Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Preston High School: Preston High School Bronx NY
Photo: Sadia Romain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic high school

Preston High School

  • LocationBronx, NY
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 364 students
  • SponsorSisters of the Divine Compassion

All-female

Official website

Preston High School is an independent Catholic school for young women in the Bronx, founded in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion. Theology is required in all four years, with 80 hours of Christian service, and every grade level takes a one-day retreat each year. A school-wide Mass opens the year and Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Preston High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Frances De Chantal Catholic Church: 0.3 mi1Saint Benedict Catholic Church: 1.4 mi2Saint John Vianney Roman Catholic Church: 1.6 mi3Church of the Holy Family: 2.0 mi4Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church: 2.0 mi5Saint Lukes Roman Catholic Church: 2.1 mi6Preston High School Campus Ministry: 0.1 miPreston High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Frances De Chantal Catholic Church — 0.3 mi · 190 Hollywood Avenue
  2. Saint Benedict Catholic Church — 1.4 mi · 2969 Otis Avenue
  3. Saint John Vianney Roman Catholic Church — 1.6 mi
  4. Church of the Holy Family — 2.0 mi · 1061 Castle Hill Avenue
  5. Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 14-51 143rd Street
  6. Saint Lukes Roman Catholic Church — 2.1 mi · 16-34 Clintonville 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.

DSacramental life: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

46 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 yearA few times a year (The dated examples are a school-wide Mass in September and Holy Day Masses when school is in session.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Program - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/spiritual-program.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Prestonites gather together to celebrate the Liturgy on a regular basis. The school year kicks off on a positive note with the school-wide Mass of the Holy Spirit in September. Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session (e.g., the Feast of All Saints on Nov. 1, Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, and Ascension Thursday in May).”
      A school-wide Mass opens the year, and Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session. No weekly schedule is published.
  • 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 (Confessions are listed as a component of Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Program - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/spiritual-program.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Outreach programs such as the Compassion Connection Club, Liturgies, Friday morning Rosary, Confessions, Communal Prayers, and grade-level retreats are components of Campus Ministry.”
      Confessions are one of the components of Campus Ministry. No schedule is given.
  • 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 Masses are confirmed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Program - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/spiritual-program.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Prestonites gather together to celebrate the Liturgy on a regular basis. The school year kicks off on a positive note with the school-wide Mass of the Holy Spirit in September. Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session (e.g., the Feast of All Saints on Nov. 1, Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, and Ascension Thursday in May).”
      A school-wide Mass opens the year, and Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session. No weekly schedule is published.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

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

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The course catalog states four years of theology for a total of 2 credits; each year-long course is 0.5 credit and the requirement is four full-year equivalents. Theology is taken in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/academics/theology-course-catalog.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students are required to successfully complete four years of education in Theology for a total of 2 credits. 80 hours of Christian Service are also required for graduation.”
      Theology is required for four years, and 80 hours of Christian service are required for graduation.
  • 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 (Theology 3: Christian Morality is a required 11th-grade course on moral choice, counted as the ethics course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/academics/theology-course-catalog.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course seeks to help each student become more aware of the moral choices they face on a daily basis and to develop clarity in their decision-making process. Each student is encouraged to recognize God's work in her life, and live out this life of service and love. The students' understanding of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching will help to inform their understanding of Christian Morality.”
      Theology 3: Christian Morality, taken by juniors, covers moral choice and 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.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
BCampus culture: 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.

Campus culture

73 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Program - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/spiritual-program.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every year, students at each grade level attend a one-day retreat, led by members of the Theology Department.”
      Every grade level has a one-day retreat each year.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One staff member is named as overseeing Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/academics/theology.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Currently, she teaches courses in Scripture, Catholic Tradition, World Religions and Psychology & Faith, oversees the Christian Service Program, oversees Campus Ministry, and is the moderator of the Compassion Connection community outreach club.”
      Mrs. Dora Dekajlo, a theology teacher, oversees Campus Ministry.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (The Gospel Choir is listed as a faith-based student group (a Christian music ministry).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Co-Curricular Programs - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/co-curricular-programs.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The mission of the Gospel Choir is to give all the honor and glory to our Almighty Father God & Our Savior Jesus Christ through our music ministry”
      The Gospel Choir is a Christian music ministry student group.
  • 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 (80 required service hours over four years: 20 for freshmen, 20 for sophomores, and 40 for juniors in the community.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Course Catalog - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/academics/theology-course-catalog.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students are required to successfully complete four years of education in Theology for a total of 2 credits. 80 hours of Christian Service are also required for graduation.”
      Theology is required for four years, and 80 hours of Christian service are required for graduation.
    2. Spiritual Program - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/spiritual-program.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshmen are required to provide a minimum of 20 hours of service to their families. Sophomores provide a minimum of 20 hours of service to the school, and Juniors must provide a minimum of 40 hours of service to the larger community outside the school.”
      Required Christian service is 20 hours for freshmen, 20 for sophomores and 40 for juniors.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Required Theology 3 states that students' understanding of Catholic Social Teaching informs their study of Christian Morality.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/academics/theology-course-catalog.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course seeks to help each student become more aware of the moral choices they face on a daily basis and to develop clarity in their decision-making process. Each student is encouraged to recognize God's work in her life, and live out this life of service and love. The students' understanding of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching will help to inform their understanding of Christian Morality.”
      Theology 3: Christian Morality, taken by juniors, covers moral choice and 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 (Compassion Connection runs community projects (food drives, blankets for the homeless, letters to the elderly); the Preston Scholars Program addresses social injustice through compassionate action.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Co-Curricular Programs - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/co-curricular-programs.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Projects range in scale. Some are small: like making sandwiches or blankets for the homeless, or writing letters and recording video greetings for the elderly.”
      Compassion Connection runs outreach projects for the homeless and the elderly and food drives.
      “The Preston Scholars Program (PSP) empowers motivated students to explore rigorous academics while addressing real-world challenges such as poverty, social injustice, and environmental degradation through compassionate action.”
      The Preston Scholars Program addresses social injustice through compassionate action.

