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Aerial view of Holy Spirit Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Holy Spirit Academy

  • LocationMonticello, MN
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 57 students
Official website

Holy Spirit Academy is a 9th to 12th grade Catholic high school in Monticello, Minnesota, located on the campus of St. Henry Catholic Church. Students and staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday and on Holy Days of Obligation, and each day begins with Morning Prayer (Lauds). Theology is listed for each of the four grades, and in-house and away retreats are offered.

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, faculty and staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday and on Holy Days of Obligation. This is recorded at the weekly level.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students, Faculty and Staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday, as well as on Holy Days of Obligation, in the Church of St. Henry.”
      Students, faculty and staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday and on Holy Days of Obligation in the Church of St. Henry.
  • 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 (Confession is available on First Fridays, which is a monthly pattern, and at various times in Advent and Lent.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Confessions are available on First Fridays and at various times during the Advent and Lenten seasons.”
      Confession is available on First Fridays and at various times in 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
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students, Faculty and Staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday, as well as on Holy Days of Obligation, in the Church of St. Henry.”
      Students, faculty and staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday and on Holy Days of Obligation in the Church of St. Henry.
    2. About Us - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/about-us · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Holy Spirit Academy is located on the campus of St. Henry Catholic Church in Monticello”
      The school is located on the campus of St. Henry Catholic Church.
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 (The curriculum lists a theology course in each of grades 9 to 12, which is four full-year equivalents. Recorded as taken in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/curriculum · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Grade 9: Faith & the Word of God: An Introduction to Scripture Grade 10: Faith & Morals: Catholic Doctrine and Moral Theology Grade 11: Faith & Reason: An Introduction to Philosophy and Fundamental Theology Grade 12: Faith & the Human Experience: Ethics and the Spiritual Life”
      A theology course is listed for each of grades 9 to 12, including an introduction to philosophy in grade 11.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The grade 11 theology course is titled Faith & Reason: An Introduction to Philosophy and Fundamental Theology.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/curriculum · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Grade 9: Faith & the Word of God: An Introduction to Scripture Grade 10: Faith & Morals: Catholic Doctrine and Moral Theology Grade 11: Faith & Reason: An Introduction to Philosophy and Fundamental Theology Grade 12: Faith & the Human Experience: Ethics and the Spiritual Life”
      A theology course is listed for each of grades 9 to 12, including an introduction to philosophy in grade 11.
  • 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 (The curriculum page describes the program as an integrated education firmly grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/curriculum · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Holy Spirit Academy offers an authentic, integrated education firmly grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.”
      The program of studies describes an integrated education grounded in Catholic teaching.
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

84 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    RetreatsRetreats for some grades (In-house Advent and Lenten retreats and two away retreats are offered to students as opportunities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “‘In house’ Advent and Lenten retreats are offered to students to prepare for these penitential seasons.”
      In-house Advent and Lenten retreats are offered to students.
      “Two ‘away’ retreats are offered: Our Lady of Ransom Retreat in the fall and St. Joseph the Worker Retreat in the spring.”
      Two away retreats are offered: one in the fall and one in the spring.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus ministry staffNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Two faith-based groups are listed: the Men's group and the Women's group, which meet regularly to pray together. The Pro-Life Club is not counted here.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Men’s and Women’s groups meet regularly to discuss, listen, have fun, and pray together.”
      Men's and Women's groups meet regularly to pray together.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Each day begins with Morning Prayer (Lauds), each class begins with a prayer, and the Angelus is prayed before lunch.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each day begins with the Morning Offering and Morning Prayer (Lauds) from the Liturgy of the Hours”
      Each school day begins with Morning Prayer (Lauds).
      “Each class begins with the prayer, Come Holy Spirit, and ends with the Glory Be.”
      Each class begins with a prayer.
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.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required service hoursNot 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.
    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 (A student-run Pro-Life Club is listed on the school's clubs page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Pro-Life Club is a student-run club designed to help individuals understand the importance of the pro-life movement”
      The Pro-Life Club is a student-run club.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

