Saint Frances Academy has the distinction of being the oldest continually operating African American Catholic educational facility in the United States.
It was established with the mission to teach "children of color to read the Bible" an illegal act during the era of American slavery.
192 years later, Saint Frances Academy offers a traditional, co-educational, college-preparatory curriculum for students in grades nine through twelve.
An honors program is available to select students and all students complete a community service component.
Independently owned and operated by the Oblate Sisters of Providence, Saint Frances Academy is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education and is accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 208 students
- Yearly Tuition: $11,300
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 17 / Feb. 24 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Frances Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1828
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
208 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
99%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Blazer, Khaki pants, black/brown shoes
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 17 / Feb. 24 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$11,300
Tuition Notes
* There are no additional student or technology fees.
Summer Program Cost
$300
Summer Program Cost Notes
Cost Per Class
% on Financial Aid
95%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,200
Acceptance Rate
61%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
R. A. Mills
Admissions Associate
LeLoni Cheeks
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Key Club, National Honor Society Chapter, Peer Ministry, Prom Committee, Student Government, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Gospel Choir, Liturgical Dance, Poetry
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cheerleading
Key Club, National Honor Society Chapter, Peer Ministry, Prom Committee, Student Government, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Gospel Choir, Liturgical Dance, Poetry
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cheerleading
School Notes
- Through its dignity and uniqueness, St. Frances Academy continues the legacy of Mother Mary Lange, its foundress. St. Frances Academy, with faith in God's Providence, provides the immediate neighborhood and the Baltimore area relevant educational programs which gives all members a sense of their cultural heritage and giftedness by helping students and members of the community, particularly the poor and the neglected, to recognize, develop and live as respectful, responsible, and just members of God's human family.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Frances Academy cost?
St. Frances Academy's tuition is approximately $11,300 for private students and $300 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Frances Academy?
The acceptance rate of St. Frances Academy is 61%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. St. Frances Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
What sports does St. Frances Academy offer?
St. Frances Academy offers 7 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Frances Academy's ranking?
St. Frances Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Frances Academy?
The application deadline for St. Frances Academy is Dec. 17 / Feb. 24 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 17 / Feb. 24 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is St. Frances Academy located?
St. Frances Academy is located in the Johnston Square neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. There are 2 other private schools located in Johnston Square.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed St. Frances Academy also viewed these schools: Mount Saint Joseph High School, Friends School Of Baltimore, Archbishop Curley High School, Loyola Blakefield and Calvert Hall College High School.
The nearest high school to St. Frances Academy is The Bryn Mawr School (0.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. James & John School (0.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is The Loyola School (0.3 miles away)
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