FAQs

Our goal is to provide you with the facts and details you need to make an informed decision on whether Maur Hill - Mount Academy is right for your family. Here are the answers to the questions we hear the most, and of course, we’re always happy to answer your questions. Email or call our Admission Office with any questions.

Where is MH - MA located, and what type of school is it?

Maur Hill - Mount Academy is located in the northeast corner of Kansas in historic Atchison. The town sits along the Missouri River and has many shops, restaurants, and other conveniences for students. You can learn more about our beautiful town and its amenities on our Visitors page.

Our campus is situated on 90 acres with two football fields, two soccer fields, two tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, a baseball field, and plenty of space for other activities. We also have two gymnasiums on campus; the primary gym is utilized for sports activities, and the second was recently renovated into a student workout center, which includes a variety of weight and exercise equipment. The secondary gym also includes space for the dance and cheerleading teams to practice. All of the buildings and activity areas are within steps of each other.

We are a traditional college-prep high school, educating students in the ninth through twelfth grades. Nearly 100% of the student body enters university after graduation. Families seek our school due to our successful history of teaching valuable life skills, instilling positive habits, and providing the academic foundation needed for success in university in a structured and supportive environment.

For over 150 years, we have boarded and educated students. Mount St. Scholastica Academy was established in 1863 by the Benedictine Sisters to educate young women, and Maur Hill Prep was established in 1919 by the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey to educate young men. The schools joined together in 2003 to unify their strengths and became Maur Hill - Mount Academy.

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Is the school accredited and/or a member of any associations?

Maur Hill - Mount Academy is accredited by the North Central Association (NCA).

We are a member of the following boarding school associations:
CBSA – Catholic Boarding School Association
NCEA – National Catholic Educational Association
SBSA – Small Boarding School Association
SSATB - Secondary Schools Admissions Test Board

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How many students do you have, and what are the demographics?

School stats:

  • 200 students from across the U.S. and over 10 different countries, including Mexico, Japan, Korea, Spain, China, and Russia
  • Grades 9–12
  • 70 boarding students (30% international)
  • 130 day students
  • Student-to-Faculty ratio: 12:1 
  • Classroom size: 15–18 students
  • Girl-to-Boy ratio: 1:1
  • We welcome all faiths

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How do I apply?

We’re glad you asked! Visit our Application Process page for a step-by-step guide to applying at MH - MA.

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Can we visit the campus before applying?

Absolutely! We welcome all prospective students to schedule a shadow or visit day.

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What is the application deadline?

For our boarding students (U.S. and international), we have rolling admission. This means you may begin and submit your application at any time. For our day students, please follow the schedule outlined on our Day Students page.

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What is the High School Placement Test (HSPT), and does my son or daughter need to take it?

The High School Placement Test is an admission test given to eighth-graders applying as day students. We use the exam results to help us make admissions decisions and course placements. The HSPT is administered on campus in December. Applicants will pay a $15 fee to register for the test.

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Is an interview required for admission?

Day students: On-campus interview with the admission director, head of school, principal, and counselor is required. We will contact you in early February to schedule interviews.

Boarding students: On-campus interview may take place during a campus visit with the school administration, admission director, and residence director. Please email or call the Admission Office at (913) 367-5482 to schedule your interview. An in-person interview is required if the family lives within the United States.

International students: All prospective students must interview with the director of admission. This interview can take place virtually using Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp Video, or WeChat.

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Do you accept transfer students?

We understand that families may relocate or students may need a change. We determine eligibility for transfer students based on their application and available classroom space. Please contact the Admission Office for more information.

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Can students start attending mid-semester?

Yes. The latest students can enroll and begin in the fall is October 1 and in the spring, February 1.

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If our family is not Catholic, can we still attend MH - MA?

Yes! One of the best parts about being a boarding school is having students on campus of different faiths. As a Benedictine school, we welcome all faiths with open arms. We do require every student to take a religion class each year and to attend all-school Mass each week.

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Do students wear uniforms?

Yes. We contract with Dennis Uniforms. All students wear polos and oxfords with our school logo. They may also wear uniform-approved sweatshirts and jackets. Boys wear khaki pants or shorts, and girls wear skirts or khaki pants. Once or twice a month students participate in “Jeans Day.” For ordering and specifics about uniforms, refer to the Admitted Students Checklist for boarding students or day students.

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When are the school holidays and breaks?

We observe standard national U.S. holidays and also schedule student breaks and teacher in-services. We post all of this information on our Calendar.

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Does MH - MA have financial aid and scholarships available to students?

