FAQ
We know transitioning to a Catholic high school is a big decision. Here’s a quick guide to answer your questions about the application process and life at Marian!
Tuition & Affordability
- Does Marian offer tuition assistance or scholarships?
- What payment plans are available?
- How do I apply for tuition assistance and scholarships?
- When do we apply for tuition assistance and scholarships?
- Can my daughter receive tuition assistance and earn a scholarship?
- Is it possible to receive more than one scholarship?
- Can I resubmit my financial aid application if my financial standing changes after the December application deadline?
- How do we pay tuition?
- Are there any additional fees?
- When is the registration deposit due?
- Does tuition assistance cover all four years?
- Is tuition assistance a loan we need to pay back?
Does Marian offer tuition assistance or scholarships?
Yes! Learn More:
Marian also offers discounts to families with more than one daughter attending. Families with students at both Marian and Brother Rice receive a $150 tuition discount from Marian. Families with sons at Brother Rice should notify the Marian Business Office when registering their daughter.
What payment plans are available?
How do I apply for tuition assistance and scholarships?
There are several avenues for scholarships and tuition assistance:
- Academic Merit Scholarships are automatically offered to on-time applicants for 9th grade based on the November or December test dates of the HSPT (no scholarship application required).
- Named Scholarships range from $1,800 up to $6,300. To apply, applicants for 9th grade should submit the following with their admission application by the December 12 deadline:
- Named scholarship application
- Letter of recommendation (from a teacher, moderator, supervisor or coach) to be emailed to admission@marian-hs.org.
- FACTS/Grant and Aid Application (required for need-based scholarships only)
3. Tuition Assistance
When do we apply for tuition assistance and scholarships?
Scholarship Applications are due with the on-time admissions application deadline December 12. Tuition Assistance applications are due December 12 as well, however students applying after the on-time application deadline may still be considered for assistance, depending on funds remaining.
Can my daughter receive tuition assistance and earn a scholarship?
Is it possible to receive more than one scholarship?
Can I resubmit my financial aid application if my financial standing changes after the December application deadline?
How do we pay tuition?
Are there any additional fees?
Beyond tuition and fees, families should budget for the following items:
- Laptop: Students are required to have a laptop (iPads, tablets, and Chromebooks are not suitable).
- Uniforms: Uniform items are quite durable. Students should plan to purchase 1-2 skirts, a few blouses/polos, and 1-2 outerwear items (sweater, sweatshirt, fleece, vest). Students may wear closed-toe neutral shoes and black leggings.
- Books: Textbooks (hardcover, paperback, or digital) are required for each course. To save on costs, families can explore digital and secondhand options.
- Athletics: A $200 fee applies per athletic season. Additional sport-specific fees may range from $100 to $500, depending on equipment and activity needs.
When is the registration deposit due?
Does tuition assistance cover all four years?
Families must apply annually for tuition assistance. Applications for returning students entering grades 10-12 should be completed in mid-March for the upcoming school year (using the current year's tax return). Returning students must be registered before a request for assistance can be considered.
Is tuition assistance a loan we need to pay back?
School Life
- How many students attend Marian?
- What transportation options do students have for getting to school?
- What are Marian's standard school hours?
- How does Marian help students transition to high school?
- Why all-girls?
- What are academics like at Marian?
- How many classes must students carry per semester?
- What co-curricular and athletic programming does Marian offer?
- How far do our students come from?
How many students attend Marian?
Marian's 420 students come from 67 middle schools across 45 communities. Our Student-Faculty Ratio is 15:1, with 75% of faculty holding advanced degrees. Marian offers a wide range of academic, athletic and co-curricular programming, rivaling those of large public districts and prestigious independent schools. This ensures a rich high school experience while maintaining small class sizes. In an era where school safety is a top concern for parents, Marian fosters a close-knit community where every student is personally known and supported by multiple adults.
What transportation options do students have for getting to school?
1. Bus Service - Birmingham School District
Although Marian's mailing address is Bloomfield Hills, it is located within the Birmingham School District. Students living within the district (regardless of mailing address) may be eligible for bus service through Birmingham Public Schools. For more information regarding establishing bus service to Marian and the required paperwork, parents/guardians should contact the Birmingham Schools Transportation Office at (248) 203-3940.
