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

Catholic high school

Archbishop McNicholas High School

  • LocationCincinnati, OH
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 628 students
  • SponsorSisters of St. Joseph (founders)
Official website
Honor Roll badge

Archbishop McNicholas High School in Cincinnati, Ohio was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Its website describes a Friday Mass in the school chapel, monthly all-school Masses at Guardian Angels Parish across the street, and four years of required theology. Retreats are offered at every grade level.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Friday7:00 AMMcNicholas school chapel · Open to students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni are welcome to gather for worship at Mass every Friday at 7 a.m.”
    A Mass is held every Friday at 7 a.m. in the school chapel, open to students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Archbishop McNicholas High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miGuardian Angels Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Immaculate Heart of Mary Church: 2.2 mi2Saint John Fisher Roman Catholic Church: 2.4 mi3Saint Jerome Roman Catholic Church: 2.9 mi4Mission & Ministry, McNicholas High School (school chapel): 0.1 miArchbishop McNicholas High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Guardian Angels Catholic Church — 0.1 mi
  2. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church — 2.2 mi · 7800 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati
  3. Saint John Fisher Roman Catholic Church — 2.4 mi
  4. Saint Jerome Roman Catholic Church — 2.9 mi · 131 Rohde Avenue

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.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

71 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (All-school Masses are held monthly and on Holy Days at Guardian Angels Parish across the street.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We gather across the street at the sanctuary of Guardian Angels Parish for monthly masses and Holy Day celebrations.”
      All-school Masses are celebrated monthly and on Holy Days at Guardian Angels Parish across the street from the school.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (Reconciliation is listed as offered throughout the year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Throughout the year, students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity for prayer in Adoration, Reconciliation, Lenten Stations of the Cross, and class prayer services.”
      Adoration and Reconciliation are offered during the year; no schedule is published.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (Adoration is listed as offered throughout the year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Throughout the year, students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity for prayer in Adoration, Reconciliation, Lenten Stations of the Cross, and class prayer services.”
      Adoration and Reconciliation are offered during the year; no schedule is published.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Kevin Scalf is listed as school chaplain; he is also a teacher.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Kevin Scalf Chaplain, Teacher”
      A priest, Fr. Kevin Scalf, is listed as the school 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 (Theology is listed as 4 credits, which the course offerings define as four full years (two semesters each). The sample sequence shows theology in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Offerings 2026-27 | McNicholas High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1781271998/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/eawu6kqqwfubsrz1d4ev/CourseOfferings26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4 • English 4 • Mathematics 4”
      Four full years (4 credits) of theology are required for a McNicholas diploma in 2026-27.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Morality (Life in Jesus Christ) is a required grade 10 theology course covering basic moral principles and decision-making.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Directory 2026-27 | McNicholas High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1769011230/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/vh0ow1qeu2bwjl6smnat/CourseDirectory26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “learning the basic moral principles, discernment and decision-making processes”
      Morality, a required grade 10 theology course, covers basic moral principles and decision-making.
  • 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 school's mission page states that students learn to see the world through a Catholic lens.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Mission | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/about-mcnick/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our students develop an ability to see the world through a Catholic lens and understand that faith is the gift which precedes ALL.”
      The school's mission states that students develop the ability to see the world through a Catholic lens.
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

