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Aerial view of Pope Francis Preparatory School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Pope Francis Preparatory School

  • LocationSpringfield, MA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 425 students
Official website

Pope Francis Preparatory School is a Catholic co-educational college-preparatory school in Springfield, Massachusetts. Its 2026-27 program of studies requires four years of theology, with the first three courses tied to the U.S. Catholic Bishops' curriculum framework, and students complete community service through the theology program.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Pope Francis Preparatory School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church: 1.8 mi1Saint Michael's Cathedral: 2.2 mi2St.Catherines of Sienna Church: 2.8 mi3Saint Michael's Catholic Church: 2.9 mi4Spiritual Life, Pope Francis Preparatory School: 0.1 miPope Francis Preparatory School (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 225 Dwight Road
  2. Saint Michael's Cathedral — 2.2 mi · 254 State Street, Springfield
  3. St.Catherines of Sienna Church — 2.8 mi · 1001 Parker Street
  4. Saint Michael's Catholic Church — 2.9 mi · Maple Street

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.

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.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (Seniors in Christian Leadership plan and lead the school's liturgical celebrations.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are trained to organize and present retreats on campus for underclassmen, to plan and lead liturgical celebrations”
      Senior students are trained to organize retreats on campus for underclassmen and to lead liturgical celebrations.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (School liturgies are confirmed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are trained to organize and present retreats on campus for underclassmen, to plan and lead liturgical celebrations”
      Senior students are trained to organize retreats on campus for underclassmen and to lead liturgical celebrations.
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 4.0 credits to graduate, and each course is worth 1 credit, one per year (Theology 1, 2 and 3, then one senior option). Theology is taken in each of the four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4.0 credits”
      Theology is a required subject worth 4.0 credits to graduate.
      “Each of the four years of theology will expose students to various styles of Christian prayer”
      The theology program covers all 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 1 and Theology 2 course descriptions state that they correspond to the USCCB Curriculum Framework semesters. The Theology 3 description says it corresponds to the 5th and 6th semesters.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The freshman course corresponds with the first two semesters of the U.S. Catholic Bishops”
      The freshman theology course corresponds with the USCCB framework's first two semesters.
      “The sophomore course corresponds with the 3 rd and 4th semesters”
      The sophomore theology course corresponds with the USCCB framework's third and fourth semesters.
  • 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.
N/ACampus culture: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    RetreatsRetreats for some grades (The senior Christian Leadership course trains students to organize retreats for underclassmen.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are trained to organize and present retreats on campus for underclassmen, to plan and lead liturgical celebrations”
      Senior students are trained to organize retreats on campus for underclassmen and to lead liturgical celebrations.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus ministry staffNot 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-based student groups or clubsNot 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.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
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 (The 2026-27 program of studies requires 25 hours of community service in each theology course (grades 9 to 11) and 25 hours for seniors, which totals 100 hours over four years. The Spiritual Life page says all students are required 25 hours. The two pages conflict; the more specific current catalog is used here.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All seniors are required to perform 25 hours of community service.”
      All seniors are required to perform 25 hours of community service.
      “25 hours of community service are required.”
      Each theology course lists 25 hours of community service as required.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The theology department and the senior Christian Leadership course both list the principles of Catholic Social Teaching as course content.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and the fundamentals of world religions”
      The theology department's intellectual content includes the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
      “The other component of the course focuses on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and how students can apply these teachings to their lives.”
      The senior Christian Leadership course includes the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
  • 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 (Community service is required, and the theology department says it is an expression of the commitment to justice. Students serve in parishes, nursing homes, hospitals, food pantries and soup kitchens.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, students will express this dimension of faith through community service.”
      The theology department says students express the justice dimension of faith through service each year.
    2. Spiritual Life - Pope Francispopefrancisprep.org/students/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Generally, students will find such opportunities in their parishes, nursing homes, hospitals, food pantries, and soup kitchens.”
      Community service generally takes place in parishes, nursing homes, hospitals, food pantries and soup kitchens.

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

Strengths

  • Theology is required in every year, four credits in total, and the first three courses correspond to the USCCB curriculum framework.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology 4.0 credits”
      Theology is a required subject worth 4.0 credits to graduate.
      “Each of the four years of theology will expose students to various styles of Christian prayer”
      The theology program covers all four years of high school.
      “The freshman course corresponds with the first two semesters of the U.S. Catholic Bishops”
      The freshman theology course corresponds with the USCCB framework's first two semesters.
      “The sophomore course corresponds with the 3 rd and 4th semesters”
      The sophomore theology course corresponds with the USCCB framework's third and fourth semesters.
  • Community service is required, with 25 hours in each theology course, and the theology program links it to justice.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, students will express this dimension of faith through community service.”
      The theology department says students express the justice dimension of faith through service each year.
      “25 hours of community service are required.”
      Each theology course lists 25 hours of community service as required.
  • Senior students are trained to organize retreats on campus for underclassmen and to plan liturgical celebrations.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are trained to organize and present retreats on campus for underclassmen, to plan and lead liturgical celebrations”
      Senior students are trained to organize retreats on campus for underclassmen and to lead liturgical celebrations.

Concerns

  • The service requirement is stated two ways: 25 hours total on the Spiritual Life page, and 25 hours per year in the program of studies.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life - Pope Francispopefrancisprep.org/students/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students are required 25 hours of community service.”
      The Spiritual Life page says all students are required 25 hours of community service.
    2. Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Pope Francis Preparatory Schoolpopefrancisprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20262027ProgramOfStudiesV3.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All seniors are required to perform 25 hours of community service.”
      All seniors are required to perform 25 hours of community service.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Life, Pope Francis Preparatory School

  • Address: 99 Wendover Road, Springfield, MA 01118
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Service 3

  • Community Service programOff campus
    Students choose their own service assignments, generally in parishes, nursing homes, hospitals, food pantries and soup kitchens.
    popefrancisprep.org, popefrancisprep.org
  • Cards That Care
    A club listed among the school's clubs and activities.
    popefrancisprep.org
  • Special Olympic Support
    A club and activity listed among the school's clubs and activities.
    popefrancisprep.org

Faith formation 1

  • Confirmation preparation classesOn campus
    Confirmation preparatory classes offered to Catholic students. Classes are open to all grade levels, and students receive the sacrament in their home parish.
    popefrancisprep.org, popefrancisprep.org

Retreats 1

  • Christian Leadership retreats for underclassmenOn campus
    Senior Christian Leadership students organize and present retreats on campus for underclassmen and plan liturgical celebrations.
    popefrancisprep.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. Spiritual Life - Pope Francispopefrancisprep.org/students/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Faith is at the heart of a Catholic education and an integral part of life at Pope Francis Preparatory School.”
    Faith is described as part of the school's life.
    “Faith is at the heart of a Catholic education and an integral part of life at Pope Francis Preparatory School.”
    Faith is described as part of the school's life.
  2. Pope Francis - Preparation Focused. Faith Driven.popefrancisprep.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “99 Wendover Road, Springfield, MA 01118”
    The school's address is 99 Wendover Road, Springfield, MA 01118.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: 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.
73 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.90%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.12.0 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
DioceseDiocese of Springfield in Massachusetts, MA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)425
Students in grades 9–12425
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio12.0 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges90%
SettingCity

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 Springfield in Massachusetts

The Most Reverend William D. Byrne, Bishop of Springfield in Massachusetts

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Pope Francis Preparatory School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Pope Francis Preparatory School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts.

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