High school entrance tests in Miami
In the Miami area, the Catholic high schools we read give their entrance exam on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026. Christopher Columbus and Cardinal Gibbons both name it as the HSPT, and applying registers a student for the test. Most Miami-Dade magnet programs have no entrance test and fill seats by lottery.
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
| Christopher Columbus | HSPT on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026. The application is also the exam registration. $150 application fee through Nov 15, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cardinal Gibbons, Fort Lauderdale | HSPT on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026. Applicants are registered for it when they apply |
| St. Brendan | Entrance exam on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026. Register by Nov 20, 2026. The page does not name the test |
| Where to test | Cardinal Gibbons tells applicants to test at their first-choice school to be in the first round of decisions |
We found no current statement from the Archdiocese of Miami on a common test day. The three schools above share the same date.
Miami-Dade magnet programs
| Entrance test | None for most programs. Eligible applicants are chosen by random lottery |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | A minimum 2.0 grade point average in core subjects, or 2.5 for a list of high school programs |
| Deadline | Applications must arrive by Jan 15 |
About this test
Questions parents in Miami ask
When is the HSPT in Miami?
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, at the schools we read. Christopher Columbus and Cardinal Gibbons both give the HSPT that day for students entering in fall 2027.
How do you register for the HSPT at a Miami Catholic high school?
By applying to the school. At Christopher Columbus the application also serves as the exam registration, and Cardinal Gibbons registers applicants automatically.
Do Miami-Dade magnet schools require an entrance exam?
Most do not. Miami-Dade selects eligible applicants by random lottery, with a minimum grade point average.
Sources
- Christopher Columbus High School, Miami, application process
- Cardinal Gibbons High School, Fort Lauderdale, application process
- St. Brendan High School, Miami, application process
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools, magnet application
- Prepwick's own search of published research, October 2026
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools, magnet eligibility guide
Other cities
New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Phoenix