High school entrance tests in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, the archdiocese requires 8th graders applying to Catholic high schools to take an entrance exam, and each school runs its own. Bishop Amat and Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks both use the HSPT and test in January. LAUSD magnet programs have no entrance test and select by priority points.
For students entering 9th grade in fall 2027. Facts checked October 11, 2026 on the official pages listed at the bottom. We read a sample of schools, not every one, and dates change every year. Confirm with each school.
Catholic high schools
| Who sets the test | Each school. The archdiocese says an entrance exam is required and sends families to each school's site |
|---|---|
| Bishop Amat | HSPT, required of all 8th grade applicants. Saturday, Jan 16, 2027 or Saturday, Jan 30, 2027, 8 AM to noon |
| Bishop Amat fee | $75 application fee, rising to $125 on Jan 16, 2027 |
| Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks | HSPT on Jan 23, 2027. Applying and paying the fee registers a student for the test |
| Testing at another school | Both schools take an HSPT sat elsewhere. Bishop Amat accepts scores from other Catholic high schools |
We read two schools. Other Los Angeles Catholic high schools may use a different test or date, so check each one.
LAUSD magnet schools
| Entrance test | None. Students are accepted at random, weighted by the priority points they hold |
|---|---|
| Gifted magnets | Students must first meet eligibility criteria. Highly Gifted magnets need a qualifying result on an LAUSD Intellectual Ability assessment |
| Application window | Oct 1 to Nov 6, 2026 for on-time applications. Families accept a seat by March 5, 2027 |
About this test
Questions parents in Los Angeles ask
What entrance test do Catholic high schools in Los Angeles use?
Each school chooses. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles requires an entrance exam and leaves the testing process to each school. Bishop Amat and Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks both use the HSPT.
When is the HSPT in Los Angeles?
In January at the schools we read. For fall 2027 entry, Bishop Amat tests on Jan 16 and Jan 30, 2027, and Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks tests on Jan 23, 2027.
Is there an entrance test for LAUSD magnet high schools?
No. LAUSD magnets select at random based on priority points. Gifted magnets add eligibility rules, and Highly Gifted magnets require a qualifying LAUSD Intellectual Ability assessment.
Sources
Other cities
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