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Aerial view of Bishop Shanahan High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Bishop Shanahan High School

  • LocationDowningtown, PA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 876 students
Official website

Bishop Shanahan High School is a Catholic co-educational high school of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Holy Mass is celebrated in the school chapel each morning before the school day begins, and the chapel is open for adoration on Fridays. Father Shane Flanagan serves as School Minister, and students take theology in all four years.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Adoration 1

  • Friday8:45 AM–2:45 PMSchool chapel (first floor, center of school) · Each Friday during the school year, per the 2026-27 handbook.

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. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Each morning Holy Mass is celebrated before the school day begins. Each Friday is set aside for Eucharistic Adoration from 8:45 to 2:45.”
    Mass is celebrated in the school chapel each morning before the school day, and Friday is set aside for adoration from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Bishop Shanahan High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Joseph Church: 1.5 mi1Office of Faith & Ministry: 0.1 miBishop Shanahan High School (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph Church — 1.5 mi · 338 Manor Avenue, Downingtown

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

72 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 handbook says the community gathers for Mass several times during the school year, with no monthly schedule published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Bishop Shanahan is a worshiping community. All members of the Shanahan community gather for Mass several times in the course of the school year.”
      The school community gathers for Mass several times during the school year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (The handbook says Mass is celebrated each morning in the chapel before the school day begins.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each morning Holy Mass is celebrated before the school day begins. Each Friday is set aside for Eucharistic Adoration from 8:45 to 2:45.”
      Mass is celebrated in the school chapel each morning before the school day, and Friday is set aside for adoration from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM.
  • 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 (Penance services are offered three times during the school year. The School Minister is also available during select Friday lunch periods, with no fixed times published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All members of the Shanahan community are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the school-wide penance services which are offered three times during the school year. The School Minister is also available during select lunch periods on Fridays and at times which are more convenient for the individual throughout the year.”
      Penance services are offered three times during the school year, and the School Minister is available during select Friday lunch periods.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Eucharistic adoration is set aside each Friday from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM in the chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each morning Holy Mass is celebrated before the school day begins. Each Friday is set aside for Eucharistic Adoration from 8:45 to 2:45.”
      Mass is celebrated in the school chapel each morning before the school day, and Friday is set aside for adoration from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Father Shane Flanagan is listed as School Minister, and the handbook says the School Minister oversees all religious activities in the school.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Liturgy & Worship | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/faith/liturgyandworship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Shane Flanagan School Minister School: 610-518-1300 ext. 6201”
      Father Shane Flanagan is listed as School Minister, with the school's ministry phone extension.
    2. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The School Minister has the responsibility of overseeing all religious activities in the school.”
      The School Minister oversees the school's religious activities.
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 Archdiocese requires 4 credits of theology for a diploma, and Theology I through Theology IV are listed one per grade; theology is taken in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires 4 credits in Theology in order to receive a diploma from an Archdiocesan High School.”
      Four credits of theology are required for an Archdiocesan high school diploma.
      “Theology I Theology II”
      Theology I is listed for freshmen and Theology II for sophomores.
      “Theology III Theology IV”
      Theology III is listed for juniors and Theology IV for seniors.
  • 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 academics page states that the academic program helps students grow in knowledge, faith, and character.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academics | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/academics · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At Bishop Shanahan, our academic program gives students the opportunity to grow in knowledge, faith, and character.”
      The academic program is described as helping students grow in faith as well as knowledge and character.
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 (Archdiocesan policy requires an annual retreat for each student, and retreats are listed for freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “It is an Archdiocesan policy that each student enrolled in a diocesan high school attends an annual retreat as a requirement for promotion and/or graduation. Retreats will be scheduled for the students by grade throughout the school year.”
      Each student attends an annual retreat, scheduled by grade.
    2. Student Retreats | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/faith/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat Sophomore Retreat Junior Retreat Senior Retreat (Kairos)”
      Retreats are listed for each high school grade, with the senior retreat being Kairos.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One ministry staff member is named on the office pages: the School Minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy & Worship | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/faith/liturgyandworship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Office of Faith & Ministry Father Shane Flanagan”
      The Office of Faith & Ministry lists Father Shane Flanagan as its School Minister.
      “Father Shane Flanagan School Minister School: 610-518-1300 ext. 6201”
      Father Shane Flanagan is listed as School Minister, with the school's ministry phone extension.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Three faith-based student groups are listed: the Respect Life Club, the Ministry Club, and the Unshaken Bible study.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/studentlife/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club prayerfully participates in the monthly Vigil for Life every first Saturday of the month at St. Agnes in West Chester and at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.”
      The Respect Life Club takes part in a monthly Vigil for Life and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
      “Unshaken is the "Walking with Purpose" Bible study for Teen girls!”
      The Unshaken Bible study club for girls in grades 9-12 meets every other Thursday after school.
      “The Ministry Club plays an essential role in the religious events that take place within the school community.”
      The Ministry Club helps with the school's religious events, including liturgies.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each day and each class period begin with prayer, thus enabling everyone in the school community”
      Each school day and each class period begins with prayer.
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.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required service hoursNot 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.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/studentlife/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club prayerfully participates in the monthly Vigil for Life every first Saturday of the month at St. Agnes in West Chester and at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.”
      The Respect Life Club takes part in a monthly Vigil for Life and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The Community Service Corps runs monthly service projects and collections for people in need, and Faith in Action students live out Catholic social teaching through service.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/studentlife/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The BSHS Community Service Corps (CSC) is an organization dedicated to service throughout the Shanahan and Chester County communities.”
      The Community Service Corps is a service club open to all grade levels.
      “By providing aid and assistance to those in need, they organize monthly service projects and collections”
      The Community Service Corps organizes monthly service projects and collections for those in need.
    2. Faith in Action | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/faith/faithinaction · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Living out Catholic Social Teaching through service”
      Faith in Action lists living out Catholic social teaching through service as a goal.

