Welcome to Cardinal Hickey Academy!

Registration for the 2025-2026 school Year Is Open! 

Click Here to Apply

Begin your story with Cardinal Hickey Academy 

Exploring options for your child’s education is an important milestone, often with many options to navigate. At Cardinal Hickey Academy, we are here to walk with you and your family as you write this next chapter.  Our guiding principles of community, faith, and excellence encourage students to grow intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and morally, both in and out of the classroom. Immersive experiences abound, as students grow and learn in a supportive educational environment where they develop a lifelong love of learning and critical thinking skills, preparing them to continue their individual story not only at Cardinal Hickey Academy, but in high school and beyond.

SHADOW DAY

To experience CHA on a first-hand basis, prospective students in grades 2-8 can spend the day visiting academic classes and eating lunch with their peer groups. All students are placed in their current grade.

Students begin at 8:00 in the Office and typically end by 2:30 p.m. Visits are non-evaluative and are an optional piece of the application process. We offer Shadow Days Monday through Thursday throughout the school year.

It is important that we get to know your child and give him or her the opportunity to ask questions regarding our school.

If you are interested in having your child come for a Shadow Day, please contact Mrs. Heller at 410-286-0404 ext 1018.

ASSESSMENT

Once your child has spent the day with us, we may ask for time to assess them in Math, Reading & Writing if they are not coming from another Archdiocesan School.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to speak to someone about the admission process please call the main office at 410-286-0404.

Come Visit Us

We warmly welcome visitors to our campus every day; whether you’re a prospective family, a returning alumnus or alumna, or a parent, you’re welcome at Cardinal Hickey Academy.

Open House

Please join us for our Open House during Catholic Schools Week!

Shadow Day!

Shadow Days are opportunities for prospective students to visit the school for a day and follow the class they will attend, promoting the community with which they will graduate!

Visitor Policy

All visitors must register in the front office. Parents and visitors may not go into the classrooms while school is in session. Everyone must receive permission to enter areas beyond the front lobby. Badges must be worn at all times to identify you and that you have registered in the office.

Contact Us for More Information or to Schedule a Tour

2025-2026 Tuition Information

If you are considering applying to Cardinal Hickey Academy the application for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington's Tuition Assistance Program is now open. If you are in need of financial aid this application must be completed by February 21, 2025. This is not a commitment for enrollment.

Tuition Grants

Most families are recipients of tuition grants.  We are proud to announce that Cardinal Hickey Academy (CHA) offers tuition grants available in several ways:

• Multi-Sibling Grants are given to families with more than one student enrolled at CHA.

• Active Catholic Parishioner Grant is given to those families that are actively participating in their Catholic parish.

Tuition Assistance

• The Archdiocesan of Washington Tuition Assistance program and the Regional Parish Tuition Assistance is available for families who have a demonstrated need. Families are encouraged to seek financial assistance through these programs.

• The State of Maryland BOOST Program is available for families entering Catholic Education with financial needs. 

• Scholarship Funds are available to the students who meet the specific criteria for these scholarships.

As there is not a set amount routinely available in these programs, please feel free to inquire about your options. Remember to click on the ‘Apply for Financial Aid’ tab when applying online through TADS.

Cardinal Hickey Academy and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington strive to ensure parents are able to give their children the gift and enduring benefits of Catholic education such as:

• Academic Success – 99% of Catholic School graduates are accepted to colleges and universities

• Religious Formation -students who attend Catholic school are more likely to retain their faith in adulthood

• Community and Service– The CHA Family is a cohesive group that works together, striving for the educational and moral development of our children and to serve our parish and neighboring communities

Registration for new families or those relocating into the area is accepted throughout the school year.

Thank you for reviewing our program options. We are confident that as you compare our offerings you will see the value of placing your child in an environment designed and tailored to his / her needs, providing opportunities for development and academic preparation. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us  (410-286-0404) at any time.

