Is Incarnate Word Academy a Catholic high school?

Yes. Incarnate Word Academy is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

What is Incarnate Word Academy’s Compass Score?

88 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is Mass celebrated at Incarnate Word Academy?

Mass is listed at IWA Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

Is Incarnate Word Academy Compass Recommended?

Yes. Incarnate Word Academy meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

Catholic high school

Incarnate Word Academy

LocationHouston, TX
Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 248 students

All-female

Official website Recommended badge

Incarnate Word Academy is a Catholic girls' college-preparatory high school in downtown Houston, operated in the tradition of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. Its published worship includes monthly all-school Masses at the neighboring Annunciation Catholic Church, an optional Wednesday morning Mass in the school chapel, and daily prayer. Four years of theology are required, each class attends an annual retreat, and students complete 75 hours of service.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

Wednesday7:30 AMIWA Chapel · Optional Mass before school.

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)

Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Additionally, we offer an optional Mass every Wednesday before school at 7:30 a.m. in our IWA Chapel, which is open to students and faculty all day, every day.”
An optional Mass is offered every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in the IWA Chapel, which is open all day.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Annunciation Catholic Church — 0.0 mi · 1618 Texas Avenue, Houston
Holy Cross Catholic Chapel — 0.4 mi · 905 Main Street, Houston
Saint Nicholas Catholic Church — 0.7 mi · 2508 Clay Street, Houston
Cathedral Centre — 0.7 mi
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church — 0.8 mi · 2405 Navigation Boulevard, Houston
Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart — 0.8 mi · 1111 Saint Joseph Parkway, Houston

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.

Sacramental life

59 of 100 points on what we could document.

Partly:
All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (Monthly all-school Masses, held next door at Annunciation Catholic Church, which the school's own page says are its liturgies. Counted as school Masses; the weekly Wednesday Mass is optional and is not counted here.)
Sources (2)
1. Liturgical Worship | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/liturgical-worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Through monthly all-school masses, morning prayer, before school morning masses on Wednesdays and devotions, IWA fosters an inclusive Catholic community focused on Incarnational Spirituality.”
  Monthly all-school Masses and a Wednesday morning Mass are part of the school's worship.
  “All-school liturgies are held next door at Annunciation Catholic Church.”
  All-school liturgies are held at Annunciation Catholic Church, next door to the school.
2. Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Every month, we gather as a community to celebrate Mass next door, at Annunciation Catholic Church.”
  The school gathers monthly for Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church next door.
Not enough information:
Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (Eucharistic adoration in the chapel during Advent and Lent, a recurring seasonal pattern.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Euhcaristic Adoration in the chapel during Advent and Lent”
  Eucharistic adoration is held in the chapel during Advent and Lent.
Partly:
Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Masses are published.)
Sources (1)
1. Liturgical Worship | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/liturgical-worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Through monthly all-school masses, morning prayer, before school morning masses on Wednesdays and devotions, IWA fosters an inclusive Catholic community focused on Incarnational Spirituality.”
  Monthly all-school Masses and a Wednesday morning Mass are part of the school's worship.
  “Each morning, we begin the day in prayer and Mass is offered in our school chapel on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.”
  Mass is offered in the school chapel on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m., and the day begins with prayer.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Theology I, II, III and IV are required for graduation, one per year (4 required theology courses in the four years, counted as full-year equivalents). Taken in every grade.)
Sources (1)
1. Our Curriculum | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/academics/our-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “4 Theology (I, II, III, IV)”
  Four years of theology (Theology I through IV) are required for graduation.
Yes:
Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The school states that it follows the approved USCCB framework.)
Sources (1)
1. Theology | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/academics/iwa-education/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “IWA follows the approved USCCB Framework which allows for five possible elective themes.”
  The theology courses follow the USCCB framework.
Yes:
Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (An Intro to Philosophy course is offered (an elective).)
Sources (1)
1. Theology | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/academics/iwa-education/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “This course will introduce students to the fundamental topics and concepts of the history of philosophy.”
  An Intro to Philosophy elective is offered.
Not enough information:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

Campus culture

80 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Freshman, sophomore, junior and senior retreats; attendance at the annual class retreats is a graduation requirement.)
Sources (2)
1. Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Retreat Program is a fundamental component of an IWA education; our students attend retreat every year.”
  Students attend a retreat every year.
2. Retreat Program | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/retreat-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “attendance at the annual class retreats is a graduation requirement for all IWA students.”
  Annual class retreats are a graduation requirement.
Partly:
Campus ministry staffOne (One campus minister is named (Anja Ozols). The Director of Campus Ministry is mentioned without a name.)
Sources (1)
1. Theology | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/academics/iwa-education/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Anja Ozols Campus Minister, Theology Teacher”
  Anja Ozols is listed as Campus Minister and theology teacher.
Partly:
Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (The student-led Campus Ministry Team with five ministry teams and a weekly student-led Bible study. A Faith category is listed on the clubs page.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Campus Ministry Team (CMT) is made up 60 Juniors and Seniors who form five ministry teams.”
  A student-led Campus Ministry Team of juniors and seniors forms five ministry teams.
  “Every Monday, CMT hosts a student-led Bible Study for all students to gather and share their unique reflections and perspectives on the Word of God.”
  A student-led Bible study is held every Monday.
Yes:
Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Each morning begins with prayer, a morning offering is made on announcements daily, and prayer is held before lunch.)
Sources (2)
1. Liturgical Worship | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/liturgical-worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Each morning, we begin the day in prayer and Mass is offered in our school chapel on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.”
  Mass is offered in the school chapel on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m., and the day begins with prayer.
2. Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Morning offering on announcements every day”
  A morning offering is made on announcements every day.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (75 service hours are required across high school, above the 40-hour threshold.)
Sources (1)
1. Service Learning | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/service-learning · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “To foster a spirituality of the Incarnation and a lifelong love of service, students at Incarnate Word Academy complete 75 hours of service throughout their high school career.”
  Students complete 75 hours of service over high school.
Yes:
Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Theology IV, a required course, introduces Catholic social teaching.)
Sources (1)
1. Theology | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/academics/iwa-education/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the social doctrine of the Catholic Church (also known as Catholic social teaching).”
  Theology IV, a required course, introduces Catholic social teaching.
Not enough information:
Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The service program and Service Team serve Houston organizations, with the school's stated commitment to fight for justice.)
Sources (2)
1. Incarnational Spirituality | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/incarnational-spirituality · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Care for those in need and fight for justice”
  The school lists caring for those in need and fighting for justice as part of its spirituality.
2. Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Students identify organizations within the Houston community where we can truly live out our faith through service.”
  Students serve Houston organizations to live out their faith.