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 all four years, with 80 hours of Christian service required for graduation.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/academics/theology-course-catalog.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students are required to successfully complete four years of education in Theology for a total of 2 credits. 80 hours of Christian Service are also required for graduation.”
      Theology is required for four years, and 80 hours of Christian service are required for graduation.
  • Every grade level attends a one-day retreat each year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Program - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/spiritual-program.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every year, students at each grade level attend a one-day retreat, led by members of the Theology Department.”
      Every grade level has a one-day retreat each year.
  • Required Theology 3 includes the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in the study of Christian Morality.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/academics/theology-course-catalog.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course seeks to help each student become more aware of the moral choices they face on a daily basis and to develop clarity in their decision-making process. Each student is encouraged to recognize God's work in her life, and live out this life of service and love. The students' understanding of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching will help to inform their understanding of Christian Morality.”
      Theology 3: Christian Morality, taken by juniors, covers moral choice and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Preston High School Campus Ministry

  • Address: 2780 Schurz Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: gymnasium

View on map ↗

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

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Baccalaureate MassOff campus
    Thursday before graduation
    Senior Mass held at St. Frances de Chantal Church, the local parish.
    prestonhs.org

Faith formation 2

  • Communal prayer servicesOn campus
    Monthly
    Prayer service for the whole school in the gymnasium, led by Theology Department members with Campus Ministry.
    prestonhs.org
  • Sacramental Preparation Program
    Lessons for students who have not completed their Sacraments of Initiation, with Confirmation at the Easter Liturgy.
    prestonhs.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Gospel Choir
    Student choir that describes itself as a Christian music ministry.
    prestonhs.org

Retreats 1

  • Grade-level retreats
    Once a year for each grade
    One-day retreat for each grade, led by members of the Theology Department, built around a yearly theme.
    prestonhs.org

Service 2

  • Compassion Connection
    Community outreach club that runs projects such as food drives, sandwiches and blankets for the homeless, and letters to the elderly.
    prestonhs.org, prestonhs.org
  • Christian Service Program
    Required service hours for every grade, supervised by the Theology Department, with written reflections.
    prestonhs.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 Program - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/student-life/spiritual-program.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Prestonites gather together to celebrate the Liturgy on a regular basis. The school year kicks off on a positive note with the school-wide Mass of the Holy Spirit in September. Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session (e.g., the Feast of All Saints on Nov. 1, Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, and Ascension Thursday in May).”
    A school-wide Mass opens the year, and Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session. No weekly schedule is published.
    “Outreach programs such as the Compassion Connection Club, Liturgies, Friday morning Rosary, Confessions, Communal Prayers, and grade-level retreats are components of Campus Ministry.”
    Confessions are one of the components of Campus Ministry. No schedule is given.
    “Prestonites gather together to celebrate the Liturgy on a regular basis. The school year kicks off on a positive note with the school-wide Mass of the Holy Spirit in September. Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session (e.g., the Feast of All Saints on Nov. 1, Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, and Ascension Thursday in May).”
    A school-wide Mass opens the year, and Mass is offered on Holy Days when school is in session. No weekly schedule is published.
  2. Contact Us - Preston High Schoolprestonhs.org/admissions/contact-us.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Address: 2780 Schurz Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465”
    The school's address is 2780 Schurz Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465, where Campus Ministry is based.

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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.
79 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.95%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.13.5 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

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of New York, NY
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)364
Students in grades 9–12364
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio13.5 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges95%
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

Archdiocese of New York

The Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, Archbishop of New York

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: St. Patrick's Cathedral

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Preston High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Preston High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of New York. Its sponsor is Sisters of the Divine Compassion.
What is Preston High School’s Compass Score?
75 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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