Admissions FAQ

What are the basic requirements to get into CBA?

CBA is a private, all-boys college preparatory high school in the Lasallian tradition of Catholic education. Admission is competitive and spaces are open to young men who complete the eighth grade with a strong scholastic records, receive recommendations from their sending schools, and who have earned a qualifying score on the entrance examination. CBA accepts qualified students of all creeds and backgrounds.

Is there an Open House or another opportunity to visit CBA?

Open House is Sunday, October 14, 2012 between 12:30pm to 3:00 pm. Private guided tours are always available by contacting the main office at 732-747-1959 or at admissions@cbalincroftnj.org. Options are available during the school day and late afternoons.

For more ways to visit CBA, click here.

Does CBA accept students from a variety of schools and kinds of schools?

In an average year, CBA accepts students from 60 or more sending schools in a three county area. CBA's students come from Catholic, independent, and public middle schools and grammar schools. The qualifications of the individual student are key in the admissions process.

Is there something we can do to give our son a competitive edge in the application process? Should we get a tutor to prepare for the entrance exam?

Yes! Encourage him to take his education in grades 6 and 7 seriously. The records he accumulates in those years have much more bearing on his entrance exam performance and acceptance than any specific "preparation" prior to the entrance examination.
CBA's entrance exam is distinct from those assessments used for admission to the high schools of the Diocese of Trenton.
We believe that a student of above average intelligence who has had a solid foundation in mathematics, reading comprehension, English usage, and grammar should be able to earn a qualifying score on the entrance exam without recourse to tutors or other programs of exam preparation.
Ultimately, CBA's admissions policy is driven by one overriding criterion: will a boy admitted be likely to succeed in a rigorous and competitive college preparatory program.

We are not sure that we can afford to send our son to CBA given the economic climate and what we need to do for out other children’s education as well. Are there scholarships available?

Generations have sacrificed to make a Christian Brothers Academy education available to their sons. At the present time, though, CBA is fortunate to be able to offer a limited number of academic scholarships to the most highly qualified students.
In addition, need based specific scholarships and financial aid are available through an application process using objective processes to assess need. That information is available on the Finance page of this website.

Does CBA provide transportation to and from school?

CBA does not provide transportation. Local school board policy governs transportation to private schools and that is subject to annual review by those school boards. When you register your son as a student at CBA, you will be given a Transportation Request Form to complete. The form will then be submitted to your School District by CBA. Your local Board of Education will contact you during the summer months with busing information.

What is the application process for CBA?

The application process for CBA is quite simple. Once a student has registered and paid for the entrance exam the admission process has begun. Upon taking the exam the student will receive forms which are to be completed by the current school. This includes a Guidance Counselor Questionnaire and a Transcript request. These forms must be returned to CBA by early December in order for the candidate to be considered.
After all of the materials have been submitted the students records are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Applications generally far outpace the available spaces. Some students may be waitlisted when the admissions decisions are announced for spaces which become available based on subsequent developments in the admissions process.
In general, CBA seeks to enroll approximately 250 ninth graders each year.

Our son has special educational needs. What programs are available at CBA for him?

CBA offers no educational programs for classified students holding IEPs. There are no opportunities for untimed testing or other accommodations of that nature.
Specific subject tutoring is available to students through the National Honor Society and individual subject teachers who work with students out of class time. In addition, some families will use the services of professional tutors, either members of the CBA faculty or from outside agencies.

Are there medical requirements for admission to CBA?

Immunizations are mandatory for admittance to CBA.
A current physical is required and must be submitted prior to attendance. There will be a mailing regarding this after registration.

What happens after the application? How and when are we notified?

The Admissions Committee announces its decisions in writing in early January.
Some students will not be offered admission if the Academy's program is clearly not for them. Others will be accepted outright, conditionally, or placed on the waiting list.
Students who accept waitlist status are not provided information as to rank or position. When a place appropriate for an individual student becomes available, he will be notified of possible acceptance to CBA. Likewise, we do not release the results of the entrance examination.
Many students initially placed on the waitlist do go on to enjoy successful careers at CBA.

We are not certain that CBA is the final choice for our son. How much time to we have to make our decision after he has been notified of acceptance?

Once a student has been notified of acceptance, he and his family generally have a week to accept the spot and put down a non-refundable registration fee to secure his spot.
The next step is registration, which takes place later in January. Those who have sent the registration fee will be sent a package of materials to complete. On that date, a parent or guardian comes to CBA, often with the student, for the formal process of registration.
A tuition deposit is required at that time.

Does CBA Accept Upperclassmen/Transfer Students?

Each spring, Christian Brothers Academy considers a limited number of applicants for admission, generally into the sophomore year. The first concern in a transfer admission is that there be a space available in the class. The second concern is the student's qualifications, both academically and in terms of discipline and conduct. Official transcripts and recommendations are required in all cases. Interested parties should call the admissions secretary at 732-747-1959 x100 for further information in the early spring of the year in which a change might be desired.
An interview will generally be required in the summer as the transfer application is being considered.
Students moving from out-of-area who have demonstrated clear success in a comparable college preparatory educational program will receive due consideration if they apply for upperclass admissions.
CBA does not accept local transfers into grade 12.

For more information on Upperclass Admissions, click here.