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Aerial view of Austin Preparatory School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Austin Preparatory School

  • LocationReading, MA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 6–12 · 806 students
Official website
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Austin Preparatory School is an Augustinian Catholic school in Reading, Massachusetts, serving grades 6 to 12. Its campus ministry page describes daily Mass in the chapel, Eucharistic adoration every Thursday, seven all-school Masses a year, and retreats at every grade level, and it names a school chaplain. The 2026-2027 student handbook requires Upper School students to complete 40 hours of service.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Austin Preparatory School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Agnes Catholic Church: 0.9 mi1St. Athanasius: 2.0 mi2Saint Anthony Parish Church: 2.4 mi3Saint Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church: 2.8 mi4Austin Preparatory School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Agnes Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 186 Woburn Street, Reading
  2. St. Athanasius — 2.0 mi · 300 Haverhill Street, Reading
  3. Saint Anthony Parish Church — 2.4 mi · 851 Main Street, Woburn
  4. Saint Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church — 2.8 mi · 120 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington

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

82 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 (The campus ministry page lists seven All-School Masses for the year, about one a month.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Austin Prep celebrates seven All-School Masses throughout the year”
      The school celebrates seven All-School Masses each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass is offered in the chapel for students, faculty, and staff”
      Daily Mass is offered on campus in the chapel for students.
  • 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 offered during Advent and Lent as part of Theology classes.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “During Advent and Lent, students are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of their Theology classes”
      Students are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (The page says Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Thursday in the Chapel of St. Augustine.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Thursdays.”
      Eucharistic adoration is held every Thursday in the Chapel of St. Augustine.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Father Patrick Armano is named as School Chaplain on the campus ministry page and listed as Chaplain in the faculty and staff directory.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplin, who discusses celebrating Mass at Austin Prep”
      Father Patrick Armano is the school chaplain who celebrates Mass at Austin Prep.
    2. Faculty & Staff Directory | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/about-us/faculty-staff-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Patrick Armano Chaplain”
      The faculty and staff directory lists Patrick Armano as 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 (All students in grades 6 through 12 take theology every year. Counting the four Upper School years (grades 9 through 12) gives four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “with all students in grades 6 through 12 engaging in theology courses each year”
      All students in grades 6 through 12 take theology courses 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The required theology sequence includes courses in Catholic morality that address contemporary ethical issues.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Courses in Catholic morality and social teaching challenge students to apply their faith to contemporary ethical issues”
      Theology courses cover Catholic morality and social teaching and address contemporary ethical issues.
  • 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
    Sources (1)
    1. Upper School Academics | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/academics/upper-school-academics · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Austin Prep’s Upper School integrates faith and academic excellence”
      The Upper School states that its curriculum integrates faith and academic excellence.
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 (The campus ministry page says retreats are offered at every grade level. The 2026-2027 handbook says retreats are required of all students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Retreats are offered at every grade level and tailored to meet the unique spiritual and developmental needs of our students.”
      Retreats are offered at every grade level.
    2. Student/Parent Handbook 2026-2027 | Austin Preparatory Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1788264854/austinprep/jxksf2wzctmptt2cp7bd/Austin-Prep-2026-2027-Student-Parent-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “There are two areas of participation that are required of all students: Retreats and Service Learning.”
      Retreats are required of all students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two ministry staff are named: the School Chaplain, Father Patrick Armano, and Sr. Maria Nassali, Assistant Head for Ministry and Mission.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplin, who discusses celebrating Mass at Austin Prep”
      Father Patrick Armano is the school chaplain who celebrates Mass at Austin Prep.
    2. Mission & Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/about-us/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sr. Maria Nassali | Assistant Head for Ministry and Mission”
      Sr. Maria Nassali is Assistant Head for Ministry and Mission.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (The clubs page lists a Praise and Worship Club and a Retreat Leadership Program under its Leadership, Service, Faith & Community heading. The Retreat Leadership Program is also described on the campus ministry page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Leadership, Service, Faith & Community Create for a Cause/Crafting Club Friends of Rachel Club Interact Club Mission & Inclusion Club Praise and Worship Club Retreat Leadership Program”
      The clubs list includes a Praise and Worship Club and a Retreat Leadership Program.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each school day begins with prayer led by students”
      Each school day begins with student-led 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 2026-2027 handbook requires 40 hours of service over four years for Upper School students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student/Parent Handbook 2026-2027 | Austin Preparatory Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1788264854/austinprep/jxksf2wzctmptt2cp7bd/Austin-Prep-2026-2027-Student-Parent-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This will accumulate to the same 40 hours of service previously required but must be completed as 10-hour increments throughout four years.”
      Upper School students must complete 40 hours of service over four years.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Catholic social teaching is taught in the theology courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Courses in Catholic morality and social teaching challenge students to apply their faith to contemporary ethical issues”
      Theology courses cover Catholic morality and social teaching and address contemporary ethical issues.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

