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Aerial view of John Carroll School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

John Carroll School

  • LocationBel Air, MD
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 734 students
Official website
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The John Carroll School is a Catholic, co-educational, college-preparatory high school in Bel Air, Maryland, founded as an Archdiocese of Baltimore school in 1964 and operated as an independent Catholic school since 1971. Its Mission & Ministry Office publishes a daily 7:20 a.m. Mass in St. Jude Chapel, confession during Advisory each school day, and Thursday adoration during lunch mods, with a priest listed as school chaplain. Students take religion courses every semester, complete a four-year retreat program, and are required to complete 80 hours of service.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Monday–Friday7:20 AMSt. Jude Chapel · Daily Mass, as listed on the Mission & Ministry page.

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 & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Mass at 7:20 a.m. in the St. Jude Chapel”
    Daily Mass is offered at 7:20 a.m. in St. Jude Chapel on campus.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of John Carroll School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church: 0.8 mi1Saint Mary Magdalen Mission: 1.7 mi2Saint Ignatius Catholic Church: 2.7 mi3Mission & Ministry Office (St. Jude Chapel): 0.1 miJohn Carroll School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church — 0.8 mi · 141 North Hickory Avenue, Bel Air
  2. Saint Mary Magdalen Mission — 1.7 mi · 1716 Churchville Road, Bel Air
  3. Saint Ignatius Catholic Church — 2.7 mi · 533 East Jarrettsville Road, Hickory

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.

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

90 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 yearMonthly (The Religion Department page states that all-school Masses occur monthly. The Mission & Ministry page also lists school-wide Masses on Holy Days and special occasions.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion Department | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/academics/departments/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A weekday mass or prayer service is celebrated on Tuesdays after Advisory time and all-school masses occur monthly.”
      All-school Masses occur monthly.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass at 7:20 a.m. in the St. Jude Chapel”
      Daily Mass is offered at 7:20 a.m. in St. Jude Chapel on campus.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (Confessions are offered during Advisory each school day.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confessions during Advisory each school day”
      Confession is offered during Advisory on each school day.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is offered on Thursdays during lunch mods.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (Adoration) offered on Thursdays during Lunch Mods”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered every Thursday during lunch mods.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Father Zachary Watson is listed as School Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Zachary Watson School Chaplain”
      Father Zachary Watson is the School Chaplain. Michael Charles Kimble is Director of Mission & Ministry and Katie Smith is Associate Campus Minister.
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 Religion Department states that each student enrolls in a religion course every semester (eight semesters; four years). The graduation requirements list a religion minimum of 4 credits, with semester courses earning 0.5 credit.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Religion Department | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/academics/departments/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student enrolls in a religion course every semester.”
      Every student takes a religion course in every semester.
    2. Graduation Requirements | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/current-patriots/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Definition of Unit of Credit: Semester courses earn .5 credit; Year courses earn 1 credit”
      Religion is a 4-credit graduation requirement, and a semester course earns 0.5 credit.
    3. Student Handbook | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/current-patriots/student-handbook · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our four-year Religion curriculum imparts a deeper knowledge of the Catholic faith”
      The handbook describes a four-year Religion curriculum.
  • 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 Religion Department describes its courses as covering Catholic morality. The course catalog linked from the site is for 2023-2024.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion Department | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/academics/departments/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “a series of courses covering the person of Jesus, the teachings of the Catholic Church, Catholic morality, the Scriptures, peace and justice, world religions, and Christian life are presented to the students.”
      The Religion Department offers courses covering Catholic morality.
  • 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 mission statement says the school prepares students through its curriculum to be morally grounded in Catholic beliefs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Tradition & History | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/about/tradition-history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Through innovative practices and curriculum, we prepare students to positively influence a global society as critical thinkers and creative problem solvers while being socially responsible, spiritually centered and morally grounded in our Catholic beliefs.”
      The mission statement says the school's curriculum prepares students to be morally grounded in Catholic beliefs.
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

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (A retreat is held for each grade: Freshman retreat, Sophomore service retreat, Junior overnight retreat, and Senior retreat. Retreats are a graduation requirement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “These yearly retreats are a graduation requirement.”
      A retreat is held every year and is a graduation requirement.
      “Freshman Retreat: Held in August before the start of their first semester”
      Freshmen have a retreat in August, and sophomores have a service retreat and vocation trip. Juniors and seniors have overnight retreats.
      “Senior Retreat is currently held at Black Rock in Quarryville, PA.”
      The Senior retreat is a three-day overnight retreat held at Black Rock in Quarryville, PA.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Three ministry staff are listed: Director of Mission & Ministry, Associate Campus Minister, and School Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Zachary Watson School Chaplain”
      Father Zachary Watson is the School Chaplain. Michael Charles Kimble is Director of Mission & Ministry and Katie Smith is Associate Campus Minister.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Seeking Christ Club and the Peer Ministry program are listed. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes club is not counted because it is not a Catholic group.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/extracurriculars · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This club is a gathering occasion and opportunity for all individuals interested in practicing the Catholic Christian faith.”
      The Seeking Christ Club is a Catholic faith club that includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and group prayer.
      “Peer Ministers are young people committed to helping others by uplifting the dignity of each person and promoting the mission of our School.”
      Peer Ministry is a student group that promotes the Catholic mission of the school.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every morning before the first class and every afternoon at the end of our academic day, the John Carroll community pauses and reflects in prayer.”
      The school community prays together every morning and every afternoon.
BService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

