Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Aquinas Institute
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Aquinas Institute

  • LocationRochester, NY
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 6–12 · 717 students
Official website

Aquinas Institute of Rochester is a Catholic, co-educational school in the Basilian tradition on Dewey Avenue in Rochester, New York. Students are required to take theology each year and to attend monthly school-wide Masses, and every grade has a retreat. Campus Ministry is led by a Director of Mission and Ministry and a priest chaplain.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Aquinas Institute, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSacred Heart Cathedral: 0.5 mi1St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church: 2.1 mi2St. Margaret Mary Church: 2.1 mi3Saint Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church: 2.5 mi4Saint Mary's Catholic Church: 2.9 mi5Campus Ministry, Aquinas Institute: 0.1 miAquinas Institute (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Sacred Heart Cathedral — 0.5 mi · 296 Flower City Park, Rochester
  2. St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church — 2.1 mi
  3. St. Margaret Mary Church — 2.1 mi · 401 Rogers Parkway, Rochester
  4. Saint Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church — 2.5 mi · 900 East Ridge Road, Rochester
  5. Saint Mary's Catholic Church — 2.9 mi · 15 Saint Mary's Place, Rochester

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (Students are required to attend monthly school-wide Masses, according to the school's Open House FAQ.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Aquinas Institute Open House FAQs | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/news/article/2167908 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Aquinas students are required to take a religion/theology class each year, attend monthly school-wide masses, attend the annual class retreat, and complete required service hours.”
      Students are required to take theology each year, attend monthly school-wide Masses, and complete required service hours.
    2. Instrumental & Vocal Music | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373459&type=d&pREC_ID=2575711 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “High School voice students also serve as worship leaders during School Mass celebrations”
      High school voice students serve as worship leaders at School Masses.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (The staff directory names Fr. John Mack as the school's priest chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff Directory | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. John Mack Priest Chaplin”
      Fr. John Mack is listed in the staff directory as the priest chaplain.
ATheology and curriculum: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The Open House FAQ and the international students page both say students are required to take a theology or religion class each year. The count is taken from the each-year statement.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Aquinas Institute Open House FAQs | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/news/article/2167908 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Aquinas students are required to take a religion/theology class each year, attend monthly school-wide masses, attend the annual class retreat, and complete required service hours.”
      Students are required to take theology each year, attend monthly school-wide Masses, and complete required service hours.
    2. Before You Apply | International Students | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373207&type=d&pREC_ID=2575127 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “students are required to take a theology course each year.”
      Students are required to take a theology course each year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The mission statement says students are taught goodness, discipline and knowledge, supported through Gospel values, within a comprehensive curricular and co-curricular program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Mission | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373141&type=d&pREC_ID=2574942 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “supported through Gospel values, within a comprehensive curricular and co-curricular program”
      The mission connects Gospel values with the curricular program.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

