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

Catholic high school

Central Catholic High School

  • LocationWheeling, WV
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 300 students
Official website

Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, West Virginia is a college preparatory high school in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Its campus ministry publishes weekly Mass for all students and staff, adoration among its regularly offered prayer services, and a retreat for each grade. A named chaplain is listed, religion is required for four credits, and students must complete 20 service hours each year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Central Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miCathedral of Saint Joseph: 0.0 mi1Saint Anthony Roman Catholic Church: 0.3 mi2Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church: 0.4 mi3Saint John's United Church of Christ: 0.5 mi4Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Roman Catholic Church: 0.5 mi5Blessed Trinity Catholic Church: 0.9 mi6Campus Ministry, Central Catholic High School: 0.0 miCentral Catholic High School (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Cathedral of Saint Joseph — 0.0 mi · 1300 Eoff Street, Wheeling
  2. Saint Anthony Roman Catholic Church — 0.3 mi
  3. Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church — 0.4 mi · 2111 Market Street, Wheeling
  4. Saint John's United Church of Christ — 0.5 mi
  5. Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Roman Catholic Church — 0.5 mi
  6. Blessed Trinity Catholic Church — 0.9 mi

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.

ASacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Prayer Services | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/mass-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff, providing a consistent opportunity to gather as one body in Christ.”
      The school says Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff.
  • 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 (Confession is offered 'regularly on campus' or times stated.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacraments | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Opportunities for Reconciliation are offered regularly on campus, and students attend Mass weekly and on holy days as a community.”
      Confession is offered regularly on campus; no days or times are given.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Adoration is named among the prayer services offered regularly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “prayer services including adoration and the Rosary are offered regularly, creating space for reflection and spiritual connection.”
      Adoration is offered regularly as a prayer service.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Joseph Wiley is listed as chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/about/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Joseph Wiley Chaplain”
      Fr. Joseph Wiley is listed as the school's chaplain.
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.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Religion is required for 4 credits to graduate. Religion courses are listed for each grade 9 to 12 (two semester courses per grade); this is one year of theology in each grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/academics/departments/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “4 Credits Needed for Graduation”
      The Religion department page says four credits are needed for graduation.
      “Religion 12B-Life in Jesus Christ”
      Religion courses are listed for each grade from 9 through 12, in A and B semesters.
  • 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.
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 (Each grade level has a dedicated retreat during the school year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Throughout the school year, each grade level participates in a dedicated retreat, with themes and activities tailored to where students are in their personal and spiritual journey.”
      Each grade level has a dedicated retreat during the school year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two staff are named: the chaplain (Fr. Joseph Wiley) and the Religion and Campus Minister (Kristy Riedel).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faculty & Staff | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/about/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Joseph Wiley Chaplain”
      Fr. Joseph Wiley is listed as the school's chaplain.
    2. Religion | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/academics/departments/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Religion & Campus Minister kriedel@cchsknights.org”
      Kristy Riedel is listed as Religion and Campus Minister, with a published email address.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Teens for Life, the Rosary Group and Peer Ministry are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Groups & Activities | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/groups-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Teens for Life members participate in local events, attend the annual March for Life, and organize prayerful initiatives throughout the school year.”
      Teens for Life is a student-led pro-life group that attends the annual March for Life.
      “Students and staff gather regularly to pray the Rosary together as a community.”
      A Rosary Group meets regularly.
      “Peer Ministers are student leaders who help create a welcoming and faith-filled environment at CCHS.”
      Peer Ministry is a student leadership group that supports retreats and prayer services.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Campus ministry describes daily prayer as part of student life, along with weekly Mass.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Through daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, and retreat experiences, students are invited to deepen their relationship with God and one another.”
      Campus ministry describes daily prayer as part of student life.
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 (20 required service hours each year, which is 80 hours over four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning & Verification | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/service-learning-verification · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each CCHS student is required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service work outside the school day every year”
      Every student must complete 20 hours of service each year, or 80 hours over 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.
    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 (Teens for Life, a student-led pro-life group, attends the annual March for Life.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Groups & Activities | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/groups-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Teens for Life members participate in local events, attend the annual March for Life, and organize prayerful initiatives throughout the school year.”
      Teens for Life is a student-led pro-life group that attends the annual March for Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Campus ministry lists service opportunities that include a commitment to social justice.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Service opportunities encourage compassion and a commitment to social justice, reflecting our values in action.”
      Campus ministry service opportunities include a commitment to social justice.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Prayer Services | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/mass-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff, providing a consistent opportunity to gather as one body in Christ.”
      The school says Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff.
  • A retreat is held for each grade level during the school year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Throughout the school year, each grade level participates in a dedicated retreat, with themes and activities tailored to where students are in their personal and spiritual journey.”
      Each grade level has a dedicated retreat during the school year.
  • Students complete 20 service hours each year, about 80 hours over four years.
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning & Verification | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/service-learning-verification · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each CCHS student is required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service work outside the school day every year”
      Every student must complete 20 hours of service each year, or 80 hours over four years.
  • A student pro-life group attends the annual March for Life.
    Sources (1)
    1. Groups & Activities | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/groups-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Teens for Life members participate in local events, attend the annual March for Life, and organize prayerful initiatives throughout the school year.”
      Teens for Life is a student-led pro-life group that attends the annual March for Life.

