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

Catholic high school

Serra Catholic High School

  • LocationMcKeesport, PA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 209 students
Official website
Recommended badge

Serra Catholic High School is a coeducational Catholic high school in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. Its campus ministry page describes a school-wide Mass once a month, reconciliation twice a year during Advent and Lent, and a retreat for each class. Students take four credits of religion and complete 60 hours of service over four years.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Serra Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Patrick Church: 1.0 mi1Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church: 1.4 mi2St. Angela Marici Church: 1.4 mi3St. Eugene Church - Saints Joachim and Anne Parish: 1.8 mi4Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Parish: 1.9 mi5Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church: 2.6 mi6Serra Catholic Campus Ministry: 0.1 miSerra Catholic High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Patrick Church — 1.0 mi · 312 32nd Street, McKeesport
  2. Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church — 1.4 mi
  3. St. Angela Marici Church — 1.4 mi · 2701 Kelly Street, White Oak
  4. St. Eugene Church - Saints Joachim and Anne Parish — 1.8 mi · 3210 Liberty Way, McKeesport
  5. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Parish — 1.9 mi
  6. Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church — 2.6 mi · 410 6th Ave

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.

CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

60 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 yearMonthly (All-school Mass once a month; each class also attends twice a semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The entire school community gathers for Mass once a month. In addition, each class has the opportunity to attend Mass twice a semester.”
      All-school Mass is held once a month, and each class may attend Mass twice a semester.
  • 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 (Reconciliation is offered twice a year, during Advent and Lent.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all students twice a year, during Advent and Lent. Furthermore, our chaplain is always available if a student would like to schedule an appointment.”
      Confession is offered twice a year during Advent and Lent; a chaplain is mentioned but not named.
  • 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 (Mass and confession are offered, and a chaplain is mentioned.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all students twice a year, during Advent and Lent. Furthermore, our chaplain is always available if a student would like to schedule an appointment.”
      Confession is offered twice a year during Advent and Lent; a chaplain is mentioned but not named.
      “The entire school community gathers for Mass once a month. In addition, each class has the opportunity to attend Mass twice a semester.”
      All-school Mass is held once a month, and each class may attend Mass twice a semester.
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 (Four credits of religion are required. The religion course table lists a theology course in each grade from 9 to 12; the count is four full-year equivalents.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students must complete four credits of Religion.”
      Four credits of religion are required to graduate.
  • 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 (Faith and Reason and Introduction to Philosophy are listed as religion electives in grades 11-12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith and Reason | Introduction to Philosophy”
      Faith and Reason and Introduction to Philosophy are listed as religion electives for grades 11-12.
  • 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 and philosophy statements describe the whole education as grounded in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition and gospel values.)
    Sources (1)
    1. San Damiano Chapel | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384539 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “It is the mission of Serra Catholic High School to evangelize young men and women in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition.”
      The school's mission is to evangelize in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition.
      “The education we provide, in collaboration with parents, equips our students to make moral and ethical decisions grounded in gospel values.”
      The education is described as grounded in gospel values.
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 (Each class, grades 9 through 12, goes on a retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each class goes on a retreat which serves to bring them closer to each other and to Christ.”
      Every class goes on a retreat.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all students twice a year, during Advent and Lent. Furthermore, our chaplain is always available if a student would like to schedule an appointment.”
      Confession is offered twice a year during Advent and Lent; a chaplain is mentioned but not named.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (A Pro-Life club and a Respect Life Club are listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3425557&type=d&pREC_ID=2385917 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “• Pro-Life • Prom Committee”
      A Pro-Life club is listed among the school's clubs.
    2. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Respect Life Club: Students work to promote the Catholic life values from conception to natural death.”
      A Respect Life Club promotes Catholic life values from conception to natural death.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (School liturgies and prayer services are held during the year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Advent and Lenten prayer services are held during those liturgical seasons, as well as throughout the year when events arise that lead us to prayer together.”
      Prayer services are held in Advent, Lent and at other times during the year.
    2. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Liturgical Planning: Students work with faculty to plan school liturgies and prayer services.”
      Students plan school liturgies and prayer services with faculty.
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 (Stated requirement: 10 + 10 + 20 + 20 = 60 hours of service over four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshmen: minimum of 10 hours Sophomores: minimum of 10 hours Juniors: minimum of 20 hours Seniors: minimum of 20 hours”
      Students must complete 10 hours of service in grades 9 and 10 and 20 hours in grades 11 and 12.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Catholic Social Teaching is one of the grade 12 religion options.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Social Teaching OR Mercy and Justice in the World”
      Grade 12 religion includes Catholic Social Teaching or Mercy and Justice in the World as an option.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (Respect Life Club and Pro-Life club are listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Respect Life Club: Students work to promote the Catholic life values from conception to natural death.”
      A Respect Life Club promotes Catholic life values from conception to natural death.
    2. Clubs | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3425557&type=d&pREC_ID=2385917 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “• Pro-Life • Prom Committee”
      A Pro-Life club is listed among the school's clubs.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Appalachia mission trip with a focus on solidarity with the poor, and a senior pilgrimage on Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students help the poor while living in solidarity with the poor and learning Catholic social teaching.”
      The Appalachia trip has students help the poor and learn Catholic social teaching.
    2. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Seniors: the Senior retreat focuses on the Social Teaching of the Church by means of a pilgrimage to churches within the diocese where the needs of those on the margins of society have historically been met”
      The senior retreat is a pilgrimage focused on Catholic social teaching.
      “Summer Appalachia Mission Trip - Young People Who Care, Frenchville, PA”
      A summer mission trip to Frenchville, Pennsylvania, is offered.