Tuition Assistance Checklist

• Most recent tax return; if current year tax returns are not filed, send the prior year with all the supporting documentation

• Copies of all w-2 Wage and Tax Statement Forms, all 1099 Interest/Dividends, Pensions/ Annuities, and or Miscellaneous Income Forms associated with the return

• Documentation of total amounts received for all NON-taxable Income (welfare, food stamps, Social Security, Housing assistance, unemployment, Workers’ Compensation, etc.)

• The value and amount still owed on your home

• The value and amount still owed on any investments, including real estate

Tuition Forms

Tuition Rates 2025-2026

Regional Tuition Assistance Application

Family Referral Form

Applying to Cardinal Hickey Academy

Still have questions? Click here to inquire about our school.

Ready To Apply?

We Accept Applications Through FACTS – Please Follow The FACTS Link Below To Our Online Application.

Please have your current immunization record, a copy of baptismal certificate (Catholics only), an original birth certificate (presented for verification only), and proof of custody (where applicable).

Acceptance

• Cardinal Hickey Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or ethnicity.

• Notification will be made shortly after acceptance via e-mail.

• Non-Catholic students whose parents accept the philosophy of CHA are welcome to apply and will be accepted on a space available basis.

• New Student Orientation is scheduled in August before the start of the school year.

Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten

•  To enter Montessori Preschool, a child must be three years old by September 1st and potty trained.

• To enter Kindergarten, a child must be five years old by September 1st.

Grades 1st – 8th

•  An applicant to grade one or above must provide a copy of his/her most recent report card and a copy of the results of their most recent standardized tests scores.

•  Assessment in reading, math, and writing will be given to all new students in grade one and above.

•  The Academy will exercise discretion in accepting students entering Grade 6 and above to assure that the Academy will effectively meet their needs.

•  The recommendation of the child’s pastor and principal of his or her current school will be part of the process.

Pre-K Catholic Montessori Ages 3 and 4

Students experience the Catholic faith on a daily basis and participate in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a unique religious formation program based upon Maria Montessori’s spiritual teachings and the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church using Sacred Scripture and Liturgy .

The ultimate goal of a Montessori school is to foster a child’s natural inclination to learn. Montessori teachers “guide” rather than “instruct” by linking a child’s interests, needs, and developmental level. At Cardinal Hickey Academy, we will offer children opportunities to develop their potential as they step out into the world as engaged, competent, responsible, and respectful citizens with an understanding and appreciation that learning is for life. Foreign language is also introduced in the Montessori setting.

Characteristics of Montessori Education

Each child is valued as a unique individual.

•  Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles.

Beginning at an early age, Montessori students develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence.

•  Classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the individual’s emerging “self-regulation” (ability to educate one’s self, and to think about what one is learning), Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and a belief in peaceful conflict resolution. Students show grace and courtesy, and an interest in the welfare of others. “Let me help!” is a common classroom refrain.

Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits.

•  Working within parameters set by their teachers, students are active participants in deciding what their focus of learning will be. Montessorians understand that internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime.

Educare ~ After School Care

2024-2025 After Care Program

Afternoon Rates (3:00pm – 6:00pm)

Weekly Rate Per Child

5 days / week $105

4 days / week $96

3 days / week $81

2 days / week $60

1 days / week $33

Afternoon Drop-in Fee $36

There is a one-time $35 Registration Fee that must be paid by check.

Educare Philosophy

As an extension of Cardinal Hickey Academy, the Educare Program maintains the same high standards for our children. It is our intention to reinforce the values and priorities taught in the school and by Catholic Church traditions while building self-esteem and increasing students' awareness of the dignity inherent to us all. Structured and safely supervised, we provide daily: food, activities, play and homework time. We offer a warm and loving environment where students may grow, have fun, and continue to learn with Christ as the foundation.

Program Description

Afternoon Educare is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Registrants will assemble in a designated area of the gymnasium at dismissal. Students are signed in. Students will be provided a snack, have recess time, time for homework, and if time allows, other activities. Preschoolers have their own area during our After-school Program where they enjoy a snack and playtime in a nurturing and safe environment all their own. Slots for preschoolers are very limited.

Parents can access the Educare Handbook/Registration Forms available on the Parent Portal (Rediker). New CHA families can email the school office (office@cardinalhickeyacademy.org) for more information.