Concerns

  • The pages say only 'weekly', and confession is described as 'regularly' without days or times.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass & Prayer Services | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/mass-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff, providing a consistent opportunity to gather as one body in Christ.”
      The school says Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff.
    2. Sacraments | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Opportunities for Reconciliation are offered regularly on campus, and students attend Mass weekly and on holy days as a community.”
      Confession is offered regularly on campus; no days or times are given.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Central Catholic High School

  • Address: 75-14th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: cchsknights.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, wvcatholicschools.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 8 location not published

Faith formation 2

  • Rosary Group
    Students and staff gather regularly to pray the Rosary together.
    cchsknights.org
  • OCIA sacramental preparation
    Begins in January
    Order of Christian Initiation for Adolescents for students preparing for Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation.
    cchsknights.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Teens for Life
    Student-led pro-life group that takes part in local events, attends the annual March for Life and organizes prayerful initiatives.
    cchsknights.org
  • Peer Ministry
    Student leaders who help create a faith-filled environment, support retreats and help lead prayer services.
    cchsknights.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Weekly school Mass
    Weekly
    Mass offered weekly for all students and staff, plus Holy Day celebrations and special Masses such as the Defenders Mass.
    cchsknights.org
  • Prayer services and devotions (adoration, Rosary, seasonal liturgies)
    Some monthly, others weekly, and in Lent and Advent
    Prayer services offered throughout the year, including adoration and the Rosary.
    cchsknights.org, cchsknights.org

Retreats 1

  • Class retreats
    Once each school year, for each grade
    A dedicated retreat for each grade level, led by campus ministry staff, faculty and student leaders.
    cchsknights.org

Service 1

  • Service Learning Program
    20 hours each school year
    Required service outside the school day, with at least 10 hours in direct service to those most in need.
    cchsknights.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. Mass & Prayer Services | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry/mass-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff, providing a consistent opportunity to gather as one body in Christ.”
    The school says Mass is offered weekly for all students and staff.
  2. Campus Ministry | Central Catholic High Schoolcchsknights.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “prayer services including adoration and the Rosary are offered regularly, creating space for reflection and spiritual connection.”
    Adoration is offered regularly as a prayer service.
    “prayer services including adoration and the Rosary are offered regularly, creating space for reflection and spiritual connection.”
    Adoration is offered regularly as a prayer service.
  3. Our Schools | Department of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Wheeling-Charlestonwvcatholicschools.org/our-schools · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Central Catholic High School (304) 233-1660 75-14th Street Wheeling, WV 26003”
    The school is at 75-14th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, with main number 304-233-1660.

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Academic Excellence

DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
43 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.75%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.13.0 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
DioceseDiocese of Wheeling-Charleston, WV
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)300
Students in grades 9–12300
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio13.0 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges75%
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

Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

The Most Reverend Evelio Menjívar-Ayala, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of St. Joseph

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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