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

Strengths

  • The entire school gathers for Mass once a month.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The entire school community gathers for Mass once a month. In addition, each class has the opportunity to attend Mass twice a semester.”
      All-school Mass is held once a month, and each class may attend Mass twice a semester.
  • Each class goes on a retreat, and students must complete 60 hours of service over four years.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each class goes on a retreat which serves to bring them closer to each other and to Christ.”
      Every class goes on a retreat.
      “Freshmen: minimum of 10 hours Sophomores: minimum of 10 hours Juniors: minimum of 20 hours Seniors: minimum of 20 hours”
      Students must complete 10 hours of service in grades 9 and 10 and 20 hours in grades 11 and 12.
  • Four credits of religion are required, and two pro-life clubs are listed.
    Sources (2)
    1. Religion | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3414673&type=d&pREC_ID=2634060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students must complete four credits of Religion.”
      Four credits of religion are required to graduate.
      “Respect Life Club: Students work to promote the Catholic life values from conception to natural death.”
      A Respect Life Club promotes Catholic life values from conception to natural death.
    2. Clubs | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3425557&type=d&pREC_ID=2385917 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “• Pro-Life • Prom Committee”
      A Pro-Life club is listed among the school's clubs.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Serra Catholic Campus Ministry

  • Address: 200 Hershey Dr, McKeesport, PA 15132
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 4 off campus, 5 location not published

Retreats 4

  • Freshman retreatOff campus
    Early in the school year
    Freshmen meet at a local church, learn the school's history and celebrate Mass.
    serrahs.org
  • Sophomore retreatOff campus
    Sophomores typically visit St. Anthony Chapel in Troy Hill.
    serrahs.org
  • Senior pilgrimageOff campus
    A pilgrimage to diocesan churches that serve people on the margins of society, focused on Catholic social teaching.
    serrahs.org
  • Class retreats
    Each class goes on a retreat.
    serrahs.org

Service 1

  • Summer Appalachia Mission TripOff campus
    Summer
    A week-long trip to Frenchville, Pennsylvania.
    serrahs.org, serrahs.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Pro-Life club
    Listed among the school's clubs.
    serrahs.org
  • Respect Life Club
    Students promote Catholic life values from conception to natural death.
    serrahs.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Instruments of Peace
    Students provide music for liturgies and prayer services.
    serrahs.org
  • Liturgical planning
    Students work with faculty to plan school liturgies and prayer services.
    serrahs.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. Campus Ministry | Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=3415034&type=d&pREC_ID=2384545 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The entire school community gathers for Mass once a month. In addition, each class has the opportunity to attend Mass twice a semester.”
    All-school Mass is held once a month, and each class may attend Mass twice a semester.
    “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all students twice a year, during Advent and Lent. Furthermore, our chaplain is always available if a student would like to schedule an appointment.”
    Confession is offered twice a year during Advent and Lent; a chaplain is mentioned but not named.
    “The entire school community gathers for Mass once a month. In addition, each class has the opportunity to attend Mass twice a semester.”
    All-school Mass is held once a month, and each class may attend Mass twice a semester.
    “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all students twice a year, during Advent and Lent. Furthermore, our chaplain is always available if a student would like to schedule an appointment.”
    Confession is offered twice a year during Advent and Lent; a chaplain is mentioned but not named.
  2. Serra Catholic High Schoolserrahs.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “200 Hershey Dr, McKeesport, PA 15132”
    The school's address is 200 Hershey Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132.

Reach out

Contact details for Main office (Main office (volunteer hours and campus ministry questions)) and 2 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

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.
87 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.10 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 Pittsburgh, PA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)209
Students in grades 9–12209
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio10.0 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges95%
SettingSuburb

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 Pittsburgh

The Most Reverend Mark Eckman, Bishop of Pittsburgh

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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 Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania rankings