The Academy of the Holy Cross
Catholic
Updated July 2026
The Academy of the Holy Cross is an all-girls, Catholic college preparatory high school located in Kensington, Maryland, serving students in grades 9-12. It provides an empowering environment designed to nurture potential, build confidence, and prepare young women for future success.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the school is a Catholic college preparatory community dedicated to educating young women. It emphasizes the development of courage, compassion, and scholarship, fostering an environment where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and embrace intellectual and spiritual challenges. The school values diversity and strives to create a Christ-centered community where every student is supported in discovering her unique path and purpose.
Programmes
The academic curriculum is college preparatory and includes honors-level coursework, discussion-based learning, and opportunities for independent thinking. Signature programs are offered alongside a core curriculum, with dedicated college counseling to guide students through the university application process. The school also offers a range of arts programs, including visual arts, theater, film, dance, and choral music, as well as a comprehensive athletic program featuring sports such as soccer, volleyball, field hockey, cross country, equestrian, tennis, basketball, swimming, and lacrosse.
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for success at renowned colleges and universities, including institutions such as Cornell, M.I.T., Yale, and Notre Dame. Students gain practical experience through a mandatory senior internship program at organizations like The Washington Post, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Student support
Learning support
The school provides layered academic and emotional support to ensure student success. This includes individualized academic advising, counseling services, and the Moreau Options Program, which offers one-on-one support and personalized plans for students. Additionally, the Saint Mary's Program provides specialized academic resources.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- How much is tuition at The Academy of the Holy Cross?
- Annual tuition at The Academy of the Holy Cross is $35.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is The Academy of the Holy Cross co-educational?
- The Academy of the Holy Cross is a girls school.
- Where is The Academy of the Holy Cross located?
- The Academy of the Holy Cross is an international school in Washington, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 9-12 | 14–18 | $35.4K |
Other fees(7)
| Deposit· Enrollment Deposit for New Students ($1,000 deducted from tuition, $200 goes towards the one-time registration fee) | $1.2K |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Enrollment Deposit for Returning Students (entirely deducted from tuition) | $500 |
| Registration fee· One-time registration fee (funded from the $1,200 new student deposit) | $200 |
| Materials· Technology Fee | $420 |
| Registration fee· Parent Association Fee (Home and School Fee) | $100 |
| Materials· Books (approximate) | $130 |
| Insurance· Tuition Refund Insurance is required unless tuition is paid in full by July 1 | — |
Admissions
The school serves students in grades 9-12. Prospective families may inquire, visit, or apply online, and the admissions process includes opportunities such as "Tartan for a Day" and virtual tours. Financial aid is available based on need, with applications processed through FACTS Grant & Aid. Merit-based scholarship opportunities are also available for 9th-grade applicants.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into two semesters, with the second semester beginning in early January. The school calendar includes traditional breaks, such as Christmas break, and observes holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Key community events include the Junior Ring Ceremony, Scholar's Seminar, Fine Arts Audition Day, and various athletic pep rallies.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features a variety of facilities available for use, including a gymnasium, the turf-surfaced Ridgway Field, an auditorium, a theatre, a cafeteria, and classrooms. Athletic facilities support a wide range of sports, with some activities held at off-campus locations such as the Georgetown Prep Tennis Center and Waredaca Stables. The school also provides parking spaces.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a variety of clubs and student-led organizations, including the Student Council, which coordinates events and fundraising. Specialized student boards include the Anti-Racism and Social Justice Advisory Board, the Health & Wellness Board, and the Environmental Sustainability Board. The school also hosts a competitive Speech & Debate team.
Emily KasofPresident/CEO
Kathy HannahPrincipal
Barbara MurrayDirector of Enrollment Management- Kelly FlahertyDirector of Athletics
- Julie DurigaDirector of Finance
- Jaclyn McEachernDirector of Campus Ministry
- Felice HermanDirector of Advancement