Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Holy Cross School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Holy Cross School

  • LocationNew Orleans, LA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades PK–12 · 796 students

All-male

Official website

Holy Cross School is a Catholic school for boys in New Orleans, from primary grades through twelfth grade. Its campus ministry lists Monday lunch adoration, a Wednesday lunch rosary, a reconciliation day each semester, retreats for grades 9 through 12, and 25 hours of required service in each of grades 9 through 12.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Adoration 1

  • Monday11:30 AMMeditation Room, Grotto · Adoration at Lunch on the school calendar (12:00 PM end time listed on the calendar).

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. Mission - Holy Cross School calendarhcnola.org/parents/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Adoration at Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Meditation Room,Grotto”
    Adoration at lunch is listed on the school calendar on Mondays at 11:30 AM in the Meditation Room and Grotto.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Holy Cross School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miĐền Thánh Đức Mẹ La-Vang;Our Lady of Lavang Catholic Church: 1.0 mi1Transfiguration of The Lord Catholic Church: 1.0 mi2Saint Pius X Catholic Church: 1.1 mi3Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church: 1.8 mi4Saint Dominic Catholic Church: 1.9 mi5Saint James Major Catholic Church: 1.9 mi6Campus Ministry: 0.1 miHoly Cross School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Đền Thánh Đức Mẹ La-Vang;Our Lady of Lavang Catholic Church — 1.0 mi · 6054 Vermillion Boulevard, New Orleans
  2. Transfiguration of The Lord Catholic Church — 1.0 mi · 2212 Prentiss Avenue, New Orleans
  3. Saint Pius X Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 6666 Spanish Fort Boulevard, New Orleans
  4. Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 2916 Paris Avenue, New Orleans
  5. Saint Dominic Catholic Church — 1.9 mi
  6. Saint James Major Catholic Church — 1.9 mi · 3736 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans

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.

CSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

55 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 (One school Mass is on the school calendar this fall (Anniversary of St. Andre Bessette).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission - Holy Cross School calendarhcnola.org/parents/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass: Anniversary of Canonization of St. Andre' Bessette & blessing of the Cross Courts/Weight Room”
      A school Mass is on the calendar this fall, for the anniversary of St. Andre Bessette's canonization.
  • 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 (A Semesterly Reconciliation Day, twice a year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Peer Ministry - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Lunch Adoration Christian Athletes Group OCIA Group Virtue Group Grief Group Spiritual Direction School-Wide Adoration Semesterly Reconciliation Day”
      Lunch adoration, school-wide adoration and a reconciliation day each semester are offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Adoration at Lunch appears on the school calendar on Mondays at 11:30 AM, and the peer ministry page lists Lunch Adoration and School-Wide Adoration.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission - Holy Cross School calendarhcnola.org/parents/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adoration at Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Meditation Room,Grotto”
      Adoration at lunch is listed on the school calendar on Mondays at 11:30 AM in the Meditation Room and Grotto.
    2. Peer Ministry - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Lunch Adoration Christian Athletes Group OCIA Group Virtue Group Grief Group Spiritual Direction School-Wide Adoration Semesterly Reconciliation Day”
      Lunch adoration, school-wide adoration and a reconciliation day each semester are offered.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Confession is offered. The campus minister is listed as Mr. Logan Puissegur.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Peer Ministry - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Lunch Adoration Christian Athletes Group OCIA Group Virtue Group Grief Group Spiritual Direction School-Wide Adoration Semesterly Reconciliation Day”
      Lunch adoration, school-wide adoration and a reconciliation day each semester are offered.
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 (Computed from the course of study: Theology II, III and IV in grades 9 to 11, plus History of Religion in grade 12, one credit each year. Theology I in grade 8 is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course of Study - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/academics/high-school-8-12/course-of-study · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology II | 1.0 | Health and Physical Education II”
      Theology II is a required course in grade 9.
      “Theology III | 1.0 | World History or AP World History”
      Theology III is a required course in grade 10.
      “Theology IV | 1.0 | United States History or AP United States History”
      Theology IV is a required course in grade 11.
      “History of Religion | 1.0 | Civics or Civics Honors”
      History of Religion is a required course in grade 12.
  • 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
    Sources (2)
    1. Academics at Holy Cross - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/academics/hcacademics · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “through the living faith clear in each of their classes and throughout their time on campus”
      The school states that faith is part of students' learning in each class, not only in theology classes.
    2. Mission - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/about-hc/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “instilling Catholic values and the principles of Blessed Father Moreau”
      The school's mission states it instills Catholic values.
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 (The retreat programs page lists a retreat theme for each of grades 9 through 12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreat Programs - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/retreatprograms · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Semper Anticus, “Always Forward” Considering the Cross Spiritual/Character Growth 10th Grade”
      Retreat themes are listed for grades 9 through 12.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus minister is named.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Immersion Programs - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/immersion-programs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Logan Puissegur, Holy Cross School Campus Minister”
      Logan Puissegur is the school's campus minister.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Tigers for Christ (Pro-Life) and Peer Ministry are listed as student clubs or groups.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Extracurriculars - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/studentlife/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tigers for Christ (Pro-Life)”
      A pro-life student club, Tigers for Christ, is listed among the high school clubs.
    2. Peer Ministry - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Morning & Afternoon Prayer Prayer at the Pole Men’s Bible Study”
      Morning and afternoon prayer, Prayer at the Pole and a men's Bible study are offered through peer ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Peer Ministry - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Morning & Afternoon Prayer Prayer at the Pole Men’s Bible Study”
      Morning and afternoon prayer, Prayer at the Pole and a men's Bible study are offered through peer ministry.
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 (25 hours of required service in each of grades 9 to 12, 100 hours in high school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/community-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “8th Grade: 10 hours 9th Grade: 25 hours 10th Grade: 25 hours 11th Grade: 25 hours 12th Grade: 25 hours”
      Students in grades 9 through 12 must complete 25 service hours 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.
    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. Extracurriculars - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/studentlife/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tigers for Christ (Pro-Life)”
      A pro-life student club, Tigers for Christ, is listed among the high school clubs.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Immersion Programs - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/immersion-programs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “For 25+ years, high school students from Holy Cross School have participated in week-long immersion experiences each Christmas break and summer”
      High school students take week-long immersion trips with service projects at other Holy Cross communities.

