Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Cardinal O'Hara High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Cardinal O'Hara High School

  • LocationTonawanda, NY
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 181 students
Official website

Cardinal O'Hara High School is a Franciscan Catholic school in Tonawanda, New York. Its campus ministry page describes a Mass for all staff and students each month of the school year, and all students complete 35 hours of community service a year. Religion is required in each of the four years, and the religion courses include a class retreat.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Cardinal O'Hara High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSisters of St. Francis: 0.9 mi1Saint Amelia Catholic Church: 0.9 mi2Fellowship of God's Word: 1.5 mi3Catholic church (unnamed in OpenStreetMap): 1.6 mi4Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church: 1.8 mi5Saint Timothy Catholic Church: 2.0 mi6Campus Ministry, Cardinal O'Hara High School: 0.1 miCardinal O'Hara High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Sisters of St. Francis — 0.9 mi
  2. Saint Amelia Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 210 Saint Amelia Drive, Tonawanda
  3. Fellowship of God's Word — 1.5 mi · 116 Broad Street, Tonawanda
  4. Catholic church (unnamed in OpenStreetMap) — 1.6 mi · 150 Broad Street, Tonawanda
  5. Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 1085 Englewood Avenue, Tonawanda
  6. Saint Timothy Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 565 East Park Drive, Tonawanda

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 (A Mass for all staff and students is held every month of the school year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every month throughout the school year we have a mass for all staff and students.”
      The school holds a Mass for all staff and students every month of the school year.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Monthly school Masses are published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every month throughout the school year we have a mass for all staff and students.”
      The school holds a Mass for all staff and students every month of the school year.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

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.
    Years of theology or religion requiredThree years (The graduation requirement is 3.5 credits of religion. Each religion course is 1 credit for the full year; 3.5 full-year equivalents round down to three. Religion is required in each of the four years.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-2027-Course-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Religion 3.5”
      The graduation requirement for religion is 3.5 credits.
    2. Religion | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/religion · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Courses in religion are required for each of the four years a student will spend at COHS.”
      Religion courses are required in each of the four years.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
N/ACampus culture: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture

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

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Each religion course requires participation in a class retreat, and religion is required in all four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-2027-Course-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Requirements: Participation in class retreat and 35 hours of Christian service. Prerequisite: None”
      The first religion course, Understanding Catholic Christianity, requires participation in a class retreat.
      “Requirements: Participation in class retreat and 35 hours of Christian service.”
      Religion 12 requires participation in a class retreat.
      “Requirements: Participation in class retreat and 35 hours of Christian service.”
      Jesus of History / Christ of Faith requires participation in a class retreat.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus ministry staffNot 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.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsNot 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.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
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 (35 required service hours each year, 140 hours over four years.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “we require all students to donate 35 hours per year of community service which lends to 140 hours upon graduation.”
      All students must complete 35 hours of community service per year, 140 hours over four years.
    2. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-2027-Course-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “all students are required to complete 35 service hours each year as well as the above”
      The course catalog requires 35 service hours each year for all students.
  • 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 Good Samaritan Club assists community organizations with donations and time.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Organizations | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “By assisting organizations throughout the community through donations of food, clothing, money, personal care items as well as time and talent we are able to spread our Franciscan values to others.”
      The Good Samaritan Club assists community organizations and describes its work as spreading Franciscan values.

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

Strengths

  • A Mass for all staff and students is held every month of the school year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every month throughout the school year we have a mass for all staff and students.”
      The school holds a Mass for all staff and students every month of the school year.
  • All students complete 35 hours of community service a year, 140 hours over four years.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “we require all students to donate 35 hours per year of community service which lends to 140 hours upon graduation.”
      All students must complete 35 hours of community service per year, 140 hours over four years.
    2. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-2027-Course-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “all students are required to complete 35 service hours each year as well as the above”
      The course catalog requires 35 service hours each year for all students.
  • Religion is required in each of the four years, and each religion course requires participation in a class retreat.
    Sources (2)
    1. Religion | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/religion · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Courses in religion are required for each of the four years a student will spend at COHS.”
      Religion courses are required in each of the four years.
    2. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-2027-Course-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Requirements: Participation in class retreat and 35 hours of Christian service. Prerequisite: None”
      The first religion course, Understanding Catholic Christianity, requires participation in a class retreat.
      “Requirements: Participation in class retreat and 35 hours of Christian service.”
      Religion 12 requires participation in a class retreat.
  • The Church History course covers the Church's social teaching as a voice for justice.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-2027-Course-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “have made her a leading voice for justice in the world”
      The Church History course covers the Church's social teaching.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Cardinal O'Hara High School

  • Address: 39 O'Hara Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: cardinalohara.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026, cardinalohara.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Monthly school Mass
    Monthly during the school year
    A Mass for all staff and students each month; students are encouraged to take part in the readings and bringing of the gifts.
    cardinalohara.com
  • Junior Ring Ceremony
    First Thursday evening of December
    An evening of liturgy and refreshments, where rings or mementos are blessed and given to juniors.
    cardinalohara.com, cardinalohara.com
  • Eucharistic ministers
    Students who have received Confirmation are encouraged to become Ministers of the Eucharist, serving at school and at their home parishes.
    cardinalohara.com

Other 1

  • Greccio and Christmas concert
    During the Christmas season
    Freshmen tell the Greccio story of the Nativity each year, followed by the Christmas concert, which follows the same story.
    cardinalohara.com, cardinalohara.com

Retreats 1

  • Class retreats in religion courses
    During the religion courses, each year
    Each religion course requires participation in a class retreat.
    cardinalohara.com, cardinalohara.com

Service 2

  • Good Samaritan Club
    Assists community organizations through donations of food, clothing, money and personal care items, and time.
    cardinalohara.com
  • Christian service requirement
    Each school year, all four years
    All students must complete 35 hours of community service each year.
    cardinalohara.com, cardinalohara.com

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 | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Every month throughout the school year we have a mass for all staff and students.”
    The school holds a Mass for all staff and students every month of the school year.
  2. Visit Us | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/visit-us · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Cardinal O’Hara High School’s 17 acre campus is located at 39 O’Hara Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150.”
    The school and its campus are at 39 O'Hara Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150.
  3. Contact Us | Cardinal O'Hara High Schoolcardinalohara.com/contact-us · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Our beautiful chapel holds up to 50 people for mass or retreats.”
    The campus has a chapel.

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.
78 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.89%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.8.6 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

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseDiocese of Buffalo, NY
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)181
Students in grades 9–12181
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio8.6 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges89%
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

Diocese of Buffalo

The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Cardinal O'Hara High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Cardinal O'Hara High School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Buffalo.

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