Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Every Girl is a Leader
Founded in 1882, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) is an all-girls Catholic college-preparatory high school in San Diego's Normal Heights area. Families usually compare OLP for its all-girls environment, STEM certificate pathway, visual and performing arts, athletics, 100+ clubs and honor societies, and counseling program that supports academic, personal, and college planning.
Quick answers
Tuition, selectivity, and admissions overview
Academy of Our Lady of Peace is one of the schools families often compare in the San Diego private high school search. This summary brings together tuition, acceptance-rate context, deadlines, testing, and local guardian considerations before the full profile below.
Data context
Tuition, testing, and application dates follow school-published sources; selectivity is labeled separately when it is a third-party estimate.
Suggested next step
Confirm grade-level availability first, then decide whether to complete materials now or plan for the next cycle.
2026-27 regular deadline has passed
As of May 22, 2026, OLP's regular application, financial-aid, decision, registration, and welcome-night milestones for the Class of 2030 have passed. Late transfer or international inquiries should be confirmed directly with admissions.
$26,250 tuition + $500 registration (2026-27)
Admissions review; international applicants contact OLP
School does not publish an official admissions rate
PrivateSchoolReview lists a 75% third-party estimate, but OLP does not publish this figure on its official admissions pages.
Day school; preferred agency required if parents abroad
Compare with
Schools families often compare with Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Cathedral Catholic High School
San Diego, California
Tuition $22,637 (2026-27 day tuition)
View school profile →The Bishop's School
La Jolla, California
Tuition $52,500 (2026-27)
View school profile →Francis Parker School
San Diego, California
Tuition $30,300 - $49,100 (2026-27, by grade)
View school profile →Fit guidance
Who OLP Fits Best
OLP is a strong fit for families seeking an all-girls Catholic high school with STEM, arts, athletics, service, and college-prep counseling, but it requires local housing and careful timing.
Strong Fit
Families seeking an all-girls Catholic environment
Students who would benefit from a mission-driven all-girls setting, leadership opportunities, faith formation, and close community support are a natural match.
Students interested in STEM plus broad activities
OLP's STEM certificate, robotics, arts, athletics, clubs, and honor societies suit students who want more than a narrow classroom-only experience.
Families planning for college from grade 9
The counseling program supports four-year planning, college exploration, workshops, testing guidance, and college application preparation.
Review Carefully
Students needing school-operated boarding
OLP is a day school. International students who are not living with biological parents must work with one of the school's preferred international agencies.
Families starting after the main 2026-27 cycle
The regular application, financial-aid, decision, and registration milestones have passed, so late applicants need grade-level availability confirmation first.
Families needing an official acceptance rate
OLP does not publish an official admissions acceptance rate; third-party selectivity estimates should be treated as low-confidence context.
For international students, the most important practical question is not only academic fit but also whether the family can meet OLP's local care and preferred-agency requirements.
Our Mission
“Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.
”
Key Info
Grades
Grades 9-12
Language Requirement
Admissions review; international applicants contact OLP
Cost of Attendance
$26,250 tuition + $500 registration (2026-27)
Accommodation
Day school; preferred agency required if parents abroad
Admission Information
2026-27 Freshman Admission
August 2026
•Early Dec 1, 2025; regular Jan 5, 2026
OLP's official 2026-27 regular application deadline and financial-aid deadline were January 5, 2026; regular admission decisions were announced March 6, 2026.
International / Transfer Inquiry
Based on grade availability
•Contact OLP Admissions
International students should contact OLP for visa eligibility, language expectations, and the school's preferred international-agency requirement when not living with biological parents.
Application Requirements
- Finalsite / OLP admissions application
- Academic records from previous school
- Course placement diagnostic for admitted applicants
- Admissions review and family communication as requested by OLP
- International applicants contact admissions for visa eligibility and language requirements
- $80 application fee for 2026-27
Why Study at Academy of Our Lady of Peace?
Academic Excellence and STEM Leadership
OLP offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum designed to challenge and engage students academically. The school highlights science, robotics, arts, AP, and Honors work in its admissions programming. Its official STEM page describes more than 36 STEM classes, a STEM certificate, robotics, Hackathon participation, and Purdue EPICS opportunities.
Holistic Education for Well-Rounded Women
OLP provides a holistic education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Beyond academics, the school offers visual and performing arts, CIF athletics, faith and service opportunities, and more than 100 clubs, teams, activities, and honor societies. This comprehensive approach gives students room to explore interests, develop confidence, and build leadership in a purposefully all-girls environment.
Faith-Filled Supportive Community
OLP is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered. The school emphasizes the importance of community, Catholic faith, and service, encouraging students to engage in social justice and community service projects. This nurturing environment, combined with a focus on personal growth and leadership development, helps students build confidence and resilience, preparing them to be compassionate and effective leaders in a global society. The strong sense of sisterhood and mentorship among students creates lasting bonds and a supportive network for life.
Life at Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Empowering Young Women in San Diego
Located in the vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace offers students the perfect blend of urban energy and campus tranquility. The historic campus, founded in 1882, combines tradition with modern facilities to create an inspiring learning environment. Students enjoy easy access to San Diego's cultural attractions, beaches, and downtown while benefiting from a close-knit school community. The all-girls environment fosters confidence, leadership, and academic excellence in a supportive atmosphere.
Empowering All-Girls Environment
Foster confidence and leadership in a supportive community designed specifically for young women's success
San Diego Location
Located in San Diego with easy access to cultural attractions, beaches, and international airport for international students
College-Prep Advising
Five counselors support academic, personal, and college planning; OLP also hosts 55+ college visits and grade-level college workshops.
Campus Life at OLP
Explore our vibrant campus where young women develop academically, spiritually, and as future leaders
Historic OLP Campus
OLP's Normal Heights campus blends long-standing Catholic school traditions with modern learning spaces.
