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Aerial view of John F Kennedy Catholic High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

John F Kennedy Catholic High School

  • LocationBurien, WA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 815 students
Official website
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Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, Washington, is a Seattle Archdiocesan school. The whole student body meets for Mass at least monthly, and the chapel holds adoration on the first Friday of each month. The school has a chaplain and two campus ministry staff, retreats for every grade, and a 60-hour service graduation requirement. Its theology department uses the USCCB National Curriculum Framework.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Adoration 1

  • Friday7:30 AM–3:00 PMChapel · First Friday of each month.

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. Liturgy | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/liturgies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Every first Friday, our Chapel is open for Adoration from 7:30am - 3pm.”
    Eucharistic adoration is held in the chapel on the first Friday of each month, 7:30 AM to 3 PM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of John F Kennedy Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Francis of Assisi: 1.6 mi1Our Lady of Lourdes Church: 2.4 mi2Holy Family Church: 2.9 mi3John F Kennedy Catholic High School (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Francis of Assisi — 1.6 mi · 15246 21st Avenue Southwest, Burien
  2. Our Lady of Lourdes Church — 2.4 mi · 10243 12th Avenue South, Seattle
  3. Holy Family Church — 2.9 mi · 9622 20th Avenue Southwest, 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.

BSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

85 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 whole student body meets at least monthly for Mass in the gym; specific dates are announced on the website.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/liturgies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our entire student body meets at least monthly to celebrate Mass together in the gym.”
      The whole student body attends Mass together at least monthly.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Adoration in the chapel on the first Friday of every month, 7:30 AM to 3 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/liturgies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every first Friday, our Chapel is open for Adoration from 7:30am - 3pm.”
      Eucharistic adoration is held in the chapel on the first Friday of each month, 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Patrick Sherrard is named as the school's chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Kennedy Catholic High Schoolkennedyhs.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Patrick Sherrard Chaplain, Theology”
      A priest, Fr. Patrick Sherrard, is listed as the school's chaplain.
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 theology department describes theology study across the four years of high school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Kennedy Catholic High Schoolkennedyhs.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “In their four years of study, students encounter the risen Christ”
      Students study theology across their four years of high school.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The theology department says it uses the USCCB National Curriculum Framework.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Kennedy Catholic High Schoolkennedyhs.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “using the United States Council of Catholic Bishops’ National Curriculum Framework”
      The theology department uses the USCCB National Curriculum Framework.
  • 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.
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 (Retreats are offered for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat, also known as FROSH Retreat, is all about building community among the Freshman class”
      The freshman class has its own retreat.
      “Campus Ministry is excited to host the Sophomore Solidarity Retreat for the Class of 2029”
      The sophomore class has its own retreat.
      “Junior Pilgrimage is the Junior class retreat.”
      The junior class has its own retreat.
      “The Senior Retreat is the Senior class retreat.”
      The senior class has its own retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Director and Assistant Director of Campus Ministry are listed, plus a chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Kennedy Catholic High Schoolkennedyhs.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Jenny Farrell Director of Campus Ministry, Theology”
      Jenny Farrell is Director of Campus Ministry.
      “A.J. Hostak Assistant Director of Campus Ministry”
      A.J. Hostak is Assistant Director of Campus Ministry.
      “Fr. Patrick Sherrard Chaplain, Theology”
      A priest, Fr. Patrick Sherrard, is listed as the school's chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Students for Life Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Praise Band and the Wisdom Wednesdays Bible study are faith-based student groups.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Ministries | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/student-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This ministry is open to all students who are interested in promoting awareness and advocacy around issues that affect human life”
      The Students for Life Club is open to all students and promotes respect for human life.
      “This ministry works closely with other groups to coordinate efforts on behalf of human rights issues.”
      The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a student ministry that works on human rights issues.
      “Join the Praise Band on Monday's after school”
      The Praise Band is a student ministry that meets after school on Mondays.
    2. Daily Announcements | Kennedy Catholic High Schoolkennedyhs.org/who-we-are/news-and-events/daily-bulletin · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “ASB will host a weekly Bible study called Wisdom Wednesdays in the Chapel from 8–8:35 am.”
      A weekly student Bible study, Wisdom Wednesdays, meets in the chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Monthly Mass, class prayer services in the chapel, and first-Friday adoration are built into the school year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/liturgies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “many individual classes will hold prayer services throughout the school year in our Chapel.”
      Classes hold prayer services in the chapel during the school year.
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 (A minimum of 60 hours of service is required by graduation (ISLE Project).)
    Sources (1)
    1. ISLE Project | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/isle · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “By graduation, each Kennedy Catholic student will have completed a minimum of 60 hours of service”
      Every student must complete at least 60 hours of service by 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (The Students for Life Club works on respect for human life and advocacy.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Ministries | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/student-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This ministry is open to all students who are interested in promoting awareness and advocacy around issues that affect human life”
      The Students for Life Club is open to all students and promotes respect for human life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Habitat for Humanity service immersion trips and the St. Vincent de Paul Society's human rights work.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Service Immersion Trips | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/service-immersion-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students age 14 and older are welcome to apply to either the Yakima Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Service Immersion”
      Students can apply to a Habitat for Humanity service immersion trip.
    2. Student Ministries | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/student-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This ministry works closely with other groups to coordinate efforts on behalf of human rights issues.”
      The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a student ministry that works on human rights issues.