73 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 (80 hours of service are required before graduation.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/current-patriots/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Community Service 80 hours (no credit)”
      Community service of 80 hours is required for graduation.
    2. Service Learning | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/service-learning · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “80 hours of service are required before Graduation.”
      Students must complete 80 hours of service before graduation.
  • 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.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)No
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/extracurriculars · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The club schedule below is for the 2026–2027 school year.”
      The 2026-2027 club schedule, which is the school's complete club list for the year, includes no pro-life group.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Service immersion trips include the Camden, NJ Urban Challenge and the Appalachia Work Camp in Preston County, WV.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/service-learning · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students spend four days and three nights at the Romero Center in Camden, NJ where they participate in the Urban Challenge.”
      Students take a four-day service immersion to Camden, NJ, in a program rooted in Catholic social teaching.
      “Students spend seven days and six nights in Preston County, WV working on different home repair projects”
      Students take a seven-day Appalachia Work Camp service trip to Preston County, WV.

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

Strengths

  • A Mass is offered on campus every school day at 7:20 a.m. in St. Jude Chapel, and confession is offered during Advisory each school day.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass at 7:20 a.m. in the St. Jude Chapel”
      Daily Mass is offered at 7:20 a.m. in St. Jude Chapel on campus.
      “Confessions during Advisory each school day”
      Confession is offered during Advisory on each school day.
  • Students take a religion course every semester for four years, and the mission statement ties the curriculum to Catholic beliefs.
    Sources (2)
    1. Religion Department | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/academics/departments/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student enrolls in a religion course every semester.”
      Every student takes a religion course in every semester.
    2. Tradition & History | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/about/tradition-history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Through innovative practices and curriculum, we prepare students to positively influence a global society as critical thinkers and creative problem solvers while being socially responsible, spiritually centered and morally grounded in our Catholic beliefs.”
      The mission statement says the school's curriculum prepares students to be morally grounded in Catholic beliefs.
  • Every grade has a required retreat, and 80 hours of service are required for graduation.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “These yearly retreats are a graduation requirement.”
      A retreat is held every year and is a graduation requirement.
    2. Graduation Requirements | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/current-patriots/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Community Service 80 hours (no credit)”
      Community service of 80 hours is required for graduation.

Concerns

  • No pro-life group appears on the 2026-2027 club schedule.
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/extracurriculars · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The club schedule below is for the 2026–2027 school year.”
      The 2026-2027 club schedule, which is the school's complete club list for the year, includes no pro-life group.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Mission & Ministry Office (St. Jude Chapel)

  • Address: 703 E. Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21014
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (St. Jude Chapel)

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 3 location not published

Service 3

  • Camden, NJ Service Retreat (Urban Challenge)Off campus
    Four days and three nights
    Service-learning immersion at the Romero Center in Camden, NJ, in a program rooted in Catholic social teaching.
    johncarroll.org
  • Appalachia Work CampOff campus
    Seven days and six nights
    Home repair projects in Preston County, WV, with other schools and parishes of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Mass is celebrated once during the week.
    johncarroll.org
  • Romero Service Club
    Third Thursday of the month, after school
    Hands-on service projects and initiatives to support people in need in the community.
    johncarroll.org

Faith formation 2

  • Seeking Christ ClubOn campus
    Thursdays, 2:50-3:20 p.m. (Room #308)
    A club for students practicing the Catholic faith. Its activities include reading and reflecting on the teachings of Christ, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and group prayer.
    johncarroll.org, johncarroll.org
  • Peer Ministry Program
    Once a cycle
    Application-based student leadership group for Juniors and Seniors that plans campus ministry events, leads prayer services and Sophomore and Junior retreat activities, and takes part in Freshman orientation days.
    johncarroll.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Music MinistryOn campus
    Mass days, 9:40-11:40 a.m. (Upper Gym)
    Prepares and leads the student body in Mass music.
    johncarroll.org

Retreats 1

  • Retreat program (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
    A yearly retreat for each grade. The Freshman retreat is held in August; the Sophomore service retreat and vocation trip include a class Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen; the Junior overnight retreat is at the Msgr. O'Dwyer Retreat House; the Senior three-day retreat is held at Black Rock in Quarryville, PA.
    johncarroll.org, johncarroll.org, johncarroll.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. Mission & Ministry | The John Carroll Schooljohncarroll.org/patriot-experience/campus-life/mission-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Mass at 7:20 a.m. in the St. Jude Chapel”
    Daily Mass is offered at 7:20 a.m. in St. Jude Chapel on campus.
    “Father Zachary Watson School Chaplain”
    Father Zachary Watson is the School Chaplain. Michael Charles Kimble is Director of Mission & Ministry and Katie Smith is Associate Campus Minister.
    “Daily Mass at 7:20 a.m. in the St. Jude Chapel”
    Daily Mass is offered at 7:20 a.m. in St. Jude Chapel on campus.
  2. Contact The John Carroll School | Bel Air, MDjohncarroll.org/about/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “703 E. Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014”
    The school is located at 703 E. Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: 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.
69 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.87%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.11.1 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 Baltimore, MD
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)734
Students in grades 9–12734
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio11.1 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges87%
SettingSuburb

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 Baltimore

The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of Mary Our Queen

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is John Carroll School a Catholic high school?
Yes. John Carroll School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
What is John Carroll School’s Compass Score?
85 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at John Carroll School?
Mass is listed at St. Jude Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is John Carroll School Compass Recommended?
Yes. John Carroll School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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