semester/trimester of 8th grade

For Transfer Students: The transcript should include:

• All academic work completed in high school

The admissions portal allows you to upload multiple pages. You may upload the pages individually or combine them into a single document before uploading.

STEP 4:

TAKE THE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST (HSPT)

This step is for Incoming Freshmen applicants, only

Transfer Students, skip to Step 5

Incoming Freshmen applicants must take the HSPT as part of the application process. There will be two testing dates in Janaury 2027 and registration is available through your SchoolAdmin portal. Applicants need to only attend one testing day. Taking the HSPT is included with your application.

STEP 5:

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID, IF NEEDED

1. Damien's Financial Aid (Spartan Grant)

Damien’s financial aid program is based on demonstrated financial need and considers each family’s financial circumstances. Click here to learn more about Damien's Financial Aid.

2. Catholic Education Foundation (CEF)

CEF provides financial assistance to eligible students attending Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. CEF has strict income eligibility guidelines and limited funding. Before applying, review the current income guidelines to determine whether your family may qualify. Click here to learn more about CEF's Financial Aid.

Damien's financial aid and CEF assistance are separate programs with separate applications. Families who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for both.

STEP 6:

ADMISSION

For Incoming Freshmen: Letters of acceptance will be mailed via U.S. Postal Services on "Acceptance Day", which is Friday, March 5, 2027. Incoming Freshmen who apply after February 5, 2027 will be able to receive a decision on our initial Friday, March 5, 2027 date but they will receive a decision on a later date.

For High School Transfers: Admission at the time of transfer will be based upon an interview with school administrators after all applicants materials have been submitted. The Damien Admissions Team will reach out to schedule an interview with the transfer applicant and their parents.

No qualified student is ever denied acceptance to Damien based upon household income. However, families are highly encourage to complete the Financial Aid process.