Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Sacred Heart Griffin High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Sacred Heart Griffin High School

  • LocationSpringfield, IL
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 526 students
Official website

Sacred Heart-Griffin High School is a Catholic Dominican college-preparatory school at 1200 West Washington Street in Springfield, Illinois, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Students take theology in every grade (4.0 credits are required for graduation) and complete 80 hours of community service. The campus ministry office lists a director, a chaplain, and an associate chaplain.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Sacred Heart Griffin High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Agnes Catholic Church: 0.3 mi1Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: 1.5 mi2Christ the King Catholic Church: 2.1 mi3St. Patrick Catholic Church: 2.5 mi4Campus Ministry (East Campus chapel): 0.1 miSacred Heart Griffin High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Agnes Catholic Church — 0.3 mi · 245 North Amos Avenue, Springfield
  2. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — 1.5 mi · 524 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield
  3. Christ the King Catholic Church — 2.1 mi · 1930 Barberry Drive, Springfield
  4. St. Patrick Catholic Church — 2.5 mi · 1720 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield

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.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    All-school or class Masses 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.
    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 (Reverend Paul L. Lesupati is listed as the school's Chaplain, and Reverend Jayke A. White as Associate Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff | Sacred Heart Griffin | SHGshg.org/about-shg/staff-and-faculty · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Reverend Paul L. Lesupati Chaplain lesupati@shg.org”
      Reverend Paul L. Lesupati is listed as Chaplain.
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 2026-2027 school profile lists 4.0 theology credits required for graduation. Theology courses are listed for grades 9 through 12, one year each (1 credit per year course).)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 School Profile | Sacred Heart-Griffin High Schoolshg.org/resources/ae467fee-7fa5-4cd0-962f-2e1d35ed78ff/2026-school-profile-no-ap-july-17.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “4.0 Theology Credits”
      The school profile lists 4.0 theology credits as a graduation requirement.
    2. Theology | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology I (Grade 9)”
      Theology is taught in grade 9 and in each later 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 (Theology II includes moral theology (Morality: Social Issues From An Ethical Perspective), and seniors take Sacraments and Philosophy Honors or Sacraments and World Religions.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Morality: Social Issues From An Ethical Perspective”
      Theology II includes a moral theology semester.
      “Students are required to take Sacraments and World Religions or Sacraments and Philosophy Honors.”
      Seniors must take Sacraments and Philosophy Honors or Sacraments and World Religions.
  • 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 (The Campus Ministry page describes annual retreat programs for every student.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “annual retreat programs for every student”
      Campus ministry runs annual retreat programs for every student.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Three campus ministry staff are listed: a director, a chaplain, and an associate chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff | Sacred Heart Griffin | SHGshg.org/about-shg/staff-and-faculty · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Jennifer Frericks Campus Ministry Director frericks@shg.org”
      Jennifer Frericks is the Campus Ministry Director, with a published email.
      “Reverend Paul L. Lesupati Chaplain lesupati@shg.org”
      Reverend Paul L. Lesupati is listed as Chaplain.
      “Reverend Jayke A. White Associate Chaplain white@shg.org”
      Reverend Jayke A. White is listed as Associate Chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (O.P. Teen (Dominican charism) and Cyclones for Life (prayer and education on the sanctity of life) are listed on the clubs page. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is ecumenical and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “In this club, students have opportunities to promote and support the sanctity of human life in all its forms through prayer and education.”
      Cyclones for Life promotes the sanctity of human life through prayer and education.
      “Students in this organization are devoted to strengthening the awareness of Dominican charism to SHG.”
      O.P. Teen promotes awareness of the Dominican charism.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (A required campus ministry course in grade 10 and grade 11 includes daily prayer as part of the class.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “through daily prayer, liturgical roles, retreat planning, participation and leadership”
      The campus ministry course includes daily prayer as part of the class.
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 school profile lists 80 hours of community service required for graduation, and the service page requires 20 hours each school year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 School Profile | Sacred Heart-Griffin High Schoolshg.org/resources/ae467fee-7fa5-4cd0-962f-2e1d35ed78ff/2026-school-profile-no-ap-july-17.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “26 units of credit and 80 hours of”
      Graduation requires 26 units of credit and 80 hours of community service.
    2. Service Hour Requirement | SHGshg.org/student-life/campus-ministry/service-hour-requirement · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “all students are required to complete a minimum of 20 service hours each school year as part of their graduation requirements.”
      All students must complete 20 service hours each school year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The theology department's Semester 2 Social Justice course examines the central themes of Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We will examine the central themes of Catholic social teaching and apply them to our world.”
      A theology course examines Catholic social teaching.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (Cyclones for Life is a listed student club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “In this club, students have opportunities to promote and support the sanctity of human life in all its forms through prayer and education.”
      Cyclones for Life promotes the sanctity of human life through prayer and education.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Students support a school in Nairobi, Kenya, through the Our Lady of Nazareth group, and Key Club and a service-placement semester are listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students in this organization support and fundraise for the Our Lady of Nazareth school in Nairobi Kenya.”
      Students support a school in Nairobi, Kenya.
      “Key Club is a student led organization that teaches leadership through service to others.”
      Key Club is a student service organization.
    2. Theology | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Semester 2: Service In The Community”
      A service-in-the-community theology semester is offered.

