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

Catholic high school

John Paul II Catholic School

  • LocationRidgeland, SC
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 6–12 · 363 students
Official website

John Paul II Catholic School in Ridgeland, South Carolina, is a Catholic school for grades 6 through 12 in the Diocese of Charleston. Its campus ministry describes weekly liturgies, grade-level retreats, and a Kairos retreat for juniors. A chaplain and a campus minister are named on the school's staff page, and the school requires a theology course in each year of high school.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Wednesday, Thursday9:31 AM–10:31 AMAthletic Center · School Mass dates on the school calendar (Wed Sept. 30, Wed Oct. 14 and Thu Oct. 22, 2026).

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. Calendar - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/about-us/calendar/~occur-id/10028002 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “School Mass 9:31 AM - 10:31 AM Athletic Center”
    The school calendar lists School Mass at 9:31 AM in the Athletic Center on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

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.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (The campus ministry page lists weekly liturgies, and the choir description refers to the school's weekly Mass. The school calendar places School Mass in the Athletic Center on Wed Sept. 30, Wed Oct. 14 and Thu Oct. 22, 2026.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Welcome - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/welcome · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “From daily prayer, weekly liturgies, FCA Huddles, and Days of Service”
      Campus ministry lists daily prayer and weekly liturgies.
    2. Clubs & Activities - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This choir rehearses music to help lead and enhance the worship experience of JPII's weekly mass.”
      The choir helps lead the school's weekly Mass.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Peter O'Steen is listed as the school's chaplain on the staff page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/about-us/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Peter O'Steen Chaplain”
      Fr. Peter O'Steen is listed as the school 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 school requires a theology course in each year of high school; four full-year courses (grades 9 to 12). Computed as one full-year course per year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/academics/curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “requires every student to be enrolled in a theology course, an English language arts course, and a mathematics course each year of high school.”
      Every student takes a theology course in each year of high school.
  • 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.
  • 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 high school program description and the mission both name a commitment to the Catholic faith and the traditions of the Catholic faith.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Curriculum - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/academics/curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “while fostering intellectual growth, character formation, and a commitment to the Catholic faith”
      The high school program is designed to foster a commitment to the Catholic faith.
    2. Academics - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/academics/welcome · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We prepare students to be scholars with a soul in accordance with the traditions of the Catholic faith”
      The school's mission prepares students in accordance with the traditions of the Catholic faith.
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 (Students attend retreats specific to their grade level: class retreats are tailored to each class (led by peer ministers, except the senior retreat), with the junior Kairos retreat.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Welcome - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/welcome · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students have opportunities to receive the Sacraments, engage in communal and personal prayer, attend retreats specific to their grade-level”
      Campus ministry offers students the sacraments, prayer and grade-level retreats.
    2. Class Retreats - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/class-retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Retreats (except for the Senior Retreat) are led by our Acts29 Peer Ministry Team who discern the needs of each class and uniquely tailor each retreat to tend to that grade level's spiritual and social needs.”
      Retreats are tailored to each class, and a Senior Retreat is held.
      “is the three-day, off-campus annual retreat for our Junior Class”
      The Kairos retreat is a three-day, off-campus retreat for juniors.
      “Our annual class retreats give our students the opportunity to trust in God's grace and discover who they are”
      Annual class retreats are offered for students' grade levels.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (A chaplain and a campus minister are listed on the staff page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/about-us/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Peter O'Steen Chaplain”
      Fr. Peter O'Steen is listed as the school chaplain.
      “Deacon Brent Heathcott Campus Minister brent.heathcott@johnpaul2school.org”
      Deacon Brent Heathcott is the campus minister; his school email is published.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Warriors for Life and the Acts29 Peer Ministry are student faith groups listed on the clubs page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Warriors for Life is a student ministry that celebrates and defends life, from conception to natural death.”
      Warriors for Life is a student pro-life ministry that meets weekly.
      “The John Paul II Acts29 Peer Ministry Team strives to develop strong Catholic leaders and Christian disciples”
      The Acts29 Peer Ministry Team trains student leaders in the Catholic faith.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The campus ministry page lists daily prayer and weekly liturgies among its activities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Welcome - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/welcome · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “From daily prayer, weekly liturgies, FCA Huddles, and Days of Service”
      Campus ministry lists daily prayer and weekly liturgies.
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 (Warriors for Life runs pro-life activities and organizes a pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington, D.C.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Warriors for Life is a student ministry that celebrates and defends life, from conception to natural death.”
      Warriors for Life is a student pro-life ministry that meets weekly.
      “Additionally, we organize a pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington DC.”
      Warriors for Life organizes a pilgrimage to the March for Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The community service page describes an Annual Senior Mission Trip.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/community-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “through our Annual Senior Mission Trip, far beyond”
      The school holds an Annual Senior Mission Trip.

