Anonymous
01/08/2026 07:42
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I know people don’t want to hear this, but the HSPT isn’t that hard. If your kid has good grades, they shouldn’t be getting a 60%.
Just because your kid is amazing and a great test taker doesn’t mean some other kids don’t find it hard. My DC has a learning issue.
Same. But Gonzaga never once mentions any support for any child with a learning need in their open house. They ignore that those kids exist entirely in all their school communications-done by design-so this approach of ignoring those same children who have a testing need or accommodation of any sort is not surprising. The other Catholic schools have support programs in place. Gonzaga has no interest in acknowledging that population exists. It’s a blessing in disguise to all those who didn’t get in as we are leaving Gonzaga because they could care less about my child struggling (and similar experience for others we know). Those children have applied out to other schools as it’s not a good fit.
So glad to hear someone say this clearly. I have always wondered if I should have looked at Gonzaga for my dyslexic kid, but can now let it go.
I have a dyslexic son. I know Gonzaga would not be a good fit for him academically. It’s sad because socially he would thrive, and I adore the school. DJO for him.
It’s sad FOR YOU. if your kid is dyslexic, and a school doesn’t offer aligned services, it will be a hard experience for them at that school. Put them someplace they can be successful and they will also thrive socially.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 07:28
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Every year seems like a crap shoot. I've seen kids with not so great HSPT scores get into the so-called "competitive" schools, and I've seen kids with above average, but not great HSPT scores get iced out and wait listed. HSPT alone won't make or break it, but some schools probably do weigh it more than others, and again it may depend on the circumstances surrounding the kid...are the familiar with the school they're coming from, are they a legacy, athlete, etc.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 06:57
Subject: Re:If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:DC scored right below 50% is from a public school and an athlete. I’m worried he won’t get into first choice school and was really hoping to get of public schools and now I see how different the learning environment is between public and private. Straight A honor student, extracurricular activities, great teacher recommendations and no discipline issues. I feel chances are very low and am regretting not applying to other schools.
Same situation with my kid last year except he got above a 50%, but not by much. He was waitlisted and we had some connections. If your son is recruited, he will likely be ok. If no, then sorry, zero chance he will get in. Hopefully this year is better, but last year no one was taken from the waitlist. The current junior class is full of waitlist public school kids.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 06:54
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I know people don’t want to hear this, but the HSPT isn’t that hard. If your kid has good grades, they shouldn’t be getting a 60%.
Just because your kid is amazing and a great test taker doesn’t mean some other kids don’t find it hard. My DC has a learning issue.
Same. But Gonzaga never once mentions any support for any child with a learning need in their open house. They ignore that those kids exist entirely in all their school communications-done by design-so this approach of ignoring those same children who have a testing need or accommodation of any sort is not surprising. The other Catholic schools have support programs in place. Gonzaga has no interest in acknowledging that population exists. It’s a blessing in disguise to all those who didn’t get in as we are leaving Gonzaga because they could care less about my child struggling (and similar experience for others we know). Those children have applied out to other schools as it’s not a good fit.
So glad to hear someone say this clearly. I have always wondered if I should have looked at Gonzaga for my dyslexic kid, but can now let it go.
I have a dyslexic son. I know Gonzaga would not be a good fit for him academically. It’s sad because socially he would thrive, and I adore the school. DJO for him.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 06:52
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:what is the best way to prepare for this test? St Johns had 1300 application and only admitted 300.
+1
My child is in middle school at a K-8 and would to know how to best prepare.
The diocesan high schools offer practice tests for 7th graders to take in the spring/summer. The score report is thorough and helpful. You can use that to have your child practice areas that need improvement. There are also prep classes available. My kids just used practice books that we bought from Amazon.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 06:48
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:I'd like to start this thread up again. My DC completely bombed the HSPT. Really bombed. Below average. I'm very surprised and gutted. I'm concerned no one will take us now. A/B student, NJHS, extracurriculars, pretty good essays. We never assessed DC for learning disability. Did anyone get into a school with a below average score?
Are you coming from a Catholic K-8? Where did he apply? The NoVA diocesan schools intend to provide an education across the spectrum, so it shouldn’t be a barrier there.