90 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (The Retreat Information page lists a retreat for each grade, from sixth grade through seniors, and says retreat is a requirement for grade promotion.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreat Information | Campus Ministry | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373474&type=d&pREC_ID=2575759 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshmen: Full school day retreat with included service experience.”
      Freshmen have a full school day retreat.
      “Sophomores: Full school day retreat with included service experience.”
      Sophomores have a full school day retreat.
      “Juniors: Full school day retreat at St. John Fisher University.”
      Juniors have a full school day retreat.
      “Seniors: Full day retreat at Camp Stella Maris on Conesus Lake.”
      Seniors have a full day retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two campus ministry leaders are named: the Director of Mission and Ministry and a priest chaplain.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373474&type=d · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Jodi Schott Director of Mission and Ministry/Administration/Theology (585) 254-2020 Ext 1036”
      Jodi Schott is the Director of Mission and Ministry, with a published school phone extension.
    2. Staff Directory | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. John Mack Priest Chaplin”
      Fr. John Mack is listed in the staff directory as the priest chaplain.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (The Mission and Ministry Core Team is the one student group with a faith focus that the pages reviewed describe.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Peer Ministry | Campus Ministry | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373474&type=d&pREC_ID=2575746 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Core Team is a group of highly motivated high school students who serve as faith role models”
      The Mission and Ministry Core Team is a student group of faith role models.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The Campus Ministry page says prayer is integral to daily life, and the school's Masses and prayer services are described on the same pages.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373474&type=d · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Prayer is integral to our daily life, and we encourage you to send us your prayer requests”
      Campus Ministry says prayer is integral to daily life at the school.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Required community service hours are stated in the school's FAQ.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Aquinas Institute Open House FAQs | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/news/article/2167908 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Aquinas students are required to take a religion/theology class each year, attend monthly school-wide masses, attend the annual class retreat, and complete required service hours.”
      Students are required to take theology each year, attend monthly school-wide Masses, and complete required service hours.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The clubs page lists a Leadership and Social Justice Clubs group, and the Campus Life page lists Habitat for Humanity and community outreach.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs & Activities | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373152&type=d&pREC_ID=2575230 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Leadership & Social Justice Clubs”
      The school lists a group of leadership and social justice clubs.
    2. Campus Life | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/campus-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Habitat for Humanity/Community Outreach”
      Campus Life lists Habitat for Humanity and community outreach among its service components.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Every grade has a full school day retreat, and the school requires monthly school-wide Masses.
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreat Information | Campus Ministry | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373474&type=d&pREC_ID=2575759 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshmen: Full school day retreat with included service experience.”
      Freshmen have a full school day retreat.
    2. Aquinas Institute Open House FAQs | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/news/article/2167908 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Aquinas students are required to take a religion/theology class each year, attend monthly school-wide masses, attend the annual class retreat, and complete required service hours.”
      Students are required to take theology each year, attend monthly school-wide Masses, and complete required service hours.
  • Campus Ministry is led by a Director of Mission and Ministry and a named priest chaplain.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373474&type=d · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Jodi Schott Director of Mission and Ministry/Administration/Theology (585) 254-2020 Ext 1036”
      Jodi Schott is the Director of Mission and Ministry, with a published school phone extension.
    2. Staff Directory | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. John Mack Priest Chaplin”
      Fr. John Mack is listed in the staff directory as the priest chaplain.
  • Students are required to take theology each year.
    Sources (2)
    1. Aquinas Institute Open House FAQs | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/news/article/2167908 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Aquinas students are required to take a religion/theology class each year, attend monthly school-wide masses, attend the annual class retreat, and complete required service hours.”
      Students are required to take theology each year, attend monthly school-wide Masses, and complete required service hours.
    2. Before You Apply | International Students | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373207&type=d&pREC_ID=2575127 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “students are required to take a theology course each year.”
      Students are required to take a theology course each year.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Aquinas Institute

  • Address: 1127 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14613
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (Martin J. Calihan '45 Chapel, open to all of the Aquinas community for quiet reflection)

View on map ↗

Source: aquinasinstitute.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, aquinasinstitute.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, aquinasinstitute.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

Faith formation 2

  • Mission and Ministry Core Team
    Student group of faith role models, established in 2022, that organizes retreats, assists with Masses and prayer services, and engages in service projects.
    aquinasinstitute.com
  • Lenten Day of Penance and Reconciliation
    Listed for March 3, 2027
    A listed school event for penance and reconciliation during Lent.
    aquinasinstitute.com

Liturgy and prayer 1

Retreats 1

Service 1

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. Campus Ministry | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373474&type=d · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Prayer is integral to our daily life, and we encourage you to send us your prayer requests”
    Campus Ministry says prayer is integral to daily life at the school.
    “Jodi Schott Director of Mission and Ministry/Administration/Theology (585) 254-2020 Ext 1036”
    Jodi Schott is the Director of Mission and Ministry, with a published school phone extension.
    “Prayer is integral to our daily life, and we encourage you to send us your prayer requests”
    Campus Ministry says prayer is integral to daily life at the school.
  2. Staff Directory | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Fr. John Mack Priest Chaplin”
    Fr. John Mack is listed in the staff directory as the priest chaplain.
  3. Contact & Directions | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373141&type=d&pREC_ID=2575031 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “We're located at 1127 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14613.”
    The school is located at 1127 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14613.
  4. Facilities | Aquinas Institute of Rochesteraquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4373141&type=d&pREC_ID=2574957 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Open to all of the Aquinas community for quiet reflection”
    The Martin J. Calihan '45 Chapel is open to the school community for quiet reflection.

Reach out

Contact details for Jodi Schott (Director of Mission and Ministry) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
67 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.85%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.10.5 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseDiocese of Rochester, NY
Grades6–12
Students (all grades)717
Students in grades 9–12445
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio10.5 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges85%
SettingCity

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Diocese of Rochester

The Most Reverend John S. Bonnici, Bishop of Rochester

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: dor.org, dor.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Aquinas Institute a Catholic high school?
Yes. Aquinas Institute is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Rochester.

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