Choosing a Catholic high school

The Compass lists every Catholic high school in the U.S. Department of Education’s Private School Survey: about 1,100 schools. Here is how to compare them.

Three kinds of Catholic high schools

• Parish schools are run by a parish. Many are combined elementary and high schools.
• Diocesan schools are run by the diocese’s Catholic schools office.
• Independent (private) Catholic schools are usually sponsored by a religious order, such as the Jesuits, the Christian Brothers, or the Sisters of Mercy, or are run by a lay board with diocesan recognition.

The Code of Canon Law says “the instruction and education in a Catholic school must be grounded in the principles of Catholic doctrine” (can. 803 §2). All three kinds can do that well; ask how each school does it.

What to look for

Theology

Most Catholic high schools require theology every year. The U.S. bishops’ Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework sets out a high school sequence covering Scripture, Jesus Christ, the Church, the sacraments, and the moral life, and many dioceses use it. Ask how many years are required and which textbooks are used.

Sacramental life

• How often is there an all-school or class Mass? Is daily Mass available?
• Is confession offered during the school day, and how often?
• Is there a priest chaplain, and is adoration ever offered?

Retreats and campus ministry

• Does every grade have a retreat? Many schools offer a senior retreat, such as Kairos.
• How many campus ministers are there? What faith clubs exist?

Service and Catholic social teaching

• How many service hours are required, and how are they connected to theology class?
• Are there both pro-life activities and other justice and service trips?

School facts

Each high school page shows federal survey facts: enrollment, grades served, coed or single-sex, student–teacher ratio, and the share of graduates going to four-year colleges as reported by the school. Tuition is not in federal data. Ask each school about tuition and financial aid, and ask your diocese and state about scholarship programs.

Next steps

• Browse Catholic high schools by state, diocese, or type.
• Use our visit questions for high schools.
• Read Catholic high school admissions and Paying for Catholic high school.
• Try Find my school for a shortlist near you.