2. Bus Service - Brother Rice Bussing
Brother Rice High School - located next-door to Marian - provides limited transportation for Marian and Brother Rice students in select neighboring areas. Routes and availability may change annually. Visit Brother Rice Transportation Services for current routes and fees.
3. Carpooling
The most popular option for Marian students is carpooling. Marian and Brother Rice coordinate a carpool program each year, helping families connect with others in their area.
What are Marian's standard school hours?
Marian offers flexibility for students who need to arrive early or stay late. Standard school hours are 7:50 AM to 2:30 PM (with early dismissals at 1:30 PM on most Wednesdays). Many students arrive early to enjoy breakfast in the Student Dining Area, socialize, or work on homework. Students can also remain in supervised areas until 5:00 PM if needed.
How does Marian help students transition to high school?
Marian’s Counseling Office, with four licensed counselors and a low student-to-counselor ratio of 120:1 (compared to the national average of 385:1 and state average of 598:1), provides dedicated support for incoming students.
To help our students in the transition to high school, one of Marian's counselors specifically specializes in working with our ninth graders, helping them transition both academically and socially.
In addition to counseling support, Marian offers a variety of activities designed to ease the 9th-grade transition, focusing on academic skills, time management, and social-emotional growth.
The Freshman Team, along with the Office of Ministry & Service and School Culture, guides 9th graders through team-building activities and Marian traditions (like class retreats, Field Day, and the Big Sis/Little Sis student mentorship program). Rounding out the high school experience are numerous athletic and co-curricular opportunities, helping students connect with peers and build lasting relationships.
Why all-girls?
Research supports that girls in single-gender schools like Marian excel academically, with a higher likelihood of pursuing fields like STEM. An all-girls education can boost confidence, leadership skills, and academic performance. Marian provides a focused, empowering environment where students can explore their potential, participate fully in every aspect of school life, and form close friendships in a supportive community.
What are academics like at Marian?
Marian cultivates future-ready graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Our rigorous college-prep curriculum, with honors/AP tracks available in all core subjects, is complemented by guidance in managing course loads and study habits. For students needing extra assistance, Marian’s Accommodations Specialist offers additional support.
How many classes must students carry per semester?
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors must carry at least six classes per semester. Seniors must take a minimum of five classes per semester.
All students are assured of a course load of six classes each semester. An option of a seventh course is available, pending scheduling availability. Courses offered are dependent on priority and enrollment.
What co-curricular and athletic programming does Marian offer?
In order to experience all that Marian has to offer, 96% of students participate in athletics or our 30+ co-curriculars spanning arts, faith, business, cultural awareness, academic honor societies, and so much more.
76% of students are involved in athletics, which encompasses 33 teams across 18 sports. Marian has brought home 36 state championships.
Marian's annual mission trip to Central America takes place during February mid-winter break for juniors and seniors. Students visit families, assist local schools, and complete vital community projects. Each day is filled with impactful experiences, from heartwarming encounters with families to engaging in local traditions.
How far do our students come from?
Faith
- What does it mean for Marian to be a Catholic school?
- What if we are unfamiliar with Catholic practices?
- What does the Theology curriculum entail?
What does it mean for Marian to be a Catholic school?
Marian is rooted in Catholic traditions, which shape our community and values, such as service, compassion, and integrity. While Theology courses and All-School Masses are a required part of our school life, we warmly welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
What if we are unfamiliar with Catholic practices?
No problem! Every year, we have students come to Marian without prior experience with Catholic traditions. Our Theology teachers and Director of Ministry and Service are here to support students in understanding and participating in the faith aspects of our school in a way that feels comfortable to them.
What does the Theology curriculum entail?
Our Theology courses are designed to introduce students to core Catholic teachings, values, and traditions in a thoughtful and engaging way. Courses explore topics like ethics, social justice, and spirituality, encouraging students to think critically and reflect on their own beliefs. We welcome questions and perspectives from all backgrounds, and the goal is to foster understanding and respect for diverse viewpoints. For those new to Catholicism, our faculty is always available to provide support and make the content accessible and meaningful.