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

Strengths

Four years of theology (Theology I to IV) are required, and the theology courses follow the USCCB framework.
Sources (2)
1. Our Curriculum | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/academics/our-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “4 Theology (I, II, III, IV)”
  Four years of theology (Theology I through IV) are required for graduation.
2. Theology | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/academics/iwa-education/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “IWA follows the approved USCCB Framework which allows for five possible elective themes.”
  The theology courses follow the USCCB framework.
Each grade attends an annual class retreat, and attendance is a graduation requirement.
Sources (1)
1. Retreat Program | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/retreat-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “attendance at the annual class retreats is a graduation requirement for all IWA students.”
  Annual class retreats are a graduation requirement.
Students complete 75 hours of service over high school.
Sources (1)
1. Service Learning | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/service-learning · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “To foster a spirituality of the Incarnation and a lifelong love of service, students at Incarnate Word Academy complete 75 hours of service throughout their high school career.”
  Students complete 75 hours of service over high school.

Concerns

Mass on campus is published only for Wednesday mornings, and the monthly all-school Mass is held next door.
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Additionally, we offer an optional Mass every Wednesday before school at 7:30 a.m. in our IWA Chapel, which is open to students and faculty all day, every day.”
  An optional Mass is offered every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in the IWA Chapel, which is open all day.
  “Every month, we gather as a community to celebrate Mass next door, at Annunciation Catholic Church.”
  The school gathers monthly for Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church next door.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry Team and IWA Chapel

Address: 609 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: incarnateword.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, incarnateword.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

11 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 5 off campus, 4 location not published

Liturgy and prayer 3

Monthly all-school MassOff campus
Monthly
All-school liturgy held at Annunciation Catholic Church next door.
incarnateword.org
Eucharistic procession on Holy ThursdayOff campus
Holy Thursday
Procession through downtown Houston.
incarnateword.org
Eucharistic adoration during Advent and LentOn campus
Advent and Lent
Eucharistic adoration in the school chapel.
incarnateword.org

Retreats 4

Freshman retreatOff campus
Day retreat at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
incarnateword.org
Junior retreatOff campus
Two-day overnight retreat at Forest Glen Camp with Mass, Adoration and Reconciliation.
incarnateword.org
Senior retreatOff campus
Three-day, two-night retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh.
incarnateword.org
Sophomore retreat
Day retreat focused on finding God through nature, art, music and daily encounters.
incarnateword.org

Clubs and groups 1

Campus Ministry TeamOn campus
Student-led team of juniors and seniors forming five ministry teams (Liturgy, Prayer, Retreat, Service and Bible Studies).
incarnateword.org

Faith formation 2

Weekly student-led Bible Study
Mondays
Student-led Bible study open to all students, led by trained leaders who use Lectio Divina.
incarnateword.org
Rosary devotions and prayer team activities
The Prayer Team coordinates rosary devotions, praise and worship and other prayer for students.
incarnateword.org

Service 1

Service Team and service learning
Students serve Houston organizations and complete 75 service hours over high school.
incarnateword.org, incarnateword.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

Campus Ministry Team

Sources (2)

Campus Ministry Team | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/spirituality/campus-ministry-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“The Campus Ministry Team (CMT) is made up 60 Juniors and Seniors who form five ministry teams.”
A student-led Campus Ministry Team of juniors and seniors forms five ministry teams.
“Additionally, we offer an optional Mass every Wednesday before school at 7:30 a.m. in our IWA Chapel, which is open to students and faculty all day, every day.”
An optional Mass is offered every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in the IWA Chapel, which is open all day.
Map & Directions | Incarnate Word Academyincarnateword.org/about/map-directions · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Incarnate Word Academy 609 Crawford Street Houston, TX 77002”
The school's published address is 609 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002.

Reach out

Contact details for IWA front desk (School front desk (main line; no campus ministry email published)) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

99 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of score100%
Students per teacher 25% of score8.3 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

Type	Independent Catholic school
Diocese	Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, TX
Grades	9–12
Students (all grades)	248
Students in grades 9–12	248
Coed or single-sex	All-female
Student–teacher ratio	8.3 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges	100%
Setting	City

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 Galveston-Houston

The Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

NCES school ID 01325323
609 Crawford St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 227-3637
Report an error or a newer source
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Questions families ask

Is Incarnate Word Academy a Catholic high school?: Yes. Incarnate Word Academy is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
What is Incarnate Word Academy’s Compass Score?: 88 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Incarnate Word Academy?: Mass is listed at IWA Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Incarnate Word Academy Compass Recommended?: Yes. Incarnate Word Academy meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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