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

Strengths

  • Retreats are listed for each high school grade, 9 through 12.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreat Programs - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/retreatprograms · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Semper Anticus, “Always Forward” Considering the Cross Spiritual/Character Growth 10th Grade”
      Retreat themes are listed for grades 9 through 12.
  • Students in grades 9 through 12 must complete 25 service hours each year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/community-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “8th Grade: 10 hours 9th Grade: 25 hours 10th Grade: 25 hours 11th Grade: 25 hours 12th Grade: 25 hours”
      Students in grades 9 through 12 must complete 25 service hours each year.
  • Four years of theology or religion are listed in the course of study.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course of Study - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/academics/high-school-8-12/course-of-study · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology II | 1.0 | Health and Physical Education II”
      Theology II is a required course in grade 9.
      “History of Religion | 1.0 | Civics or Civics Honors”
      History of Religion is a required course in grade 12.
  • Adoration at lunch is listed on the school calendar on Mondays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission - Holy Cross School calendarhcnola.org/parents/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adoration at Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Meditation Room,Grotto”
      Adoration at lunch is listed on the school calendar on Mondays at 11:30 AM in the Meditation Room and Grotto.

Concerns

  • Confession is listed as a reconciliation day each semester, with no regular weekly time.
    Sources (1)
    1. Peer Ministry - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Lunch Adoration Christian Athletes Group OCIA Group Virtue Group Grief Group Spiritual Direction School-Wide Adoration Semesterly Reconciliation Day”
      Lunch adoration, school-wide adoration and a reconciliation day each semester are offered.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry

  • Address: 5500 Paris Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70122
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Meditation Room, Grotto

View on map ↗

Source: hcnola.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, arch-no.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, hcnola.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus, 7 location not published

Service 3

  • Immersion ProgramsOff campus
    Christmas break and summer. Winter 2026 trip December 18-21, 2026
    Week-long immersion trips to other Holy Cross communities for service projects and communal prayer. The 2026 winter trip goes to San Juan Diego High School in Austin, Texas.
    hcnola.org, hcnola.org
  • March for LifeOff campus
    Listed under the out-of-school youth ministry.
    hcnola.org
  • Community Service Requirement
    Required service hours by grade: 10 hours in 8th grade and 25 hours in each of grades 9 through 12.
    hcnola.org, hcnola.org

Liturgy and prayer 4

  • Lunch AdorationOn campus
    Mondays, 11:30 AM
    Adoration at lunch, in the Meditation Room and Grotto.
    hcnola.org, hcnola.org
  • Rosary at High School Lunch
    Wednesdays, 11:30 AM
    A rosary at the high school lunch period, listed on the school calendar.
    hcnola.org
  • Reconciliation Day
    Once each semester
    A semesterly reconciliation day for students.
    hcnola.org
  • Altar Servers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
    Altar servers, and senior students who serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.
    hcnola.org

Faith formation 1

  • Peer Ministry
    Peer ministry offers daily and weekly prayer and direction, including morning and afternoon prayer, Prayer at the Pole, a men's Bible study, OCIA and virtue groups, and spiritual direction.
    hcnola.org, hcnola.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Tigers for Christ (Pro-Life)
    Pro-life student club listed among the school's clubs.
    hcnola.org

Retreats 1

  • Grade-Level Retreats
    Retreat programs with a theme for each grade, from 5th grade through 12th grade.
    hcnola.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 - Holy Cross Schoolhcnola.org/spirituality/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “As a Campus Ministry Team, we must bring Jesus to everything that we do and to everyone whom we encounter.”
    The school has a campus ministry team.
    “As a Campus Ministry Team, we must bring Jesus to everything that we do and to everyone whom we encounter.”
    The school has a campus ministry team.
  2. School Finder | Archdiocese of New Orleansarch-no.org/schoolfinder · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “5500 Paris Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70122”
    The archdiocese's school finder lists Holy Cross School at 5500 Paris Avenue, New Orleans.
  3. Mission - Holy Cross School calendarhcnola.org/parents/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Adoration at Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Meditation Room,Grotto”
    Adoration at lunch is listed on the school calendar on Mondays at 11:30 AM in the Meditation Room and Grotto.

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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.
90 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.96%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.9.1 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 New Orleans, LA
GradesPK–12
Students (all grades)796
Students in grades 9–12433
Coed or single-sexAll-male
Student–teacher ratio9.1 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges96%
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

Archdiocese of New Orleans

The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Archbishop of New Orleans

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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