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

Catholic high school

Holy Names Academy

  • LocationSeattle, WA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 571 students
  • SponsorSisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

All-female

Official website

Holy Names Academy is a private Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women in Seattle, founded in 1880 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Theology is required for eight semesters, every grade attends a retreat, and all-school Masses are held several times a year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Holy Names Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Joseph Catholic Church: 0.2 mi1Immaculate Conception Church: 1.1 mi2Chapel of Saint Ignatius: 1.2 mi3Saint Patrick's Church: 1.5 mi4Saint Patrick's Church: 1.5 mi5Saint James Cathedral: 1.6 mi6Faith and Campus Ministry, Holy Names Academy: 0.1 miHoly Names Academy (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph Catholic Church — 0.2 mi · 748 18th Avenue East, Seattle
  2. Immaculate Conception Church — 1.1 mi · 820 18th Avenue, Seattle
  3. Chapel of Saint Ignatius — 1.2 mi · 1000 11th Avenue, Seattle
  4. Saint Patrick's Church — 1.5 mi · 815 East Edgar Street, Seattle
  5. Saint Patrick's Church — 1.5 mi · 2702 Broadway East, Seattle
  6. Saint James Cathedral — 1.6 mi · 804 9th Avenue, Seattle

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.

DSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

47 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 (Four all-school Masses are named: Mass of the Holy Spirit (September), All Saints Day Mass (November), Catholic Schools Week Mass (January) and Ash Wednesday Mass. They are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies and Prayer Services | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/liturgies-and-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass of the Holy Spirit (September) Blessed Marie Rose Liturgy (October) All Saints Day Mass (November) Feast of the Immaculate Conception Liturgy (December) Catholic Schools Week Mass—Multicultural theme (January) Ash Wednesday Mass Mary Day Liturgy (May)”
      The school celebrates all-school liturgies during the year, including named Masses in September, November, January and at Ash Wednesday.
  • 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 (Advent Reconciliation and Lenten Reconciliation are listed as prayer services.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies and Prayer Services | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/liturgies-and-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Advent Reconciliation Lenten Reconciliation Holy Thursday Friday Rosary Stations of the Cross Eucharist Adoration”
      Prayer services include Advent and Lenten reconciliation and Eucharistic adoration, with no frequency stated.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (Eucharist Adoration is listed among example prayer services.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies and Prayer Services | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/liturgies-and-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Advent Reconciliation Lenten Reconciliation Holy Thursday Friday Rosary Stations of the Cross Eucharist Adoration”
      Prayer services include Advent and Lenten reconciliation and Eucharistic adoration, with no frequency stated.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (All-school Masses are confirmed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies and Prayer Services | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/liturgies-and-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass of the Holy Spirit (September) Blessed Marie Rose Liturgy (October) All Saints Day Mass (November) Feast of the Immaculate Conception Liturgy (December) Catholic Schools Week Mass—Multicultural theme (January) Ash Wednesday Mass Mary Day Liturgy (May)”
      The school celebrates all-school liturgies during the year, including named Masses in September, November, January and at Ash Wednesday.
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 (Theology is required at one credit each semester, eight semesters in total, which is four full years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Holy Names Academyresources.finalsite.net/images/v1785421244/holynamesseaorg1/zt3zbkyk87iyexs1kw4o/2026-2027-hna-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology (1 credit each semester enrolled at HNA) 8”
      Theology is a graduation requirement at one credit each semester, eight semesters in total.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Holy Names Academyresources.finalsite.net/images/v1785421244/holynamesseaorg1/zt3zbkyk87iyexs1kw4o/2026-2027-hna-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Holy Names Academy developed its theology courses within the framework of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework”
      The theology courses were developed within the USCCB Doctrinal Elements framework.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The grade 11 Theology course Morality/Service covers personal ethics and is counted as the ethics course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Holy Names Academyresources.finalsite.net/images/v1785421244/holynamesseaorg1/zt3zbkyk87iyexs1kw4o/2026-2027-hna-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The course fosters reflection on personal ethics so that students will implement these principles in their lives and service.”
      The grade 11 Morality/Service theology course covers personal ethics.
  • 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

87 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 has a one-day retreat during the school year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each grade participates in a one-day retreat during the school year.”
      Every grade has a one-day retreat during the school year.
    2. Retreats | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Class and Search retreats cultivate the development of the whole person: spiritually, intellectually and socially.”
      Class and Search retreats are offered to students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Campus ministry lists a director and two campus ministers.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith and Campus Ministry | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Julie Tilghman Director of Campus Ministry and Charism, AP Psychology Teacher”
      Julie Tilghman is listed as Director of Campus Ministry and Charism.
      “Tricia Cavanaugh Campus Minister and Theology Teacher, Alumna '03”
      Tricia Cavanaugh is listed as a campus minister.
      “Maddie Burns Campus Minister and Theology Teacher, Alumna '13”
      Maddie Burns is listed as a campus minister.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (Jesus Club is the only faith-named student club on the published clubs list. The Peer Ministry course is a class, not a club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Life and Clubs | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/fs/pages/707 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Harry Potter Club HOSA-Future Health Professionals Jesus Club Just Dance Club”
      Jesus Club is on the school's published clubs list.
  • 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 (Published requirements total 50 hours for grades 9 to 11 (10, 15 and 25 hours). The total is at least 50 hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENTS 9th grade: 10 hours per year 10th grade: 15 hours per year 11th grade: 25 hours per year”
      Service hours are required each year for grades 9 to 11.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The required grade 12 theology course Contemporary Problems examines issues within the social justice teaching of the Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Holy Names Academyresources.finalsite.net/images/v1785421244/holynamesseaorg1/zt3zbkyk87iyexs1kw4o/2026-2027-hna-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The course will examine current political, social, and global issues within the context of the social justice teaching of the Church.”
      The grade 12 Contemporary Problems theology course is framed by the social justice teaching of the Church.
  • 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
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Trips | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/service-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, a group of rising 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-grade students travel to Whatcom County to participate in a week-long service-learning experience called the Agape Service Project”
      Students travel each year to Whatcom County for the Agape Service Project.
      “In April 2026, HNA students and chaperones traveled to San Juan Jicayan, Mexico for a week of service and learning.”
      Students and chaperones traveled to Mexico for a service trip in April 2026.