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

Strengths

  • Holy Mass is celebrated in the school chapel each morning before the school day begins.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each morning Holy Mass is celebrated before the school day begins. Each Friday is set aside for Eucharistic Adoration from 8:45 to 2:45.”
      Mass is celebrated in the school chapel each morning before the school day, and Friday is set aside for adoration from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM.
  • Theology is required in every grade, four credits in all, and a retreat is scheduled for each grade.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires 4 credits in Theology in order to receive a diploma from an Archdiocesan High School.”
      Four credits of theology are required for an Archdiocesan high school diploma.
      “Theology I Theology II”
      Theology I is listed for freshmen and Theology II for sophomores.
      “Theology III Theology IV”
      Theology III is listed for juniors and Theology IV for seniors.
      “It is an Archdiocesan policy that each student enrolled in a diocesan high school attends an annual retreat as a requirement for promotion and/or graduation. Retreats will be scheduled for the students by grade throughout the school year.”
      Each student attends an annual retreat, scheduled by grade.
  • A Respect Life Club takes part in a monthly Vigil for Life and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/studentlife/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club prayerfully participates in the monthly Vigil for Life every first Saturday of the month at St. Agnes in West Chester and at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.”
      The Respect Life Club takes part in a monthly Vigil for Life and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Concerns

  • Penance services are offered three times during the school year, with no fixed weekly confession times published.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All members of the Shanahan community are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the school-wide penance services which are offered three times during the school year. The School Minister is also available during select lunch periods on Fridays and at times which are more convenient for the individual throughout the year.”
      Penance services are offered three times during the school year, and the School Minister is available during select Friday lunch periods.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office of Faith & Ministry

  • Address: 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, PA 19335
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Service 2

  • Respect Life ClubOff campus
    Monthly Vigil for Life, first Saturday of the month; annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
    Faculty and student club that upholds the dignity of human life and prayerfully attends the monthly Vigil for Life at St. Agnes in West Chester and the March for Life.
    shanahan.org, resources.finalsite.net
  • Community Service Corps
    Open to all grade levels; organizes monthly service projects and collections for people in need and local volunteer opportunities.
    shanahan.org, shanahan.org

Faith formation 2

  • Unshaken (Bible study for teen girls)On campus
    Every other Thursday after school, room 112
    Walking with Purpose Bible study for girls in grades 9-12.
    shanahan.org
  • Faith in Action
    Program for grade 11 and 12 students who plan and lead retreats, prayer services, liturgies, and service initiatives. Students are selected by application and interview.
    shanahan.org, shanahan.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Ministry ClubOn campus
    Students serve as servers, readers, and gift bearers at school and class liturgies, and may lead student prayer.
    shanahan.org
  • Eucharistic Holy HourOn campus
    7:00 PM every other week in the chapel; dates advertised by the Office of School Ministry
    Hosted by the School Minister and the Ministry Club Leadership Team, with praise and worship, a talk on the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and silent reflection before the Blessed Sacrament.
    resources.finalsite.net
  • Junior Ring Mass
    Mass at which the official school ring is presented to juniors; participation is mandatory for the junior class.
    resources.finalsite.net

Retreats 1

  • Student Retreats (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Kairos)
    Annual retreat for each grade, required by Archdiocesan policy for promotion and graduation.
    resources.finalsite.net, shanahan.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. Liturgy & Worship | Bishop Shanahan High Schoolshanahan.org/faith/liturgyandworship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Office of Faith & Ministry Father Shane Flanagan”
    The Office of Faith & Ministry lists Father Shane Flanagan as its School Minister.
    “Father Shane Flanagan School Minister School: 610-518-1300 ext. 6201”
    Father Shane Flanagan is listed as School Minister, with the school's ministry phone extension.
    “Office of Faith & Ministry Father Shane Flanagan”
    The Office of Faith & Ministry lists Father Shane Flanagan as its School Minister.
  2. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Bishop Shanahan High Schoolresources.finalsite.net/images/v1787922315/shanahanorg/djiolgvbal6qjuqnpzwt/2026-2027Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “220 Woodbine Road Downingtown, PA 19335”
    The school's address is 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, PA 19335.
    “The Chapel is located in the center of the school on the first floor.”
    The school chapel is on the first floor at the center of the school.

Reach out

Contact details for Father Shane Flanagan (School Minister) and 4 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
76 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.99%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.18.8 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 Philadelphia, PA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)876
Students in grades 9–12876
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio18.8 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges99%
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 Philadelphia

The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Bishop Shanahan High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Bishop Shanahan High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
What is Bishop Shanahan High School’s Compass Score?
84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Bishop Shanahan High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Bishop Shanahan High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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