St. Bernard Preparatory School (2026 Profile)

1600 St. Bernard Drive, S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055

Tel: (256) 255-5890

stbernardprep.com

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St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #1 - The Abbey church is located at the center of campus. The location of the church is no accident, as the rich Benedictine tradition, which spans 1500 years, is central to all facets of the St. Bernard experience.

St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #3 - Over the last 5 years the the graduating classes from St. Bernard have averaged $5.3 million in scholarship offers per 30 students. St. Bernard graduates go on to a wide array of colleges and universities across the country

St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #4 - High school students are allowed to enjoy lunch outside, weather permitting, and have a large central quad available for visiting with friends

St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #6 - The majority of students choose to participate in the fine arts offerings at St. Bernard.St Bernard has 3 different bands, 3 choirs, a spring musical and more. Each year the choir preforms a Christmas concert in the Abbey Church.

St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #7 - Roughly 35% of the student body take advantage of the boarding program available at St. Bernard. A strong residential life team helps guide and support each boarding student as they grow in confidence and learn independence.

St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #8 - St. Bernard is located in Cullman Alabama on a beautiful campus consisting of over 800 acres. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1891

St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo #9 - St. Bernard encourages participation in a variety of extracurricular programs including sports. St. Bernard currently offers 11 varsity sports.

St. Bernard Preparatory School strives to create an environment that encourages student growth in self-discipline, respect for self and others, and mature social interaction.

The college preparatory curriculum is based on the liberal arts: languages and literature, history, mathematics, science, theology and the arts.

This program emphasizes the ability to think, to read with understanding, to express oneself with precision and grace, and to solve problems creatively.

Courses not only provide the transmission and reception of facts, they encourage the development of mental and physical discipline, of breadth and depth of view, of responsible thought and action, and of critical thinking.

The school motto, Corpus, Mens, Spiritus (Body, Mind, Spirit) indicates the mission of St. Bernard Preparatory: "St. Bernard Preparatory School is committed to fully engaging students in learning for the whole person: body, mind and spirit.

St. Bernard pursues this mission through the search for truth and the striving for goodness in the classroom, through participation in religious, social and athletic events, and by involvement in mentoring and community service activities.

Founded and administered by the Benedictine Monks of St. Bernard Abbey, the school stands on 1,500 years of monastic history and experience of the love for learning.

Quick Facts (2026)

Grades: 7-12
Enrollment: 131 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $34,000
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $13,000
Acceptance rate: 80%
Average class size: 13 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. Bernard Preparatory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 307 schools) for:

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

St. Bernard Preparatory School

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

7-12

9-12

School Type

Co-ed

Year Founded

1891

1909

Campus Size

900 acres

125 acres

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

Corpus ∙ Mens ∙ Spiritus.

Student Body

Enrollment

131 students

300 students

% Students of Color

10%

25%

% International Students

20%

% Students Boarding

29%

70%

Average SAT Score

1290
(Out of 1600)

* National Avg. »View

Average ACT score

27
(Out of 36)

*National Avg. »View

Offers Post-Grad Year

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Formal
Blazer

Casual

Average Class Size

13 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

80%

70%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

Tuition & Financial Aid

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$34,000
(* Includes all fees, uniforms excepted.)

$59,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$13,000
(* Includes all fees, uniforms excepted.)

$33,500

Tuition international students

$53,700

$53,975

Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)

$32,650

$44,000

% Students on Financial Aid

70%

40%

Merit Scholarships Offered

Yes

Admissions

Application Deadline

None / Rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Acceptance Rate

80%

58%

Director of Admissions

Rachael Stover

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Colors

Blue and Gold

College Matriculation

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

St. Bernard graduates are accepted to numerous prestigious colleges and universities.
ACT and SAT scores consistently rank well above the national average.
Cultural diversity is promoted through our international student population.
Highly-educated and experienced faculty of Monks and Lay personnel.
Extensive athletics program as well as a full spectrum of visual and performing arts.
Safe, secure environment on the picturesque 900 acres of St. Bernard Abbey.
Located in North Alabama in the quaint community of Cullman (originally founded by German immigrants in 1877),an hour drive north of Birmingham,an hour south of Huntsville, two hours from Nashville, TN,and three hours from Atlanta, GA.
Residential life that promotes growth, maturity and the self-knowledge that comes through a healthy measure of independence and self-reliance.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Bernard Preparatory School cost?

St. Bernard Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $34,000 for boarding students and $13,000 for day students.

What is the acceptance rate of St. Bernard Preparatory School?

The acceptance rate of St. Bernard Preparatory School is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.

What is St. Bernard Preparatory School's ranking?

St. Bernard Preparatory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid and High percent faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for St. Bernard Preparatory School?

The application deadline for St. Bernard Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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