Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Archbishop Williams High School: Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA April 2025
Photo: 4300streetcar, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic high school

Archbishop Williams High School

  • LocationBraintree, MA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 7–12 · 725 students
  • SponsorTradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
Official website

Archbishop Williams High School is a Catholic, co-educational school for grades 7 to 12 in Braintree, Massachusetts. Its mission integrates learning with faith, and theology is taken every year. The Christian Service Program requires at least 80 hours over grades 9 to 12, and retreats are offered for each grade from 7 to 12. Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel offers Mass and confession on Tuesdays.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Archbishop Williams High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Mary's Church: 1.8 mi1Bethany Chapel: 2.2 mi2Campus Ministry, Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel: 0.0 miArchbishop Williams High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Mary's Church — 1.8 mi · 95 Crescent Street, Quincy
  2. Bethany Chapel — 2.2 mi · 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree

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.

CSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

57 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 yearA few times a year (The campus ministry page says the school attends Masses regularly. A Catholic Schools Week Mass was held in February 2026.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “As a Catholic school, we attend Masses, prayer services, and other forms of worship regularly.”
      The school states that it attends Masses regularly, with no frequency given.
    2. News & Events | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/about/news-events · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Schools Week Mass Honors Faith, Service, and Virtue at AWHS”
      The school held a Catholic Schools Week Mass in February 2026.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (Confession is scheduled every Tuesday in Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel Students have the ability to engage with various Sacraments and Liturgies throughout the week with Mass and Confession every Tuesday and Adoration on Friday.”
      The school's Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel offers Mass and confession on Tuesdays and adoration on Fridays.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (Adoration is listed on Fridays.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel Students have the ability to engage with various Sacraments and Liturgies throughout the week with Mass and Confession every Tuesday and Adoration on Friday.”
      The school's Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel offers Mass and confession on Tuesdays and adoration on Fridays.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Mass is confirmed. The February 2026 Catholic Schools Week Mass was celebrated by a visiting priest.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel Students have the ability to engage with various Sacraments and Liturgies throughout the week with Mass and Confession every Tuesday and Adoration on Friday.”
      The school's Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel offers Mass and confession on Tuesdays and adoration on Fridays.
      “David Cosgrove Campus Ministry, Theology Faculty David Gilpin Director of Campus Ministry John Perry Theology Faculty & Campus Ministry”
      Three campus ministry staff are listed: a director and two theology faculty who work in campus ministry.
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 a 4-credit requirement, one credit per academic year, and a theology course is taken every year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/academics/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology (one credit per academic year): 4 credits”
      Theology is a 4-credit graduation requirement at one credit per academic year.
    2. Theology Department | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/academics/program-of-studies/theologydept-2026 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are required to successfully complete a Theology course each year in which they are enrolled at Archbishop Williams High School.”
      Students must complete a theology course every year they are enrolled.
  • 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 (Apologetics, Theology 12 (Defending the Faith), is listed in the program of studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology Department | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/academics/program-of-studies/theologydept-2026 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 12 - Defending the Faith - Apologetics”
      Apologetics is offered as a grade 12 theology course.
  • 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 states that the school integrates learning with faith.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & History | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/about/mission-history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “we integrate learning with faith”
      The school's mission states that it integrates learning with faith.
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 (Retreats are listed for grades 7 through 12, which covers grades 9 through 12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grade 9 - Humility Grade 10 - Simplicity Grade 11 - Charity Grade 12 - Charity”
      Campus ministry lists a retreat for each of grades 9 through 12.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Three campus ministry staff are counted: the director and two theology faculty who work in campus ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “David Cosgrove Campus Ministry, Theology Faculty David Gilpin Director of Campus Ministry John Perry Theology Faculty & Campus Ministry”
      Three campus ministry staff are listed: a director and two theology faculty who work in campus ministry.
    2. Meet Our Leadership | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/about/meet-our-leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “David Gilpin Director of Campus Ministry”
      David Gilpin is the Director of Campus Ministry.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (Campus Ministry is listed as a Bishops Block club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Bishops Block | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/bishops-block · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry Chess Club”
      Campus Ministry is one of the Bishops Block clubs and activities.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Through daily prayers and theological studies”
      The school's home page says students have daily prayers.
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.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (The Christian Service Program requires 20 hours each year for grades 9 to 12, at least 80 hours in total.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students are required to participate in the Christian Service Program.”
      All students must participate in the Christian Service Program.
      “At least 80 hours of helping others!”
      The Christian Service Program requires at least 80 hours of service over grades 9 to 12.
  • 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 required service program focuses on the poor and vulnerable and on social justice, and Bishops in Action offers local service and outreach.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Service | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Focus on serving the poor and vulnerable for upperclassmen”
      Upperclassmen's service focuses on serving the poor and vulnerable.
    2. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students have the opportunity to put their faith into action by participating in local service and outreach programs.”
      Bishops in Action gives students local service and outreach programs.

