Apply to become a Bear!

Choosing a school and educational path for your child or children is one of the most significant decisions you make as a parent. These are important years in each child’s growth and development, and Sacred Heart Model School is dedicated to partnering with you to help our students reach their full potential. As you begin this process, we welcome you to learn more about Sacred Heart Model School and the steps in our admissions and enrollment process.

SHMS values diversity and admits qualified candidates without regard to race, religion or ethnicity. Dedicated faculty and staff focus on individual student needs, striving to find the best path for his or her success.  

Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Admissions

Children entering Kindergarten must be age 5 by August 1. SHMS’ Junior Kindergarten program is primarily designed for children who are of age for Kindergarten (5 by August 1) but who have spring or summer birthdays making them young for their grade and able to benefit from an extra year for social, emotional and developmental growth before entering Kindergarten the following year. When availability exists, SHMS may also admit younger students who just miss the Kindergarten cut off but have already completed a PreK program and are seeking a transitional Kindergarten experience.

JK and K Application Timeline

SHMS accepts applications for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten up to two years prior to a child’s starting school year. However, we begin the admissions process in the fall prior to a child’s entry into JK or Kindergarten.

The deadline to apply for SHMS’ first round of Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten admissions for the 2027 – 2028 school year is December 1, 2026.

SHMS will continue to accept applications after January 1, but those applicants will not be in included in our first round of admissions. The school offers rolling admissions throughout the year, pending availability.

JK and K Admissions Process

Apply: The SHMS admissions process begins with completion of our online application, linked below. Please note there is a $100 application and testing fee due with the application. It is strongly recommended that you connect with the SHMS Admissions Office and schedule a school tour prior to submitting an application and beginning the admissions process.

Complete an admissions file: The SHMS Admissions Team will work with your family to gather necessary personal and academic documents to complete your child’s admissions file. Following receipt of your child’s application, the admission file checklist will be shared so you may begin gathering the required information.

Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten readiness testing: Testing is a standard part of the admissions process for all prospective SHMS students. For students who have applied by December 1, JK and K testing will be scheduled during the month of January. For students who apply after the December 1 first-round deadline, testing will be scheduled based on availability.

Notification of admissions: SHMS’ first round of admissions letters will be sent in early February. Admissions notifications for students applying after the December 1 deadline will be sent following completion of readiness testing and review of the admission file by SHMS school leadership.

Level 1 – 8 Transfer Student Admissions

Please note, SHMS does not admit local 8th grade transfer students. However, we will consider 8th grade transfer applications for students who are relocating to Louisville from out of state.

Transfer Student Application Timeline

SHMS accepts transfer student applications up to two years prior to a child’s starting year. However, we begin the admissions process in the fall prior to a child’s entry year.

The deadline to apply for SHMS’ first round of transfer student admissions for the 2027 – 2028 school year is November 1, 2026. SHMS will continue to accept applications after November 1, but those applicants will not be included in our first round of admissions. The school offers rolling admissions throughout the year, pending availability.

For students seeking a mid-year transfer for the 2026-2027 school year, applications must be submitted by January 15, 2027 to allow ample time to complete the SHMS admissions process prior to the start of the third trimester of the school year.

Transfer Student Admissions Process

1. Apply: The SHMS admissions process begins with completion of our online application, linked below. Please note there is a $100 application and testing fee due with the application. It is strongly recommended that you connect with the SHMS Admissions Office and schedule a school tour prior to submitting an application and beginning the admissions process.

2. Complete an admissions file: The SHMS Admissions Team will work with your family to gather necessary personal and academic documents to complete your child’s admissions file. Following receipt of your child’s application, the admission file checklist will be shared so you can begin gathering the required information

3. Admissions testing: Admissions testing is a standard part of the admissions process for all prospective SHMS students. Following completion of your child’s admissions file, the SHMS Admissions Team will work with you to schedule an admissions testing appointment. For students applying during SHMS’ first round of admissions, prioritized testing appointments will be scheduled in late-November or early-December. For students who apply after the November 1 first-round deadline, testing will be scheduled based on availability.

4. Notification of admissions: Offers of admissions are determined by SHMS School Leadership and admissions letters are typically sent by mail two to four weeks following admissions testing.