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Holy Names High School: Holy Names high school Oakland
Photo: Cassiville, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic high school

Holy Names High School

  • LocationOakland, CA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 121 students

All-female

Official website

Holy Names High School is a small Catholic college-preparatory school for young women in Oakland, founded in 1868 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Its student handbook refers to school Masses, and its campus ministry lists liturgical celebrations, retreats and contemplative prayer, with a Kairos retreat for juniors. Four years of theology are required, and students do service learning off campus twice a year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Holy Names High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Theresa Roman Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Saint Albert's Priory Chapel: 1.1 mi2Church of Saint Leo the Great: 1.3 mi3Saint Augustine Catholic Church: 1.7 mi4Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church: 2.0 mi5Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church: 2.2 mi6Campus Ministry, Holy Names High School: 0.1 miHoly Names High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church — 0.1 mi
  2. Saint Albert's Priory Chapel — 1.1 mi
  3. Church of Saint Leo the Great — 1.3 mi · 176 Ridgeway Avenue, Oakland
  4. Saint Augustine Catholic Church — 1.7 mi · 400 Alcatraz Avenue, Oakland
  5. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 322 Saint James Drive, Piedmont
  6. Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church — 2.2 mi · 4025 Martin Luther King Junior Way

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 yearA few times a year (The student handbook says every student wears a set uniform for Mass and formal assemblies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414543&type=d&pREC_ID=905051 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every student must wear one white HNHS polo and/or HNHS white Oxford shirt and a navy monogrammed cardigan sweater for mass”
      Every student wears a set uniform for Mass; the handbook refers to school Masses 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 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 (A school Mass is confirmed by the handbook.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414543&type=d&pREC_ID=905051 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every student must wear one white HNHS polo and/or HNHS white Oxford shirt and a navy monogrammed cardigan sweater for mass”
      Every student wears a set uniform for Mass; the handbook refers to school Masses for all students.
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 theology page lists 40 graduation credits and four theology courses, one each in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 (11A and 11B, and 12A and 12B, are one year each). Full-year equivalents: four. Theology is taken in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3673655&type=d&pREC_ID=904929 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Graduation Requirements: 40 credits Theology 9 Theology 10 Theology 11A: World Religions Theology 11B: Christian Life Theology 12A: Social Justice Theology 12B: Sacraments”
      The graduation requirements include theology in grades 9 through 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.
  • 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.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    RetreatsRetreats for some grades (A Kairos retreat is confirmed for the junior class.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Juniors have time to reflect at the Kairos retreat in Santa Cruz, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/news/article/2037475?categoryId=6135 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “During Kairos, the junior class are offered the chance to explore and reflect on their relationships with God, self and neighbor”
      The junior class is offered a Kairos retreat.
      “It was held at Villa Maria del Mar in Santa Cruz.”
      The Kairos retreat was held at Villa Maria del Mar in Santa Cruz.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One professional ministry staff member is listed: the campus minister, who also teaches in the theology department.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff Directory, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Liam Dodson Theology Department | Campus Minister”
      Liam Dodson is listed as a Theology Department staff member and Campus Minister.
    2. 2026/27 Events, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/events · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Presented by Campus Minister, Liam Dodson”
      Liam Dodson is named as the campus minister on the events page.
  • 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.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Service learning is required for grades 11 and 12 in 2026-27, and the handbook says each student follows the service-learning curriculum for her grade.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026/27 Back to School Information, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414543&type=d&pREC_ID=2591310 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “New for the 26-27 school year will be a requirement for all 11th and 12th grade students to participate in Service Learning in their community.”
      Grades 11 and 12 must take part in service learning in 2026-27.
    2. Student Handbook, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414543&type=d&pREC_ID=905051 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Service-Learning experiences are integrated into the Theology curriculum. Each student will follow the Service-Learning curriculum for her grade level.”
      Service learning is part of the theology curriculum, and each student follows the service-learning curriculum for her grade.
  • 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 (Students work off campus to benefit non-profits or serve marginalized communities twice a year. The school also describes a student-led justice forum for its sister schools.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Social Justice, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414463&type=d&pREC_ID=2361853 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Twice a year, students work off-campus to benefit a non-profit or serve marginalized or disadvantaged communities.”
      Students do off-campus service twice a year.
    2. Student Handbook, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414543&type=d&pREC_ID=905051 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Service-Learning experiences are integrated into the Theology curriculum. Each student will follow the Service-Learning curriculum for her grade level.”
      Service learning is part of the theology curriculum, and each student follows the service-learning curriculum for her grade.

