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

Catholic high school

Hanson Memorial High School

  • LocationFranklin, LA
  • Type and sizeParish school · Grades 6–12 · 142 students
Official website
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Hanson Memorial High School is a Roman Catholic school in Franklin, Louisiana, for grades 6 to 12, in the Diocese of Lafayette. Students are required to attend a weekly school Mass, which the bell schedule places at 8:00 AM with students arriving at Church of the Assumption. Reconciliation is offered weekly before school Masses, each grade level has a one-day retreat, and students take one credit of religion each year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Hanson Memorial High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 miSaint Jules Catholic Church: 0.4 mi1Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 0.4 mi2Religious Formation Program (Religion Department), Hanson Memorial High School: 0.1 miHanson Memorial High School (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Jules Catholic Church — 0.4 mi · 601 Magnolia Street, Franklin
  2. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — 0.4 mi · 915 West Main Street, Franklin

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

86 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 (Students are required to attend regular weekly school Mass as part of the school day. The bell schedule shows an 8:00 Mass with students arriving at Church of the Assumption.)
    Sources (2)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students are required to attend regular weekly school Mass and/or Holy Day school Masses as a part of the school day.”
      Students must attend the weekly school Mass as part of the school day.
      “Liturgies are held weekly for students and faculty.”
      Liturgies are held weekly for students and faculty.
    2. Bell Schedules | Hanson Memorial High Schoolhansonmemorial.com/academics/bell-schedules.cfm · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “8:00 Mass (Students arrive at Church of the Assumption)”
      The school's Mass schedule begins at 8:00 AM, with students arriving at Church of the Assumption.
  • 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 (Reconciliation is offered weekly before school Masses, and also during Advent and Lent.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered weekly before school masses and also during Advent and Lent.”
      Reconciliation is offered weekly before school Masses and during Advent and Lent.
  • 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 (A Mass is published. Father Joel Faulk is listed as headmaster and is also the pastor of Church of the Assumption; he is recorded as a shared priest.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Father Joel Faulk Headmaster”
      Father Joel Faulk is the school's headmaster; the advisory council lists him as pastor of Church of the Assumption.
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 (The handbook requires one credit in religion per year at Hanson. Students must complete it in each of the four high school years; that is four full-year courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students must have completed one credit in Religion per year at Hanson.”
      One religion credit is required 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.
  • 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.
BCampus culture: 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.

Campus culture

73 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 participates in a one-day retreat, planned with the priest, religion teacher and Religion IV class.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each grade level participates in a one-day retreat which is planned for by the priest, religion teacher and Religion IV class.”
      Each grade level has a one-day retreat.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One professional ministry staff member is listed in the religion program: John Higdon, Religion Administrator. The headmaster, Father Joel Faulk, is not counted here.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Higdon, John Religion Administrator”
      John Higdon is the Religion Administrator.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (One faith-based program is listed: Fishers of Men (Religion IV, which combines the former Campus Ministry and TOUCH). Its club nights are part of the same program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “since it combines the two previously named programs – Campus Ministry and TOUCH.”
      Religion IV, known as Fishers of Men, combines the former Campus Ministry and TOUCH programs.
      “Activities such as grade-level retreats, school-wide prayer services, and club nights are incorporated.”
      Religion IV includes retreats, prayer services and club nights 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.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
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 (Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service by graduation, 10 hours per year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Hanson Memorial High Schoolhansonmemorial.com/academics/graduation-requirements.cfm · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service by graduation, 10 hours per year, turned in yearly.”
      Students must complete at least 40 hours of community service by graduation.
  • 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 (The handbook's list of clubs and organizations includes a Pro-Life club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Student Council Pro-Life Cheer”
      The school's clubs and organizations list includes a Pro-Life club.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Religion IV students visit community sectors and aid local agencies, including a nursing home, Special Olympics and community service projects. These are local service projects, not immersion trips.)
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Religion IV students will visit community sectors to participate in various activities and aid local agencies, such as visiting the nursing home”
      Religion IV students visit community sectors and aid local agencies.

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

Strengths

  • A weekly school Mass is required of all students as part of the school day.
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students are required to attend regular weekly school Mass and/or Holy Day school Masses as a part of the school day.”
      Students must attend the weekly school Mass as part of the school day.
  • Reconciliation is offered weekly before school Masses, and during Advent and Lent.
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered weekly before school masses and also during Advent and Lent.”
      Reconciliation is offered weekly before school Masses and during Advent and Lent.
  • Each grade level has a one-day retreat.
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each grade level participates in a one-day retreat which is planned for by the priest, religion teacher and Religion IV class.”
      Each grade level has a one-day retreat.
  • Students take one credit of religion each year, and a 40-hour community service minimum applies for graduation.
    Sources (2)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students must have completed one credit in Religion per year at Hanson.”
      One religion credit is required each year.
    2. Graduation Requirements | Hanson Memorial High Schoolhansonmemorial.com/academics/graduation-requirements.cfm · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service by graduation, 10 hours per year, turned in yearly.”
      Students must complete at least 40 hours of community service by graduation.

Concerns

  • The headmaster is a priest who is also a parish pastor.
    Sources (1)
    1. HMS Student Handbook 2026-2027hansonmemorial.com/editoruploads/files/2026-2027%20Handbook%20%26%20Files/Par_stu_Handbook_7-20-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Father Joel Faulk Headmaster”
      Father Joel Faulk is the school's headmaster; the advisory council lists him as pastor of Church of the Assumption.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Religious Formation Program (Religion Department), Hanson Memorial High School

  • Address: 903 Anderson Street, Franklin, LA 70538
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Service 1

  • Religion IV service visitsOff campus
    Religion IV students visit community sectors and aid local agencies, including visits to a nursing home, work with Special Olympics and community service projects.
    hansonmemorial.com

Faith formation 1

  • Fishers of Men (Religion IV program)
    The Religion IV program combines the former Campus Ministry and TOUCH programs. It includes grade-level retreats, school-wide prayer services and club nights for all students.
    hansonmemorial.com, hansonmemorial.com

Clubs and groups 1

Liturgy and prayer 1

Retreats 1

  • Grade-level retreats
    A one-day retreat for each grade level, planned with the priest, religion teacher and Religion IV class.
    hansonmemorial.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 (2)
  1. Religion Department | Hanson Memorial High Schoolhansonmemorial.com/student-life/relision-department.cfm · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Hanson Memorial High has a twofold Religious Formation Program”
    The school runs a Religious Formation Program through its Religion Department.
    “Hanson Memorial High has a twofold Religious Formation Program”
    The school runs a Religious Formation Program through its Religion Department.
  2. Contact Us & Directions | Hanson Memorial High Schoolhansonmemorial.com/about/contact-directions.cfm · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Hanson Memorial High School is located at 903 Anderson Street, in downtown Franklin, Louisiana.”
    The school is located at 903 Anderson Street, Franklin, Louisiana.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: 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.
63 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.81%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.8.9 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

TypeParish school
DioceseDiocese of Lafayette in Louisiana, LA
Grades6–12
Students (all grades)142
Students in grades 9–1291
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio8.9 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges81%
SettingTown

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 Lafayette in Louisiana

The Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of Lafayette in Louisiana

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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