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

Strengths

  • Daily Mass is offered in the chapel, and Eucharistic adoration takes place every Thursday.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass is offered in the chapel for students, faculty, and staff”
      Daily Mass is offered on campus in the chapel for students.
      “Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Thursdays.”
      Eucharistic adoration is held every Thursday in the Chapel of St. Augustine.
  • All students in grades 6 through 12 take theology courses each year, and Upper School students must complete 40 hours of service.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “with all students in grades 6 through 12 engaging in theology courses each year”
      All students in grades 6 through 12 take theology courses each year.
    2. Student/Parent Handbook 2026-2027 | Austin Preparatory Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1788264854/austinprep/jxksf2wzctmptt2cp7bd/Austin-Prep-2026-2027-Student-Parent-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This will accumulate to the same 40 hours of service previously required but must be completed as 10-hour increments throughout four years.”
      Upper School students must complete 40 hours of service over four years.
  • A school chaplain is named, and retreats are offered at every grade level.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplin, who discusses celebrating Mass at Austin Prep”
      Father Patrick Armano is the school chaplain who celebrates Mass at Austin Prep.
      “Retreats are offered at every grade level and tailored to meet the unique spiritual and developmental needs of our students.”
      Retreats are offered at every grade level.

Concerns

  • Reconciliation is offered only during Advent and Lent.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “During Advent and Lent, students are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of their Theology classes”
      Students are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry Office, Austin Preparatory School

  • Address: 101 Willow Street, Reading, MA 01867
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

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

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 0 off campus, 4 location not published

Faith formation 1

  • AdeodatusOn campus
    Daily, 15 minutes
    A program in which students spend 15 minutes each day in the chapel for quiet reflection and prayer.
    austinprep.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Eucharistic AdorationOn campus
    Thursdays
    Eucharistic adoration in the Chapel of St. Augustine, offered to Theology classes and the community.
    austinprep.org
  • All-School Rosary
    May and October
    The entire school community participates in the All-School Rosary in May and October.
    austinprep.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Praise and Worship Club
    Student club listed under the Leadership, Service, Faith & Community heading.
    austinprep.org

Retreats 2

  • Grade-level retreats
    Retreats are offered at every grade level. Students in Grades 8 and 12 attend off-campus retreats.
    austinprep.org, austinprep.org
  • Retreat Leadership Program
    Students who lead small-group discussions and prayer on retreats, and attend an overnight retreat to prepare for their roles.
    austinprep.org, austinprep.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. Campus Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Austin Prep celebrates seven All-School Masses throughout the year”
    The school celebrates seven All-School Masses each year.
    “The Chapel of St. Augustine at Austin Prep serves as the heart of our spiritual life”
    The Chapel of St. Augustine is the campus chapel and center of spiritual life.
  2. Mission & Ministry | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/about-us/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sr. Maria Nassali | Assistant Head for Ministry and Mission”
    Sr. Maria Nassali is Assistant Head for Ministry and Mission.
  3. Contact Us | Austin Preparatory Schoolaustinprep.org/about-us/contact-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “101 Willow Street Reading MA 01867”
    The school's published address is 101 Willow Street, Reading, MA 01867.

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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.
94 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.100%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.10.7 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
Grades6–12
Students (all grades)806
Students in grades 9–12586
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio10.7 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges100%
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 Austin Preparatory School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Austin Preparatory School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Boston.
What is Austin Preparatory School’s Compass Score?
95 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Austin Preparatory School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Austin Preparatory School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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