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

Strengths

  • Theology is required for eight semesters, one credit each semester, and the courses were developed within the USCCB framework.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Course Catalog | Holy Names Academyresources.finalsite.net/images/v1785421244/holynamesseaorg1/zt3zbkyk87iyexs1kw4o/2026-2027-hna-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology (1 credit each semester enrolled at HNA) 8”
      Theology is a graduation requirement at one credit each semester, eight semesters in total.
      “Holy Names Academy developed its theology courses within the framework of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework”
      The theology courses were developed within the USCCB Doctrinal Elements framework.
  • Each grade has a retreat, and juniors and seniors may also attend the optional Search retreat, which includes Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each grade participates in a one-day retreat during the school year.”
      Every grade has a one-day retreat during the school year.
      “Over the course of the weekend, students partake in reflections from senior leaders, small group discussions, games and activities, and Mass.”
      The optional Search retreat for grades 11 and 12 includes Mass.
  • Service hours are required in grades 9 to 11, totaling at least 50 hours.
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENTS 9th grade: 10 hours per year 10th grade: 15 hours per year 11th grade: 25 hours per year”
      Service hours are required each year for grades 9 to 11.

Concerns

  • Only all-school Masses are listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies and Prayer Services | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/liturgies-and-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass of the Holy Spirit (September) Blessed Marie Rose Liturgy (October) All Saints Day Mass (November) Feast of the Immaculate Conception Liturgy (December) Catholic Schools Week Mass—Multicultural theme (January) Ash Wednesday Mass Mary Day Liturgy (May)”
      The school celebrates all-school liturgies during the year, including named Masses in September, November, January and at Ash Wednesday.
  • All-school Masses are confirmed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgies and Prayer Services | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/liturgies-and-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass of the Holy Spirit (September) Blessed Marie Rose Liturgy (October) All Saints Day Mass (November) Feast of the Immaculate Conception Liturgy (December) Catholic Schools Week Mass—Multicultural theme (January) Ash Wednesday Mass Mary Day Liturgy (May)”
      The school celebrates all-school liturgies during the year, including named Masses in September, November, January and at Ash Wednesday.
      “All-school liturgies take place at both the Holy Names Academy chapel and at St. Joseph Church, a few blocks from school.”
      All-school liturgies are held in the school chapel and at St. Joseph Church.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Faith and Campus Ministry, Holy Names Academy

  • Address: 728 21st Ave East, Seattle, WA 98112
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: holynames-sea.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, holynames-sea.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 2 off campus, 7 location not published

Service 3

  • Agape Service ProjectOff campus
    Each year, for rising grades 9 to 11
    A week-long service-learning project in Whatcom County, sponsored through the Seattle Archdiocese, with a food bank and migrant families.
    holynames-sea.org
  • Courts for Kids service trip to MexicoOff campus
    April 2026
    A week of service and learning in San Juan Jicayan, Oaxaca, Mexico.
    holynames-sea.org
  • Community service and Service Fair
    Service Fair each September
    Students volunteer with many organizations, including a senior theology service-learning elective.
    holynames-sea.org, holynames-sea.org

Faith formation 2

  • Peer Ministry
    A grade 11 theology course in which students lead at the 9th to 11th grade retreats and plan and read morning prayer and announcements.
    resources.finalsite.net
  • Reconciliation prayer services
    Advent and Lent
    Advent and Lenten reconciliation services are listed among prayer services.
    holynames-sea.org

Clubs and groups 1

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • All-school liturgies
    Several times a year
    Liturgies are held at the school chapel and at St. Joseph Church. Students serve as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, cantors and gift bearers.
    holynames-sea.org, holynames-sea.org

Retreats 2

  • Search Retreat
    Optional weekend retreat for grades 11 and 12
    A three-day student-led retreat with reflections, small groups, games and Mass.
    holynames-sea.org
  • Grade-level retreats
    One day each school year, for grades 9 to 12
    Each grade has a one-day retreat during school time. Retreats are held on and off campus.
    holynames-sea.org, holynames-sea.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. Faith and Campus Ministry | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Our Campus Ministry program promotes an active spirituality. We empower students to use their passion and intellect to enrich their community”
    Campus Ministry promotes active spirituality and empowers students to serve their community.
    “Julie Tilghman Director of Campus Ministry and Charism, AP Psychology Teacher”
    Julie Tilghman is listed as Director of Campus Ministry and Charism.
    “728 21st Ave East Seattle, WA 98112”
    The school's address is 728 21st Ave East, Seattle, WA 98112.
  2. Liturgies and Prayer Services | Holy Names Academyholynames-sea.org/student-life/faith-and-campus-ministry/liturgies-and-prayer-services · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “All-school liturgies take place at both the Holy Names Academy chapel and at St. Joseph Church, a few blocks from school.”
    All-school liturgies are held in the school chapel and at St. Joseph Church.

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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.
81 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.16.2 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 Seattle, WA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)571
Students in grades 9–12571
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio16.2 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges99%
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 Seattle

The Most Reverend Paul D. Etienne, Archbishop of Seattle

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Holy Names Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. Holy Names Academy is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Its sponsor is Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
What is Holy Names Academy’s Compass Score?
83 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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