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

Strengths

  • The handbook refers to school Masses for all students, and campus ministry offers liturgical celebrations and retreats.
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Handbook, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414543&type=d&pREC_ID=905051 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every student must wear one white HNHS polo and/or HNHS white Oxford shirt and a navy monogrammed cardigan sweater for mass”
      Every student wears a set uniform for Mass; the handbook refers to school Masses for all students.
    2. Campus Ministry, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4484009&type=d&pREC_ID=904992 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our Campus Ministry program offers liturgical celebrations, retreats, contemplative prayer, and service days and projects, among other things”
      The campus ministry program offers liturgical celebrations, retreats, contemplative prayer, and service days and projects.
  • Four years of theology are required for graduation: Theology 9, 10, 11 and 12.
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3673655&type=d&pREC_ID=904929 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Graduation Requirements: 40 credits Theology 9 Theology 10 Theology 11A: World Religions Theology 11B: Christian Life Theology 12A: Social Justice Theology 12B: Sacraments”
      The graduation requirements include theology in grades 9 through 12.
  • Students do off-campus service twice a year, and service learning is part of the theology curriculum.
    Sources (2)
    1. Social Justice, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414463&type=d&pREC_ID=2361853 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Twice a year, students work off-campus to benefit a non-profit or serve marginalized or disadvantaged communities.”
      Students do off-campus service twice a year.
    2. Student Handbook, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414543&type=d&pREC_ID=905051 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Service-Learning experiences are integrated into the Theology curriculum. Each student will follow the Service-Learning curriculum for her grade level.”
      Service learning is part of the theology curriculum, and each student follows the service-learning curriculum for her grade.

Concerns

  • The school's faith page describes a view of faith that embraces all religions and spiritual practices.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Inclusion, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=414463&type=d&pREC_ID=2361847 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our view of faith embraces all religions and spiritual practices”
      The school's faith page describes a view of faith that embraces all religions and spiritual practices.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Holy Names High School

  • Address: 4660 Harbord Drive, Oakland, CA 94618
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: hnhsoakland.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, hnhsoakland.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Retreats 1

  • Kairos retreat (juniors)Off campus
    Junior year
    Juniors are offered a Kairos retreat to reflect on their relationships with God, self and neighbor. It was held at Villa Maria del Mar in Santa Cruz.
    hnhsoakland.org, hnhsoakland.org

Service 2

  • Service learningOff campus
    Twice a year; required for grades 11 and 12 in 2026-27
    Students work off campus to benefit a non-profit or serve marginalized or disadvantaged communities. Service learning is part of the theology curriculum.
    hnhsoakland.org, hnhsoakland.org, hnhsoakland.org
  • Youth Justice Forum
    Every three years
    A student-led program for Sisters of the Holy Names schools in the US, Canada and Africa, on water access, immigration and human trafficking. The most recent forum was held at Holy Names University in Oakland.
    hnhsoakland.org

Faith formation 3

  • Contemplative prayer
    Contemplative prayer is part of the campus ministry program.
    hnhsoakland.org
  • Be Still & Know (Zoom series)
    Three sessions in fall 2026 (Sept 30, Oct 28, Dec 2)
    A three-part Zoom series presented by the campus minister, listed on the 2026/27 events page.
    hnhsoakland.org, hnhsoakland.org
  • Monthly moment of prayer (Zoom)
    First Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM
    A monthly prayer time on Zoom, listed on the 2026/27 events page.
    hnhsoakland.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Liturgical celebrations
    The campus ministry program offers liturgical celebrations.
    hnhsoakland.org
  • School Mass
    The student handbook refers to Mass, for which students wear a set uniform.
    hnhsoakland.org
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass (alumnae event)
    Tuesday, December 8, 2026
    A Mass listed on the 2026/27 events page, with an alumnae reception.
    hnhsoakland.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. Campus Ministry, Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4484009&type=d&pREC_ID=904992 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Our Campus Ministry program offers liturgical celebrations, retreats, contemplative prayer, and service days and projects, among other things”
    The campus ministry program offers liturgical celebrations, retreats, contemplative prayer, and service days and projects.
    “Our Campus Ministry program offers liturgical celebrations, retreats, contemplative prayer, and service days and projects, among other things”
    The campus ministry program offers liturgical celebrations, retreats, contemplative prayer, and service days and projects.
  2. Holy Names High Schoolhnhsoakland.org · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “4660 Harbord Drive, Oakland, CA 94618”
    The school's address is 4660 Harbord Drive, Oakland, CA 94618.

Reach out

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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.
93 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.6.4 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 Oakland, CA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)121
Students in grades 9–12121
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio6.4 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

Diocese of Oakland

The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, Bishop of Oakland

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Holy Names High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Holy Names High School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Oakland.

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