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Freshmen and sophomores attend Days of Renewal, juniors attend Kairos, and seniors choose a senior retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith-Building Experiences & Retreats | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshmen and sophomores experience Days of Renewal.”
      Freshmen and sophomores take part in Days of Renewal.
      “Juniors experience Kairos, a four-day retreat grounded in Catholic incarnational theology.”
      Juniors take part in the Kairos retreat.
      “Seniors choose among a variety of retreat offerings, including a Creative Encounter, St. Vincent DePaul immersion, Appalachia Encounter, a Contemplative Encounter and a Damascus Retreat.”
      Seniors choose among several retreats.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (The Mission & Ministry team lists a Director of Mission & Ministry and a chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mr. Jeff Hutchinson-Smyth 1994 Director of Mission & Ministry, Teacher”
      Jeff Hutchinson-Smyth is listed as Director of Mission & Ministry.
      “Fr. Kevin Scalf Chaplain, Teacher”
      A priest, Fr. Kevin Scalf, is listed as the school chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Faith-based clubs listed include Faith on Fire Bible Study, Rockets for Life, Liturgy Choir, and Vocations Club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/student-life/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith on Fire Bible Study”
      The school's clubs list includes a Bible study club.
      “Rockets for Life”
      The school's clubs list includes Rockets for Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each school day begins and ends in prayer, and all members of the community share in the experience of prayer through communal worship at prayer services and within the celebration of Mass.”
      Each school day begins and ends in prayer.
AService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (The diploma requires 40 hours of approved service: 20 by the end of sophomore year and 20 more by the end of senior year. Taken from the 2025-26 curriculum guide, the newest edition found.)
    Sources (1)
    1. McNicholas High School Curriculum Guide (2025-26)resources.finalsite.net/images/v1767964322/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/rlcaxhkaw2ayfbkli89j/McNicholasHighSchoolCurriculumGuide.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Complete 40 hours of approved service work”
      Graduation requires 40 hours of approved service work: 20 by the end of sophomore year and 20 more by the end of senior year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Catholic Social Teaching is a required senior theology course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Directory 2026-27 | McNicholas High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1769011230/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/vh0ow1qeu2bwjl6smnat/CourseDirectory26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This one semester course is rooted in the social teaching of the Catholic Church.”
      Catholic Social Teaching is a required grade 12 theology course rooted in the Church's social teaching.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (The official clubs list includes Rockets for Life.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/student-life/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Rockets for Life”
      The school's clubs list includes Rockets for Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Service and social justice organizations listed include the St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference, Hands Across Campus, and the Catholic Relief Services Club. The Appalachia Encounter service retreat is also offered.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Christian Service | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “several McNicholas service and social justice-minded organizations, including the McNicholas St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference, the Student Philanthropy Project, Hands Across Campus (HAC), and Catholic Relief Services Club”
      Students serve in social justice and service organizations including the St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference, Hands Across Campus, and the Catholic Relief Services Club.
    2. Faith-Building Experiences & Retreats | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Today, students build Christian community both among themselves and among the people of eastern Tennessee through service, shared prayer, and cultural immersion experiences.”
      The Appalachia Encounter service retreat takes students to eastern Tennessee for service and immersion.

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

Strengths

  • A Mass is held every Friday at 7 a.m. in the school chapel, and all-school Masses are held monthly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni are welcome to gather for worship at Mass every Friday at 7 a.m.”
      A Mass is held every Friday at 7 a.m. in the school chapel, open to students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.
      “We gather across the street at the sanctuary of Guardian Angels Parish for monthly masses and Holy Day celebrations.”
      All-school Masses are celebrated monthly and on Holy Days at Guardian Angels Parish across the street from the school.
  • Retreats are offered at every grade level, including Kairos for juniors.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith-Building Experiences & Retreats | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshmen and sophomores experience Days of Renewal.”
      Freshmen and sophomores take part in Days of Renewal.
      “Juniors experience Kairos, a four-day retreat grounded in Catholic incarnational theology.”
      Juniors take part in the Kairos retreat.
      “Seniors choose among a variety of retreat offerings, including a Creative Encounter, St. Vincent DePaul immersion, Appalachia Encounter, a Contemplative Encounter and a Damascus Retreat.”
      Seniors choose among several retreats.
  • Four full years of theology are required for graduation.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Offerings 2026-27 | McNicholas High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1781271998/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/eawu6kqqwfubsrz1d4ev/CourseOfferings26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4 • English 4 • Mathematics 4”
      Four full years (4 credits) of theology are required for a McNicholas diploma in 2026-27.
  • Catholic Social Teaching is a required senior theology course, and the diploma requires 40 hours of approved service.
    Sources (2)
    1. Course Directory 2026-27 | McNicholas High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1769011230/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/vh0ow1qeu2bwjl6smnat/CourseDirectory26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This one semester course is rooted in the social teaching of the Catholic Church.”
      Catholic Social Teaching is a required grade 12 theology course rooted in the Church's social teaching.
    2. McNicholas High School Curriculum Guide (2025-26)resources.finalsite.net/images/v1767964322/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/rlcaxhkaw2ayfbkli89j/McNicholasHighSchoolCurriculumGuide.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Complete 40 hours of approved service work”
      Graduation requires 40 hours of approved service work: 20 by the end of sophomore year and 20 more by the end of senior year.