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

Strengths

  • The whole student body meets for Mass at least monthly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/liturgies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our entire student body meets at least monthly to celebrate Mass together in the gym.”
      The whole student body attends Mass together at least monthly.
  • Retreats are offered for every grade from freshman through senior year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat, also known as FROSH Retreat, is all about building community among the Freshman class”
      The freshman class has its own retreat.
      “Campus Ministry is excited to host the Sophomore Solidarity Retreat for the Class of 2029”
      The sophomore class has its own retreat.
      “Junior Pilgrimage is the Junior class retreat.”
      The junior class has its own retreat.
      “The Senior Retreat is the Senior class retreat.”
      The senior class has its own retreat.
  • Every student must complete at least 60 hours of service by graduation.
    Sources (1)
    1. ISLE Project | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/isle · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “By graduation, each Kennedy Catholic student will have completed a minimum of 60 hours of service”
      Every student must complete at least 60 hours of service by graduation.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Kennedy Catholic Chapel and Campus Ministry office

  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, campus ministry office

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

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 3 location not published

Service 2

  • Habitat for Humanity service immersion tripOff campus
    Spring Break
    Students work with the Yakima Habitat for Humanity chapter to build a home for a family in need.
    kennedyhs.org
  • St. Vincent de Paul Society
    Thursdays after school
    Fundraisers and drives that benefit South Seattle parishes; one of three recognized high school chapters in Washington State.
    kennedyhs.org

Faith formation 1

  • Wisdom WednesdaysOn campus
    Wednesdays 8:00-8:35 AM
    Weekly student Bible study in the chapel, organized by ASB.
    kennedyhs.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Students for Life Club
    Works on education, fundraising and advocacy for respect for human life; mentored by a teacher.
    kennedyhs.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Praise Band
    Mondays after school
    Provides music for liturgies and prayer services.
    kennedyhs.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 | Kennedy Catholic High Schoolkennedyhs.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Fr. Patrick Sherrard Chaplain, Theology”
    A priest, Fr. Patrick Sherrard, is listed as the school's chaplain.
    “Jenny Farrell Director of Campus Ministry, Theology”
    Jenny Farrell is Director of Campus Ministry.
  2. Liturgy | Kennedy Catholic High School Campus Ministrykennedyhs.org/campus-ministry/liturgies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Every first Friday, our Chapel is open for Adoration from 7:30am - 3pm.”
    Eucharistic adoration is held in the chapel on the first Friday of each month, 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
    “many individual classes will hold prayer services throughout the school year in our Chapel.”
    Classes hold prayer services in the chapel during the school year.

Reach out

Contact details for Jenny Farrell (Director of Campus Ministry, Theology) and 1 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
70 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.89%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.12.6 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

TypeDiocesan school
DioceseArchdiocese of Seattle, WA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)815
Students in grades 9–12815
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio12.6 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges89%
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 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 John F Kennedy Catholic High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. John F Kennedy Catholic High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Seattle.
What is John F Kennedy Catholic High School’s Compass Score?
90 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is John F Kennedy Catholic High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. John F Kennedy Catholic High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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