BI has gotten popular and takes a limited number, so it might be an issue if you’re coming from a public school, as they prioritize kids from Catholic schools. The other diocesan schools should be fine.
It might be more of a concern if he’s applying to an independent school like Gonzaga. Those are more competitive.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 06:36
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:I know people don’t want to hear this, but the HSPT isn’t that hard. If your kid has good grades, they shouldn’t be getting a 60%.
I don’t think people should be listening to someone who doesn’t know the difference between a percent and a percentile.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 06:33
Subject: Re:If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:DC scored right below 50% is from a public school and an athlete. I’m worried he won’t get into first choice school and was really hoping to get of public schools and now I see how different the learning environment is between public and private. Straight A honor student, extracurricular activities, great teacher recommendations and no discipline issues. I feel chances are very low and am regretting not applying to other schools.
Which schools did you apply to?
Anonymous
01/08/2026 01:30
Subject: Re:If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
DC scored right below 50% is from a public school and an athlete. I’m worried he won’t get into first choice school and was really hoping to get of public schools and now I see how different the learning environment is between public and private. Straight A honor student, extracurricular activities, great teacher recommendations and no discipline issues. I feel chances are very low and am regretting not applying to other schools.
Anonymous
01/08/2026 00:09
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:I'm personally glad the Catholic schools prioritize those of us who have put our kids through Catholic school K-8. We've sacrificed and made Catholic education a priority and I'm glad the schools recognize this and want these kids in their schools.
100%
Anonymous
01/08/2026 00:06
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:what is the best way to prepare for this test? St Johns had 1300 application and only admitted 300.
+1
My child is in middle school at a K-8 and would to know how to best prepare.
Anonymous
01/07/2026 23:56
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:I'd like to start this thread up again. My DC completely bombed the HSPT. Really bombed. Below average. I'm very surprised and gutted. I'm concerned no one will take us now. A/B student, NJHS, extracurriculars, pretty good essays. We never assessed DC for learning disability. Did anyone get into a school with a below average score?
It will probably be ok if your child’s grades are good and they aren’t a discipline problem. I know people that scored in the 30s and got in to certain co-ed Catholic high schools. Is your child in Catholic school now? That helps. Apply to 2-3 schools just in case.
Anonymous
01/07/2026 23:28
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:I'd like to start this thread up again. My DC completely bombed the HSPT. Really bombed. Below average. I'm very surprised and gutted. I'm concerned no one will take us now. A/B student, NJHS, extracurriculars, pretty good essays. We never assessed DC for learning disability. Did anyone get into a school with a below average score?
Do you think they might have accidentally skipped a line and misaligned their answers? That was my worst test fear for my kid who had only taken standardized tests on screens before and had no experience with bubble sheets and is dysgraphic. I can't answer your question as we're applying this year, but if your DC normally does much better on standardized tests, maybe you can talk to your principal and see if anything csn be done?
Anonymous
01/07/2026 22:50
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
I'd like to start this thread up again. My DC completely bombed the HSPT. Really bombed. Below average. I'm very surprised and gutted. I'm concerned no one will take us now. A/B student, NJHS, extracurriculars, pretty good essays. We never assessed DC for learning disability. Did anyone get into a school with a below average score?
Anonymous
01/27/2025 13:33
Subject: If your child did poorly on hspt, did they get in anywhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I know people don’t want to hear this, but the HSPT isn’t that hard. If your kid has good grades, they shouldn’t be getting a 60%.
Just because your kid is amazing and a great test taker doesn’t mean some other kids don’t find it hard. My DC has a learning issue.
Same. But Gonzaga never once mentions any support for any child with a learning need in their open house. They ignore that those kids exist entirely in all their school communications-done by design-so this approach of ignoring those same children who have a testing need or accommodation of any sort is not surprising. The other Catholic schools have support programs in place. Gonzaga has no interest in acknowledging that population exists. It’s a blessing in disguise to all those who didn’t get in as we are leaving Gonzaga because they could care less about my child struggling (and similar experience for others we know). Those children have applied out to other schools as it’s not a good fit.
So glad to hear someone say this clearly. I have always wondered if I should have looked at Gonzaga for my dyslexic kid, but can now let it go.