Yes. We offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and a limited number of scholarships for international applicants. All boarding students who had a sibling, parent, or grandparent attend MH - MA receive a Legacy Scholarship. To learn more, boarding students may refer to the Tuition & Financial Aid -Boarding Students page, and day students to the Tuition & Financial Aid - Day Students page.

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Do you offer a sibling discount?

Yes. For families with more than one student at MH - MA and who are not receiving any financial aid or employer discount, we will discount 5% off of the oldest student’s tuition.

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What does a typical school day look like for a boarding student?

6:45 a.m. - Wake up
7:15 a.m. - Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - School begins
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
3:25 p.m. - School ends
3:45–5:30 p.m. - Extracurricular activities
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:00–8:00 p.m. - Study hall
8:00–9:00 p.m. - Free time
9:15 p.m. - Chores and get ready for bed
10:30 p.m. - Lights out

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When and where do boarding students take meals?

Student meals are served in St. Michael’s Dining Hall, which is near the academic building a few minutes walk from the residence halls. We include all meals for boarding students in the tuition. Day students have the option to purchase lunches.

Monday–Friday
7:15 a.m. - Breakfast
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
6:00 p.m. - Dinner

Saturday
10:30 a.m. - Brunch (combination of breakfast and lunch)
Dinner - Student choice. Students receive meal money to eat at a local restaurant of their choice.

Sunday
10:30 a.m. - Brunch
5:00 p.m. - Dinner

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Does the school provide transportation to/from the airport?

Yes. We will pick up and drop off our boarding students at the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). All major airlines operate out of the Kansas City airport. Students must arrive before 9:00 p.m., no exceptions. The airport is 40 minutes from campus.

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Can students stay in the dorms over school holidays and breaks?

Students can stay on campus for every break except Christmas. Our campus closes for the entire Christmas break, and we do not arrange host families. Students must make arrangements to travel home or stay with family or friends in the U.S. For all other holidays and breaks, full-time boarding students can stay on campus at no additional cost. Five-day boarders are subject to a $75/night fee.

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What do boarding students do over the weekends?

The residence staff organizes weekend trips within the surrounding area. Examples of trips: Worlds of Fun, MLB KC Royals, shopping, ice Skating, skiing at Snow Creek, Benedictine College athletic events, Atchison Area events.

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What is boarding life like?

Overall, we have to say it is pretty awesome! Visit our Boarding page for a peek into the lives of our boarding students.

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Can I visit my son or daughter on campus?

We are always happy to welcome families to visit their son or daughter at Maur Hill - Mount Academy. Come and visit any time throughout the week for a hug, just to chat, or to take them out for a special dinner. During the school year, we hold several events that are great times to visit. Mark your calendar for Homecoming in October and Parents Weekend in March when we host the father/daughter and mother/son dances. You can find these dates on our Calendar page.

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How do I ship packages to my child?

Students warmly welcome letters and packages from all family members. Address all correspondence and package delivery to:

Maur Hill - Mount Academy
Student’s Name
1000 Green St.
Atchison, Kansas 66002

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Who will monitor and care for my child while they are away from me?

Our staff of prefects, under the careful supervision of our residence director, will see to your child’s needs. While we do not replace you as a parent, we are here to assist with their everyday needs. Here are just a few ways we provide care for your son or daughter:

  • Supervise and care for students 24/7
  • Encourage and support
  • Motivate and ensure students adopt positive routines
  • Weekly grade checks
  • Monitor evening study time
  • Schedule doctor, dentist, orthodontist, haircut, or other appointments as needed
  • Take care of medication
  • Provide transportation (van runs) for needs/wants of students (shopping, entertainment, etc.)
  • Organize activities and accompany students on trips

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If English is not my first language, do you have proficiency requirements?

We offer an English as a Second Language program that allows us to admit students with lower English proficiency levels. If English is not your first language, you will need to submit one of these English proficiency exams during the application process: TOEFL, TOEFL Jr., Duolingo, IELTS, ELTiS, Cambridge, CEFR. You will find our English as a Second Language program outline and required scores on our English as a Second Language page.

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How do I send money to my son or daughter?

Families may set up a spending account through the Business Office, which you can fund via our secure online portal, check, or wire transfer. Visit our Make a Payment page to learn more about establishing a spending account.

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What level of involvement do you expect from parents?

We do not require parents of boarding students to volunteer. For our day student families, when your child is accepted to MH - MA, the parents are accepted as well. We are a family, and we want parents to be involved as much as possible. We require 15 volunteer hours per school year. If you are unable to meet the requirement, we offer the option to buy out for $25 per volunteer hour. You’ll hear from our Parents Association regarding volunteer opportunities.

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