Dear Prospective Families,
Welcome to St. Patrick–St. Vincent Catholic High School—Higher Education with a Higher Purpose, where students are inspired to Think Critically, Live Faithfully, and Lead Boldly. Rooted in Catholic values, our vibrant and diverse community offers a technology-enhanced education that prepares students for success in college and beyond.
We are proud to celebrate the many accomplishments of the Class of 2025 and all of our students during the 2024–2025 school year:
100% of the Class of 2025 matriculated to college, with 81% accepted to four-year universities
5 full-ride scholarships awarded, with students choosing to attend the University of New Mexico, Pacific Union College, Brown University, Tulane University, and UC Riverside
9 AP Scholars, 6 AP Scholars with Honor, and 4 AP Scholars with Distinction
89% AP exam pass rate across 21 Honors and AP courses
Two TCAL championships were earned last year
Vallejo Times-Herald Athletes of the Year nominees: Bo Smith, Christian Trusclair, Aiani Prater, and Cierra Ray — with Cierra Ray winning Female Athlete of the Year and Bo Smith named East Bay Baseball Player of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle
14 athletics programs with 70% student participation
Dozens of student-led clubs, Masses, and retreats
Leadership opportunities through ASB, Link Crew, and Campus Ministry
It is my joy to walk alongside families during the enrollment process and share the many ways SPSV supports students in pursuing the extraordinary.
Thank you for considering St. Patrick–St. Vincent Catholic High School. We look forward to welcoming you and your family into our Bruin community.
Blessings,
Sheila Lynch Williams, SV ’85, AP ’11 & ’14
Director of Enrollment
Visit SPSV: Open House
Higher Education with a Higher Purpose
Join us Sunday, October 19, 2025, 1–3:30 PM to explore SPSV up close! Guided by faculty and student ambassadors, visit academic department tables, speak with teachers, and explore clubs and athletics. Tours are available by appointment, allowing you to select the time that works best for you. Attendees can win a registration fee voucher and qualify for our 3-for-3 promotion.
To pick your appointment time, please get in touch with our Enrollment Team at enrollment@SPSV.org.
Schedule a Personal Tour
Did you miss our Open House? Experience St. Patrick–St. Vincent Catholic High School offers a firsthand look with a personal family tour. Our tours provide an up-close view of our campus, allowing you to ask questions, explore areas of personal interest, and see the school in action with students actively learning and engaging in daily life.
We invite you to discover the vibrant energy, academic rigor, and welcoming community that define SPSV by scheduling a campus tour and meeting our school leadership.
To arrange your tour, please contact our Enrollment Team at enrollment@SPSV.org.
8th-Grade Visits
SPSV welcomes Sacramento Diocese partner schools and select Catholic school students for an 8th-grade field trip. Explore our campus through interactive presentations and activities, and follow up with an individual shadow visit arranged directly with your partner school administrators to experience a typical day in our classrooms.
Shadow Visit: Get a Taste of Bruin Life!
Prospective Students will experience SPSV firsthand during a Bruin Shadow Visit. Attend classes, meet teachers and peers, enjoy a meal, and discover the unique spirit of our students and adult community. Open to Class of 2030 applicants (part of the 3-for-3 promotion) and transfer students.
Entrance Exam & Interview
SPSV now uses Renaissance STAR testing, a shorter, adaptive assessment familiar to many students and less stressful than HSPT. See our FAQ page for more details
Key Dates:
Pre-Test for students unfamiliar with STAR: Dec. 6, 2025
Formal Exam & Interview: Jan. 10, 2026
Many families complete the interview on the same day as testing. Applications automatically schedule your exam and interview via enrollment@SPSV.org.
Note: Late applicants will be scheduled for makeup tests, which may affect the overall timeline of the admissions process.
Entrance Exam FAQ
Transition to Renaissance STAR Assessment
- Why is SPSV moving away from the HSPT?
- We are replacing the HSPT with the Renaissance STAR Assessment to provide a more streamlined and individualized testing experience for incoming students. The HSPT is an extended, standardized test that most 8th-grade students are unfamiliar with. STAR is shorter, online, and many applicants already use it at their current schools. This approach aligns with our traditional Catholic educational mission while better serving students.
- What is the Renaissance STAR Assessment?
- Renaissance STAR is a computer-based test that measures math and reading skills. It is brief, adaptive, and used in many local Catholic schools. It is administered online and adapts to each student's performance in real-time.
- Do all students take the STAR test at SPSV?
- Yes. All applicants—regardless of Renaissance STAR history—will take the STAR test on campus during our Admissions Interview & Testing Event in January.
- What if my child hasn’t taken STAR before?
- We strongly recommend attending our STAR Practice Day on Saturday, December [Insert Date], to establish a baseline and reduce test-day stress.
- Do I need to prepare my child?
- No formal prep is required. Renaissance STAR is low-stakes and designed to be accessible.
- Will you use scores from their current school?
- We may review existing Renaissance STAR scores for added insight, but all students must test at SPSV.
- Will Renaissance STAR scores be the only factor in admissions?
- No. SPSV uses a holistic admissions process that includes academics, recommendations, interviews, and testing.
Have more questions? Email us at Enrollment@SPSV.org.