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

Strengths

  • Each school day begins with Morning Prayer (Lauds), and each class begins with a prayer.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each day begins with the Morning Offering and Morning Prayer (Lauds) from the Liturgy of the Hours”
      Each school day begins with Morning Prayer (Lauds).
      “Each class begins with the prayer, Come Holy Spirit, and ends with the Glory Be.”
      Each class begins with a prayer.
  • Theology is listed for each of grades 9 to 12, and the school describes its program as grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/curriculum · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Grade 9: Faith & the Word of God: An Introduction to Scripture Grade 10: Faith & Morals: Catholic Doctrine and Moral Theology Grade 11: Faith & Reason: An Introduction to Philosophy and Fundamental Theology Grade 12: Faith & the Human Experience: Ethics and the Spiritual Life”
      A theology course is listed for each of grades 9 to 12, including an introduction to philosophy in grade 11.
      “Holy Spirit Academy offers an authentic, integrated education firmly grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.”
      The program of studies describes an integrated education grounded in Catholic teaching.
  • Retreats are offered to students, in-house in Advent and Lent and as two away retreats.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “‘In house’ Advent and Lenten retreats are offered to students to prepare for these penitential seasons.”
      In-house Advent and Lenten retreats are offered to students.
      “Two ‘away’ retreats are offered: Our Lady of Ransom Retreat in the fall and St. Joseph the Worker Retreat in the spring.”
      Two away retreats are offered: one in the fall and one in the spring.
  • A student-run Pro-Life Club is listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Pro-Life Club is a student-run club designed to help individuals understand the importance of the pro-life movement”
      The Pro-Life Club is a student-run club.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Church of St. Henry (the school is located on its campus)

  • Location: On campus

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

Catholic clubs and student life

11 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 3 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 3

  • Our Lady of Ransom RetreatOff campus
    Fall
    An away retreat offered to students.
    holyspiritacademy.org
  • St. Joseph the Worker RetreatOff campus
    Spring
    An away retreat offered to students.
    holyspiritacademy.org
  • In-house Advent and Lenten retreatsOn campus
    Advent and Lent
    Retreats offered to students to prepare for the penitential seasons.
    holyspiritacademy.org

Service 1

  • Service through MusicOff campus
    Holidays and special occasions
    Students sing at a local care home as part of the music program.
    holyspiritacademy.org

Faith formation 3

  • Morning Prayer (Lauds) and class prayersOn campus
    Each school day
    Each day begins with the Morning Offering and Morning Prayer (Lauds), each class begins with a prayer, and the Angelus is prayed before lunch.
    holyspiritacademy.org, holyspiritacademy.org
  • Quiet ExamenOn campus
    End of each day
    An opportunity to make a quiet Examen in the Church of St. Henry.
    holyspiritacademy.org
  • Men's group and Women's group
    Regular meetings
    Groups that meet regularly to discuss, listen, have fun and pray together.
    holyspiritacademy.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Weekly school MassOn campus
    Wednesday through Friday, and on Holy Days of Obligation
    Students, faculty and staff attend Mass in the Church of St. Henry, on the school's campus.
    holyspiritacademy.org, holyspiritacademy.org
  • Altar servers
    Male students are enrolled as altar servers and serve periodically throughout the year.
    holyspiritacademy.org
  • Eucharistic Procession and Commencement Mass
    Beginning of the school year (procession); end of the school year (Commencement Mass)
    A Eucharistic Procession after the Opening Mass at the start of the year, and a Commencement Mass at the end of the year.
    holyspiritacademy.org, holyspiritacademy.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Pro-Life Club
    Every other Tuesday, 3:30-4:00 PM, September to May
    A student-run club to help students understand the pro-life movement, develop apologetics skills and understand the importance of prayer for a pro-life culture. Additional events are organized outside school.
    holyspiritacademy.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. About Us - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/about-us · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Holy Spirit Academy is located on the campus of St. Henry Catholic Church in Monticello”
    The school is located on the campus of St. Henry Catholic Church.
    “Holy Spirit Academy is a 9th-12th grade High School located in Monticello, MN”
    The school is a 9th to 12th grade high school.
    “Holy Spirit Academy is located on the campus of St. Henry Catholic Church in Monticello”
    The school is located on the campus of St. Henry Catholic Church.
  2. Faith - Holy Spirit Academy | Monticello, MNholyspiritacademy.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Students, Faculty and Staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday, as well as on Holy Days of Obligation, in the Church of St. Henry.”
    Students, faculty and staff attend Mass Wednesday through Friday and on Holy Days of Obligation in the Church of St. Henry.

Reach out

Contact details for Holy Spirit Academy office (General office; no campus minister or chaplain is named on the site) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.90%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.6.7 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 Saint Paul and Minneapolis, MN
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)57
Students in grades 9–1257
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio6.7 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges90%
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

Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

The Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of Saint Paul

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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