Concerns

  • The published Mass schedule lists a Friday Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni are welcome to gather for worship at Mass every Friday at 7 a.m.”
      A Mass is held every Friday at 7 a.m. in the school chapel, open to students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.
  • Reconciliation and Adoration are listed as offered during the year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Throughout the year, students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity for prayer in Adoration, Reconciliation, Lenten Stations of the Cross, and class prayer services.”
      Adoration and Reconciliation are offered during the year; no schedule is published.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Mission & Ministry, McNicholas High School (school chapel)

  • Address: 6536 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: mcnhs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, resources.finalsite.net, verified Oct. 12, 2026, mcnhs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

12 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 11 location not published

Service 4

  • Appalachia Encounter RetreatOff campus
    Service-learning retreat in eastern Tennessee.
    mcnhs.org
  • McNick St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference
    Service and social justice organization for students.
    mcnhs.org
  • Hands Across Campus
    Service and social justice organization for students.
    mcnhs.org
  • Catholic Relief Services Club
    Service and social justice organization for students.
    mcnhs.org

Faith formation 3

  • Faith on Fire Bible Study
    Bible study listed among the school's clubs.
    mcnhs.org
  • Vocations Club
    Club listed among the school's clubs.
    mcnhs.org
  • CREW
    Small-group formation communities of about 12 students, each with a mentor teacher, that meet daily.
    mcnhs.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Rockets for Life
    Pro-life club listed among the school's clubs.
    mcnhs.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Liturgy Choir
    Choir listed among the school's clubs.
    mcnhs.org

Retreats 3

  • Days of Renewal
    Retreat for freshmen and sophomores, facilitated by senior peer ministers.
    mcnhs.org
  • Kairos retreat
    Four-day retreat for juniors, grounded in Catholic incarnational theology.
    mcnhs.org
  • Senior retreat opportunities
    Senior choice among retreats, including Creative Encounter, St. Vincent DePaul immersion, Appalachia Encounter, Contemplative Encounter, and Damascus Retreat.
    mcnhs.org

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 (3)
  1. Mission & Ministry | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Through liturgy, prayer, retreats, Christian service, and other service-learning and faith-building experiences, students are challenged, encouraged, and inspired to develop their faith and to put it into action.”
    The Mission & Ministry office provides liturgy, prayer, retreats, and service to form students' faith.
    “Through liturgy, prayer, retreats, Christian service, and other service-learning and faith-building experiences, students are challenged, encouraged, and inspired to develop their faith and to put it into action.”
    Mission & Ministry describes liturgy, prayer, retreats, and service as central to faith formation.
  2. Prayer, Liturgy, & Sacramental Life | McNicholas High Schoolmcnhs.org/mission-ministry/liturgies-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni are welcome to gather for worship at Mass every Friday at 7 a.m.”
    A Mass is held every Friday at 7 a.m. in the school chapel, open to students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.
    “Students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni are welcome to gather for worship at Mass every Friday at 7 a.m.”
    A Mass is held every Friday at 7 a.m. in the school chapel, open to students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.
  3. Course Offerings 2026-27 | McNicholas High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1781271998/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/mcnhsorg/eawu6kqqwfubsrz1d4ev/CourseOfferings26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “6536 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45230”
    The school's address is 6536 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230.

Reach out

Contact details are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: 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.
91 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.98%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.10.6 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

TypeDiocesan school
DioceseArchdiocese of Cincinnati, OH
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)628
Students in grades 9–12628
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio10.6 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges98%
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

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

The Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Archbishop of Cincinnati

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Archbishop McNicholas High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Archbishop McNicholas High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Its sponsor is Sisters of St. Joseph (founders).
What is Archbishop McNicholas High School’s Compass Score?
92 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Archbishop McNicholas High School?
Mass is listed at McNicholas school chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Archbishop McNicholas High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Archbishop McNicholas High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in Ohio · Ohio rankings