Academy of the Holy Names

General Information

Overview

The Academy of the Holy Names is a distinguished Catholic, coeducational elementary school and a college preparatory high school for young women located in Tampa, Florida. Established by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, the academy is deeply rooted in the values of faith, academic excellence, and service. The school is renowned for its mission to develop the spiritual, intellectual, and personal potential of every student. At the Academy of the Holy Names, students are encouraged to think critically, lead with compassion, and serve with purpose.

The curriculum integrates rigorous academics with a strong moral foundation, ensuring that graduates are not only intellectually prepared but also grounded in ethical and social responsibility. The school places a strong emphasis on innovation in education, incorporating technology and modern teaching strategies to foster a love of learning. With a commitment to nurturing confident and capable young leaders, the Academy of the Holy Names continues to uphold its tradition of excellence that spans over a century.

Contact Informations

Address: 3319 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629
Phone Number: (813) 839-5371
Email Address: admissions@holynamestpa.org

School Facts

FactInformation
Founding Year1881
Motto“Esse Quam Videri” – To Be, Rather Than to Seem
Religious AffiliationCatholic (Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary)
GradesPre-K through 12
TypePrivate, College Preparatory
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Academy of the Holy Names Rankings

CategoryRank
Florida Private SchoolsTop 10 Catholic Schools
National Private High School RankingTop 300

Academy of the Holy Names Academics

Academy of the Holy Names Faculties / Departments

  • Theology and Religious Studies
  • English and Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Science and Technology
  • Social Studies
  • Fine Arts
  • World Languages
  • Physical Education and Health
  • Guidance and Counseling

Academy of the Holy Names Courses and Programs / Majors

  • Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
  • STEM and Innovation Programs
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Leadership and Service Programs
  • Foreign Language Studies (Spanish, French, Latin)
  • College Counseling and Career Readiness
  • Christian Service and Ministry Courses

Online Learning

The Academy of the Holy Names provides online learning opportunities through its digital platform to support students who require flexible learning schedules. Virtual classes, remote assignments, and hybrid programs are available for high school students during special circumstances. The online curriculum maintains the same academic rigor as in-person classes and ensures students receive quality instruction, teacher interaction, and continuous academic support.

Average Test Scores

TestAverage Score
SAT1280
ACT28

Retention and Graduation Rates

The Academy of the Holy Names boasts an impressive graduation rate of 100%, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and individualized support. Nearly all graduates pursue higher education, with 98% enrolling in four-year colleges or universities. The retention rate from year to year remains above 95%, indicating strong student satisfaction and academic engagement.

Academy of the Holy Names Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

The average GPA for admitted high school students ranges from 3.5 to 4.0. While standardized testing is not mandatory for admission, many students achieve above-average scores on the SAT and ACT, reflecting the academy’s strong academic foundation and college preparatory focus.

Academy of the Holy Names Acceptance Rate

CategoryRate
Overall Acceptance Rate60%

Academy of the Holy Names Application Requirements

Applicants are required to complete an online application and submit previous academic records, teacher recommendations, and standardized test results. A personal interview and student essay are also part of the process, allowing the admissions committee to understand each applicant’s character, motivation, and alignment with the school’s values. Families are encouraged to attend open house events and campus tours to experience the academy’s environment firsthand. The application process focuses on holistic evaluation—academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and faith commitment are all considered.

Application Process

  • Complete the online application form
  • Submit official transcripts and test scores
  • Provide two teacher recommendations
  • Submit a personal essay or statement of purpose
  • Attend an interview with the admissions team
  • Receive admission decision and finalize enrollment

Academy of the Holy Names Application Deadlines / Important Dates

Application StageDate
Applications OpenSeptember 1
Priority DeadlineJanuary 15
Decision NotificationsMarch 15
Enrollment DeadlineApril 30

Essay Prompt

“Describe how your personal values align with the mission of the Academy of the Holy Names and how you plan to contribute to our school community.”

Academy of the Holy Names Scholarships

The Academy of the Holy Names offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships. These awards recognize students with exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, or community service achievements. Financial aid is available through the school’s tuition assistance program, ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds have access to quality Catholic education.

Academy of the Holy Names Tuition Fee (Costs)

ProgramAnnual Cost
Elementary School (Pre-K–8)$14,500
High School (9–12)$19,800
Registration Fee$300
Technology and Activity Fee$500

Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)

The Academy of the Holy Names enrolls approximately 950 students, with the high school serving young women and the lower school offering coeducational programs. The student body is diverse, representing various ethnic backgrounds, including Caucasian, Hispanic, African American, Asian, and multiracial students. Most students range from 4 to 18 years old, creating a vibrant and inclusive community that values both individuality and unity.

Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities

The academy is dedicated to inclusivity and offers resources for students from low-income families through financial aid and tuition assistance programs. Additionally, the school provides academic accommodations and counseling support for students with learning differences or disabilities. The guidance department ensures that all students receive equal access to educational opportunities and personal growth.

Student Body

CategoryNumber
Total Students950
International Students5%
Student-Teacher Ratio10:1

University Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are key aspects of the Academy of the Holy Names’ educational mission. The school celebrates cultural, racial, and religious diversity through events, curriculum integration, and community service initiatives. Students are encouraged to engage in open dialogue, learn from each other’s experiences, and promote acceptance and understanding. The academy fosters an environment where all voices are heard and valued, ensuring a holistic learning experience that reflects global awareness and respect for human dignity.

Average Earnings

Graduates of the Academy of the Holy Names consistently go on to attend top-tier colleges and universities across the country. Alumni often pursue careers in medicine, law, business, education, and public service. The school’s strong college preparatory curriculum, combined with leadership and service opportunities, equips students with the skills and confidence to achieve professional success and financial stability.

Academy of the Holy Names Faculty and Staff

Teachers and Staff

The Academy of the Holy Names employs a dedicated team of educators who are passionate about fostering academic excellence and personal growth. Faculty members hold advanced degrees in their respective fields and are committed to continuous professional development. Teachers work closely with students to cultivate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking while maintaining a nurturing and faith-centered environment.

Faculty Profiles

Many faculty members have received recognition for their outstanding contributions to education, including awards for excellence in teaching, leadership, and community service. The staff includes certified counselors, faith leaders, and specialists in STEM, arts, and humanities who work collaboratively to provide a balanced and enriching educational experience.

Academy of the Holy Names Campus and Student Life

Campus Life / Housing

The Academy of the Holy Names’ campus combines historic architecture with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, a media center, and fine arts studios. While the school does not provide on-campus housing, it offers a wide range of extracurricular activities such as athletics, performing arts, student government, and service clubs. The vibrant campus community encourages leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, making it a dynamic place for both learning and friendship.

Transportation

The school’s location on Bayshore Boulevard provides convenient access to major roads and public transportation. Bus services are available for students in surrounding areas, and the campus features safe parking zones for drop-off and pick-up. The academy ensures accessibility for all students through coordinated transportation options and secure campus entry systems.