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

Catholic high school

Marian Catholic High School

  • LocationTamaqua, PA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 283 students
Official website
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Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, states that its mission integrates the teachings of Jesus Christ into a value-centered curriculum. The Campus Ministry page publishes a weekly Mass for the school community on Wednesdays, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month in the school chapel, and retreat days for the entire student body each year. Students take theology in each of the four years and must complete community service with minimum hours for each class year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Marian Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Richard Catholic Church: 2.0 mi1Campus Ministry: 0.2 miMarian Catholic High School (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Richard Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 799 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville

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

79 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 (Mass for the school community every Wednesday morning, per the Campus Ministry page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass will be celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.”
      The school community celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (Communal penance services are held periodically for the whole student body.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Periodically there will be communal Penance Services scheduled for the entire student body.”
      Communal penance services are held periodically for the whole student body.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is set for the first Friday of each month in the school chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “First Fridays of each month have been set aside for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel.”
      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held on the first Friday of each month in the school chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (A school Mass is published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass will be celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.”
      The school community celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning.
      “Students are encouraged to approach the Chaplain for the Sacrament of Penance or spiritual counseling when he is available.”
      A chaplain is available to students for confession and spiritual counseling; the page does not name him.
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 (Theology is required in each grade (one year-long course each year, four units in the graduation requirements). Taken in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Full Course Catalog | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/_files/ugd/152607_0d9f9b31777f4732b5f22d16d90137b7.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4 units”
      The graduation requirements list four units of theology, one year-long theology course in each grade.
  • 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 (Global Ethics, a half-credit course for grades 11 and 12, applies Catholic moral principles.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Full Course Catalog | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/_files/ugd/152607_0d9f9b31777f4732b5f22d16d90137b7.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “046 Global Ethics (.5 Cr.)”
      Global Ethics is a half-credit course that applies Catholic moral principles.
  • 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 integrates the teachings of Jesus Christ with a value-centered curriculum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Beliefs | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “by integrating the teachings of Jesus Christ with a value-centered curriculum”
      The mission statement integrates the teachings of Jesus Christ into a value-centered curriculum.
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

90 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Retreat days are scheduled each year for the entire student body.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Retreat days are therefore scheduled each year for the entire student body.”
      Retreat days are held every year for the whole student body.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Campus ministry roles named on the Community Service page: Campus Minister, the Chaplain and the Coordinator of Service.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Any questions about your service requirement should be addressed to the Coordinator of Service, Campus Minister, or the Chaplain.”
      Service questions go to the Coordinator of Service, the Campus Minister, or the Chaplain.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (The official clubs list includes one club tied to Catholic Relief Services.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Life | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/marian-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our projects will center around the issue of Hunger.”
      The CRS Global High School Initiative club works on projects that center on hunger, supporting Marian's work as a Catholic Relief Services Global High School.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (A weekly school Mass, Exposition in the school chapel and Reposition during the final period of the day are published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass will be celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.”
      The school community celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning.
      “First Fridays of each month have been set aside for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel.”
      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held on the first Friday of each month in the school chapel.
      “Reposition will be celebrated during the final period of the day.”
      Reposition is celebrated during the final period of the school day.
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 (Minimum community service hours are 15 (freshmen), 20 (sophomores), 25 (juniors) and 30 (seniors), which total more than 40 over four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Minimum Number of Community Service Hours: Freshmen – 15 hours Sophomores – 20 hours Juniors – 25 hours Seniors – 30 hours”
      Minimum community service hours are 15, 20, 25 and 30 by class year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Catholic Social Teaching is a one-semester course in the Theology Department for grades 11 and 12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Full Course Catalog | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/_files/ugd/152607_0d9f9b31777f4732b5f22d16d90137b7.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “047 Catholic Social Teaching (.5 Cr.)”
      Catholic Social Teaching is a half-credit course in the Theology Department for grades 11 and 12.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The Marian Cares Project works with local homeless and poverty outreach programs, and a club supports Catholic Relief Services hunger projects.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Community Service | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “These MCP-specific projects are performed in conjunction with homeless and poverty outreach programs in the local community.”
      The Marian Cares Project carries out outreach with homeless and poverty programs in the community.
    2. Student Life | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/marian-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our projects will center around the issue of Hunger.”
      The CRS Global High School Initiative club works on projects that center on hunger, supporting Marian's work as a Catholic Relief Services Global High School.

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

Strengths

  • Mass for the school community is published every Wednesday, with Exposition in the school chapel on the first Friday of each month.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass will be celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.”
      The school community celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning.
      “First Fridays of each month have been set aside for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel.”
      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held on the first Friday of each month in the school chapel.
  • Theology is required in each of the four years.
    Sources (1)
    1. Full Course Catalog | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/_files/ugd/152607_0d9f9b31777f4732b5f22d16d90137b7.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4 units”
      The graduation requirements list four units of theology, one year-long theology course in each grade.
  • Community service minimums total more than 40 hours over four years.
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Minimum Number of Community Service Hours: Freshmen – 15 hours Sophomores – 20 hours Juniors – 25 hours Seniors – 30 hours”
      Minimum community service hours are 15, 20, 25 and 30 by class year.
  • Retreat days are scheduled each year for the entire student body.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Retreat days are therefore scheduled each year for the entire student body.”
      Retreat days are held every year for the whole student body.

Concerns

  • The published Mass is weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass will be celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.”
      The school community celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry

  • Address: 166 Marian Avenue, Tamaqua, PA 18252
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Service 2

  • Marian Cares ProjectOff campus
    Community service projects carried out with homeless and poverty outreach programs in the local community.
    mariancatholichs.org
  • Immaculate Heart Service Society
    Campus Ministry recognition society for students who go beyond the service requirement, with one-third of hours through the Marian Cares Project.
    mariancatholichs.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • First-Friday ExpositionOn campus
    First Friday of each month
    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel; students may visit during class changes or lunch.
    mariancatholichs.org
  • Weekly school Mass
    Wednesday mornings
    Mass celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.
    mariancatholichs.org

Faith formation 1

  • Communal penance services
    Penance services for the whole student body, held periodically.
    mariancatholichs.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • CRS Global High School Initiative
    Club that supports Marian's work as a Catholic Relief Services Global High School, with projects centered on hunger.
    mariancatholichs.org

Retreats 1

  • Student retreat days
    Each year
    Retreat days for the entire student body; students who attend an approved outside retreat may be excused.
    mariancatholichs.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 (3)
  1. Campus Ministry | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mass will be celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.”
    The school community celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning.
    “Periodically there will be communal Penance Services scheduled for the entire student body.”
    Communal penance services are held periodically for the whole student body.
    “Mass will be celebrated by the school community every Wednesday morning.”
    The school community celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning.
  2. Contact | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Marian Catholic High School | 166 Marian Avenue, Tamaqua, PA 18252 | Phone: 570-467-3335”
    The school's address is 166 Marian Avenue, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
  3. Community Service | Marian Catholic HSmariancatholichs.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Additional forms are in the Campus Ministry Room and inside Ms. Rollo's classroom.”
    The Campus Ministry Room is at the school.

Reach out

Contact details for Patrick Smith (Theology Chair, Campus Minister) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
86 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.14.8 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 Allentown, PA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)283
Students in grades 9–12283
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio14.8 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 Allentown

The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Marian Catholic High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Marian Catholic High School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Allentown.
What is Marian Catholic High School’s Compass Score?
91 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Marian Catholic High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Marian Catholic High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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