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

Strengths

  • Daily prayer and weekly liturgies are listed, and a campus minister and a chaplain are named.
    Sources (2)
    1. Welcome - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/welcome · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “From daily prayer, weekly liturgies, FCA Huddles, and Days of Service”
      Campus ministry lists daily prayer and weekly liturgies.
    2. Faculty & Staff - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/about-us/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Peter O'Steen Chaplain”
      Fr. Peter O'Steen is listed as the school chaplain.
      “Deacon Brent Heathcott Campus Minister brent.heathcott@johnpaul2school.org”
      Deacon Brent Heathcott is the campus minister; his school email is published.
  • A theology course is required in each year of high school.
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/academics/curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “requires every student to be enrolled in a theology course, an English language arts course, and a mathematics course each year of high school.”
      Every student takes a theology course in each year of high school.
  • Student pro-life and peer ministry groups are listed, and the school organizes a March for Life pilgrimage.
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Activities - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/student-life/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Warriors for Life is a student ministry that celebrates and defends life, from conception to natural death.”
      Warriors for Life is a student pro-life ministry that meets weekly.
      “Additionally, we organize a pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington DC.”
      Warriors for Life organizes a pilgrimage to the March for Life.
  • Retreats are tailored to each grade, with a Kairos retreat for juniors and a senior retreat.
    Sources (1)
    1. Class Retreats - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/class-retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Retreats (except for the Senior Retreat) are led by our Acts29 Peer Ministry Team who discern the needs of each class and uniquely tailor each retreat to tend to that grade level's spiritual and social needs.”
      Retreats are tailored to each class, and a Senior Retreat is held.
      “is the three-day, off-campus annual retreat for our Junior Class”
      The Kairos retreat is a three-day, off-campus retreat for juniors.

Concerns

  • Service is expected and documented.
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/community-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Service is expected to be from an organization, church or school.”
      Service is expected and must come from an organization, church or school.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, John Paul II Catholic School

  • Address: 4211 N. Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936
  • Location: On campus

Source: johnpaul2school.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, charlestondiocese.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 2

  • Kairos RetreatOff campus
    Junior year, annual
    Three-day, off-campus annual retreat for the junior class.
    johnpaul2school.org
  • Class retreats led by Acts29 peer ministers
    Annual, by grade level
    Grade-level retreats tailored to each class, led by the Acts29 Peer Ministry Team (the senior retreat is led by others).
    johnpaul2school.org, johnpaul2school.org

Service 2

  • Annual Senior Mission TripOff campus
    Annual
    Senior mission trip listed among the school's service opportunities.
    johnpaul2school.org
  • Community service
    Service opportunities with organizations, churches or schools, documented on a community service form and counted by theology teachers.
    johnpaul2school.org, johnpaul2school.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Warriors for LifeOn campus
    Weekly, in room MC12
    Student pro-life ministry that promotes the dignity of life, with a baby supply drive for crisis pregnancy clinics, pro-life apologetics workshops, and a March for Life pilgrimage in Washington, D.C.
    johnpaul2school.org, johnpaul2school.org

Faith formation 1

  • Acts29 Peer Ministry
    Peer ministry team that trains student leaders to serve in middle and high school campus ministry.
    johnpaul2school.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

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. Welcome - John Paul II Catholic Schooljohnpaul2school.org/faith-formation/welcome · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Students have opportunities to receive the Sacraments, engage in communal and personal prayer, attend retreats specific to their grade-level”
    Campus ministry offers students the sacraments, prayer and grade-level retreats.
    “Deacon Brent Heathcott, Campus Minister”
    Deacon Brent Heathcott is the campus minister.
    “Students have opportunities to receive the Sacraments, engage in communal and personal prayer, attend retreats specific to their grade-level”
    Campus ministry offers students the sacraments, prayer and grade-level retreats.
  2. Beaufort Catholic Schools - South Carolina Catholiccharlestondiocese.org/schools/schools-by-deanery/beaufort-catholic-schools · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “4211 N. Okatie Hwy”
    The school's address is 4211 N. Okatie Highway, Ridgeland, SC 29936.

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.
97 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.100%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.9.5 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
DioceseDiocese of Charleston, SC
Grades6–12
Students (all grades)363
Students in grades 9–12231
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio9.5 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges100%
SettingRural

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 Charleston

The Most Reverend Jacques Fabre-Jeune, Bishop of Charleston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is John Paul II Catholic School a Catholic high school?
Yes. John Paul II Catholic School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Charleston.
Where is Mass celebrated at John Paul II Catholic School?
Mass is listed at Athletic Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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