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

Strengths

  • Theology is required for graduation at 4.0 credits and is taught in every grade from grade 9 through grade 12.
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 School Profile | Sacred Heart-Griffin High Schoolshg.org/resources/ae467fee-7fa5-4cd0-962f-2e1d35ed78ff/2026-school-profile-no-ap-july-17.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “4.0 Theology Credits”
      The school profile lists 4.0 theology credits as a graduation requirement.
    2. Theology | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology I (Grade 9)”
      Theology is taught in grade 9 and in each later grade.
  • Graduation requires 80 hours of community service, with 20 hours each school year.
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 School Profile | Sacred Heart-Griffin High Schoolshg.org/resources/ae467fee-7fa5-4cd0-962f-2e1d35ed78ff/2026-school-profile-no-ap-july-17.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “26 units of credit and 80 hours of”
      Graduation requires 26 units of credit and 80 hours of community service.
    2. Service Hour Requirement | SHGshg.org/student-life/campus-ministry/service-hour-requirement · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “all students are required to complete a minimum of 20 service hours each school year as part of their graduation requirements.”
      All students must complete 20 service hours each school year.
  • A theology course examines Catholic social teaching, and a student club promotes the sanctity of life.
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We will examine the central themes of Catholic social teaching and apply them to our world.”
      A theology course examines Catholic social teaching.
    2. Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “In this club, students have opportunities to promote and support the sanctity of human life in all its forms through prayer and education.”
      Cyclones for Life promotes the sanctity of human life through prayer and education.
  • Campus ministry lists a director, a chaplain, and an associate chaplain on its staff page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff | Sacred Heart Griffin | SHGshg.org/about-shg/staff-and-faculty · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Jennifer Frericks Campus Ministry Director frericks@shg.org”
      Jennifer Frericks is the Campus Ministry Director, with a published email.
      “Reverend Paul L. Lesupati Chaplain lesupati@shg.org”
      Reverend Paul L. Lesupati is listed as Chaplain.
      “Reverend Jayke A. White Associate Chaplain white@shg.org”
      Reverend Jayke A. White is listed as Associate Chaplain.

Concerns

  • The public pages describe regular opportunities for the sacraments but publish no Mass or confession times.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Regular opportunities for participating in the sacraments and other prayer experiences are offered to all of our students.”
      The school offers regular opportunities for the sacraments and prayer.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry (East Campus chapel)

  • Address: 1200 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62702
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 10 location not published

Faith formation 3

  • O.P. Teen
    Students devoted to strengthening awareness of the Dominican charism at SHG and promoting the four pillars of service, prayer, study, and community.
    shg.org
  • Campus Ministry course (Theology II and III)
    Students help plan and run the campus ministry program through daily prayer, liturgical roles, retreat planning, and small-group spiritual development.
    shg.org, shg.org
  • High School Summer Preaching Institute
    A one-week, 40-hour elective that trains students in the Dominican charism.
    shg.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Cyclones for Life
    Students promote and support the sanctity of human life in all its forms through prayer and education.
    shg.org
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
    usually Sunday evenings
    An ecumenical Christian group for athletes, open to all students.
    shg.org

Retreats 1

  • Annual retreat program
    annual
    Annual retreat programs for every student.
    shg.org

Service 4

  • Our Lady of Nazareth support group
    Students support and fundraise for the Our Lady of Nazareth school in Nairobi, Kenya.
    shg.org
  • Key Club
    Tuesdays at 7:30 am
    Student-led organization that teaches leadership through service, working with Kiwanis and the community.
    shg.org
  • Service hours program
    Required community service of 20 hours each school year, with school-sponsored events and a Service Board of volunteer opportunities.
    shg.org
  • Service in the Community semester
    A theology semester option of service placements in the community, with a Catholic social teaching framework.
    shg.org, shg.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 (4)
  1. Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Campus Ministry implements programs that impact the lives of the entire Sacred Heart-Griffin community.”
    Campus Ministry runs programs for the whole school community.
  2. Faculty and Staff | Sacred Heart Griffin | SHGshg.org/about-shg/staff-and-faculty · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Jennifer Frericks Campus Ministry Director frericks@shg.org”
    Jennifer Frericks is the Campus Ministry Director, with a published email.
    “Jennifer Frericks Campus Ministry Director frericks@shg.org”
    Jennifer Frericks is the Campus Ministry Director, with a published email.
  3. Campus | Sacred Heart-Griffin | SHGshg.org/about-shg/our-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “East Campus hosts the chapel, campus ministry - the heart of the school”
    The East Campus hosts the chapel and campus ministry.
  4. Shadow Days and Tours | SHGshg.org/admissions/shadow-days-and-tours · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “1200 W. Washington Street Springfield, IL 62702”
    The East Campus is at 1200 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62702.

Reach out

Contact details for Jennifer Frericks (Campus Ministry Director) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

DAcademic Excellence: 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.
51 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.83%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.16.3 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 Illinois, IL
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)526
Students in grades 9–12526
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio16.3 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges83%
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 Illinois

The Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Sacred Heart Griffin High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Sacred Heart Griffin High School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in Illinois · Illinois rankings