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

Strengths

  • The Christian Service Program requires at least 80 hours of service over grades 9 to 12.
    Sources (1)
    1. Service | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At least 80 hours of helping others!”
      The Christian Service Program requires at least 80 hours of service over grades 9 to 12.
  • Theology is required every year, and campus ministry lists retreats for grades 7 through 12.
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology Department | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/academics/program-of-studies/theologydept-2026 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are required to successfully complete a Theology course each year in which they are enrolled at Archbishop Williams High School.”
      Students must complete a theology course every year they are enrolled.
    2. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grade 9 - Humility Grade 10 - Simplicity Grade 11 - Charity Grade 12 - Charity”
      Campus ministry lists a retreat for each of grades 9 through 12.
  • The mission states that the school integrates learning with faith.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & History | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/about/mission-history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “we integrate learning with faith”
      The school's mission states that it integrates learning with faith.

Concerns

  • Mass and confession are listed on Tuesdays only, with no daily Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel Students have the ability to engage with various Sacraments and Liturgies throughout the week with Mass and Confession every Tuesday and Adoration on Friday.”
      The school's Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel offers Mass and confession on Tuesdays and adoration on Fridays.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel

  • Address: 80 Independence Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184
  • Distance from campus: less than 0.1 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: awhs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, awhs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 7 location not published

Clubs and groups 1

  • Campus Ministry club
    Mid-day Bishops Block, rotated quarterly
    Campus Ministry is one of the Bishops Block clubs and activities.
    awhs.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel Mass and confession
    Mass and confession every Tuesday
    Mass and confession are offered in Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel, with adoration on Fridays.
    awhs.org
  • Liturgical ministry
    Students may serve as readers, gift bearers, altar servers, and choir members at Eucharistic celebrations.
    awhs.org
  • Catholic Schools Week Mass
    February 2026
    A Catholic Schools Week Mass was held in February 2026 that honored faith, service, and virtue.
    awhs.org

Retreats 1

  • Class retreats (grades 7 to 12)
    Each grade has a retreat
    Each grade has a retreat with a theme, such as Humility for grade 9 and Charity for grades 11 and 12.
    awhs.org

Service 2

  • Christian Service Program
    Required service of 20 hours a year for grades 9 to 12, with service at non-profit organizations.
    awhs.org
  • Bishops in Action
    Local service and outreach programs for students to put their faith into action.
    awhs.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 (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel Students have the ability to engage with various Sacraments and Liturgies throughout the week with Mass and Confession every Tuesday and Adoration on Friday.”
    The school's Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel offers Mass and confession on Tuesdays and adoration on Fridays.
    “David Cosgrove Campus Ministry, Theology Faculty David Gilpin Director of Campus Ministry John Perry Theology Faculty & Campus Ministry”
    Three campus ministry staff are listed: a director and two theology faculty who work in campus ministry.
    “Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel Students have the ability to engage with various Sacraments and Liturgies throughout the week with Mass and Confession every Tuesday and Adoration on Friday.”
    The school's Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel offers Mass and confession on Tuesdays and adoration on Fridays.
  2. Our Campus | Archbishop Williams High Schoolawhs.org/about/our-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “80 Independence Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184”
    The main school is at 80 Independence Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: 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.
84 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.96%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.12.1 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
DioceseArchdiocese of Boston, MA
Grades7–12
Students (all grades)725
Students in grades 9–12575
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio12.1 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges96%
SettingSuburb

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 Boston

The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Archbishop Williams High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Archbishop Williams High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Boston. Its sponsor is Tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
What is Archbishop Williams High School’s Compass Score?
83 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Archbishop Williams High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Archbishop Williams High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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