STEM and Classroom Spaces
Academic spaces support science, robotics, arts, AP, Honors coursework, and the STEM certificate pathway.
Community Gathering Areas
Campus spaces support assemblies, student leadership, service, and sisterhood traditions.
Faith and Student Life
OLP combines Catholic formation, service, arts, athletics, and student clubs throughout the week.
Yearbook Team
OLP’s yearbook team, led by Mr. Kennedy, received a 1st place award from the San Diego County Fair's Annual Student Showcase for their outstanding work!
Athletic Director
Kevin Soares’ journey at OLP started in 2014 when he was named Varsity Soccer Head Coach. And now, 10 years later, he continues to make a lasting impact on our campus community as our Athletic Director!
Signing Day
Congratulations to our OLP student-athletes that attended Signing Day yesterday! 🎉🎉🎉
Academy of Our Lady of Peace By The Numbers
Over 140 years of excellence in educating and empowering young women
Data verified on
Academic Excellence Programs
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace offers a college-preparatory academic program with AP, Honors, STEM, arts, service, leadership, and counseling pathways. Public school data does not show an official admissions acceptance rate, so this profile keeps college outcomes separate from admissions selectivity.
30+ AP / advanced courses listed by PrivateSchoolReview
36+ STEM classes listed on OLP's official STEM page
STEM certificate, robotics team, Hackathon, and Purdue EPICS opportunities
Gold Status on 2023 AP School Honor Roll
Comprehensive STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
College-preparatory counseling and course planning
Five counselors serving academic, personal, and college needs
55+ on-campus college visits listed by OLP Counseling
Strong focus on leadership development and social justice
17:1 student-to-teacher ratio reported by PrivateSchoolReview
Average class size of 23 students
78% of faculty hold advanced degrees
College counseling support from Grade 9
Catholic values integrated throughout curriculum
Service learning and community engagement opportunities
Graduates attend top universities nationwide
Data sources
The figures below are sourced from each school's official public records, verified periodically: Data verified on
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — Apply Now (Official)
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — Affording OLP (Official)
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — STEM Programs (Official)
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — Counseling (Official)
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — Student Clubs (Official)
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — Student Life (Official)
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — Athletics (Official)
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace — Campus & History (Official)
- PrivateSchoolReview — Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Further reading
If you're considering Academy of Our Lady of Peace, also read
Full cost of US private high school for a Chinese family
Tuition, guardianship, fees, transportation — total cost beyond OLP's published $26,250 tuition.
When to apply to OLP: San Diego private school admissions timeline
OLP runs a structured admissions cycle with HSPT testing and interview windows.
Top private high schools in San Diego: where OLP fits
All-girls Catholic college-preparatory high school in Mission Hills — OLP's positioning in SD's private school landscape.
How OLP compares to co-ed private alternatives in San Diego
OLP is single-gender Catholic; Bishop's, Parker, and LJCDS are co-ed independents. The choice often comes down to single-sex education preference and faith tradition.
Legal guardianship for international students at San Diego day schools
OLP is a day school. International families without local relatives must plan guardianship in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Academy of Our Lady of Peace's admissions acceptance rate?
OLP does not publish an official admissions acceptance rate. PrivateSchoolReview lists a 75% third-party estimate for 2026, but that should not be treated as an OLP-published number.
How much is OLP tuition for 2026-27?
OLP lists 2026-27 tuition at $26,250, plus a non-refundable $500 registration fee. International students should expect additional school and agency-related fees and should confirm current costs with admissions.
Is OLP still accepting applications for 2026-27?
As of May 22, 2026, OLP's regular application deadline of January 5, 2026 and the March 6, 2026 regular decision date have passed. Late transfer or international applicants should contact OLP Admissions for grade-specific availability.
Does OLP provide boarding or homestay?
OLP is a day school. Its official admissions page says international students not living with biological parents must work with one of the school's preferred international agencies.
How large is OLP?
PrivateSchoolReview lists OLP at about 750 students in grades 9-12, with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio and an average class size of 23.
What makes OLP different from co-ed San Diego private schools?
OLP is an all-girls Catholic high school founded in 1882. Families usually compare it for its all-girls environment, Catholic mission, STEM and AP/Honors pathways, leadership development, and Normal Heights location.
Is OLP only for Catholic students?
No. OLP is a Catholic college-preparatory high school but admits students of all faiths. Catholic religion classes and Catholic identity are part of school life. Families who are not Catholic should plan for daily exposure to Catholic religious life. The student body has historically been substantially Catholic but is open and welcoming to non-Catholic applicants.
Does OLP accept international students?
Yes. International applicants follow OLP's standard admissions timeline. Required application materials include HSPT scores, transcripts, and recommendations. OLP is a day school in Mission Hills and does not operate boarding. International students not living with biological parents must work with one of OLP's preferred international agencies for guardianship and housing.
What standardized tests does OLP require for admissions?
OLP uses the HSPT (High School Placement Test) for grade-9 admissions, similar to other San Diego diocesan Catholic high schools. Overseas applicants unable to take the HSPT on campus should contact admissions about alternate arrangements. Once enrolled, OLP supports both SAT and ACT preparation through its college counseling program.
How does OLP compare to Cathedral Catholic and other Catholic schools?
OLP (~700 students, all-girls, founded 1882) is San Diego's only all-girls Catholic college-preparatory high school. Cathedral Catholic (~1,669 students, co-ed, founded 2005) is the diocese's largest Catholic high school. Both share Catholic identity and AP/Honors academic depth, but OLP's single-gender environment, smaller scale, and Mission Hills/Normal Heights location are the distinguishing choice factors. OLP partners with Saint Augustine HS (all-boys) for some social and academic activities.