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Aerial view of St. Ambrose Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Ambrose Academy

  • LocationMadison, WI
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 6–12 · 187 students
Official website
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St. Ambrose Academy is a Catholic classical school for grades 6 to 12 in Madison, Wisconsin, based at Holy Name Heights. Mass is offered two or three times a week in the school's oratory, Fr. Jared Holzhuter is named as chaplain, and every class has an annual retreat. Students take theology in each year of the Classics and Standard diplomas, and the school holds two Service Days a year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Ambrose Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Thomas Aquinas Church: 1.5 mi1Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church: 2.7 mi2Saint Bernard Catholic Church: 2.9 mi3Holy Name Heights oratory (St. Ambrose Academy): 0.1 miSt. Ambrose Academy (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Thomas Aquinas Church — 1.5 mi
  2. Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church — 2.7 mi · 5103 Flad Avenue, Madison
  3. Saint Bernard Catholic Church — 2.9 mi · 2015 Parmenter Street, Middleton

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

77 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 (Students attend Mass two or three times a week (the spiritual life page) or three times per week (the sample daily schedule) in the oratory during the school day.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered at St. Ambrose two or three times a week thanks to our chaplain”
      Mass is offered at the school two or three times a week.
    2. Day in the Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/admissions/day-in-the-life · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Ambrose Academy students attend Mass three times per week in the beautiful Holy Name Heights Oratory.”
      Students attend Mass three times a week in the Holy Name Heights oratory during the school day.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNo (The spiritual life page gives Mass as two or three times a week; daily Mass is not offered. The same page also lists 'daily Mass' among formation opportunities; the more specific frequency was used. See gaps.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered at St. Ambrose two or three times a week thanks to our chaplain”
      Mass is offered at the school two or three times a week.
  • 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 said to be available on a regular basis.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Day in the Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/admissions/day-in-the-life · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Spiritual direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to students on a regular basis.”
      The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to students on a regular basis; frequency not stated.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Eucharistic adoration is held on First Fridays, with students signing up for 10 to 15 minute slots each month.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Eucharistic Adoration on First Fridays: students have the opportunity to sign up for a 10-15 minute adoration slot”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered on the first Friday of each month, with student signup.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Jared Holzhuter is listed on the staff page and on the spiritual life page as the school's chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Jared Holzhuter, Chaplain”
      Fr. Jared Holzhuter is the school's chaplain.
      “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered at St. Ambrose two or three times a week thanks to our chaplain”
      Mass is offered at the school two or three times a week.
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 (The graduation requirements table lists four years of theology for the Classics and Standard diplomas (one credit per year, taken each grade). Transfer students take one per year enrolled.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Graduation Requirements | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/academics/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Theology | 4 | 4 | 1 per year enrolled”
      The Classics and Standard diplomas require four units of theology.
  • 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 (Philosophy is one of the seven core subjects, and a philosophy replacement credit is required if a student opts out of a theology course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Day in the Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/admissions/day-in-the-life · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “English, History, Latin, Mathematics, Theology, Science, and Philosophy”
      Philosophy is one of the seven core subjects.
  • 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 course of study describes its education as given in the light of faith, and the senior high cycles integrate theology with history and literature.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Course of Study | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/academics/course-of-study · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “By providing a personalized, integrated, and complete education in the light of faith”
      The school describes its education as integrated and given in the light of faith.
    2. Senior High Course of Study | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/academics/course-of-study/senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “they are reading Rerum novarum in Theology IV”
      Students read Rerum novarum, a Catholic social teaching document, in Theology IV.
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 spiritual life page says each class has an annual retreat, which covers grades 9 to 12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each class has an annual retreat.”
      Each class holds an annual retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two staff members are named: the chaplain, Fr. Jared Holzhuter, and the Director of Student Ministries, Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Jared Holzhuter, Chaplain”
      Fr. Jared Holzhuter is the school's chaplain.
      “Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik, Director of Student Ministries”
      Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik is the Director of Student Ministries.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Faith-based groups listed include Junior High Bible studies, the Order of St. Jerome, Tipi Loschi and the Guardians for Life pro-life club.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “These Bible studies meet once weekly over lunch to read Scripture together”
      Junior high Bible studies meet weekly over lunch for Scripture reading.
      “Order of St. Jerome: Small-group Bible studies for senior high boys to pray with Scripture in community with other young men.”
      The Order of St. Jerome is a small-group Bible study for senior high boys.
      “this group meets weekly over lunch to walk the path of discipleship together”
      Tipi Loschi is a weekly lunchtime group for senior high girls to pray with Scripture.
    2. Student Clubs | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/clubs · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Guardians for Life is a student-run pro-life club.”
      The school has a student-run pro-life club, the Guardians for Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (A morning offering is made in homeroom, and the day closes with a communal recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Day in the Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/admissions/day-in-the-life · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “During homeroom, attendance is taken and a morning offering of prayer is made.”
      A morning prayer is offered in homeroom each day.
      “with the final bell calling all students to communal recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.”
      The school day ends with a communal recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
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.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required service hoursNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The senior high course of study says students read Rerum novarum in Theology IV.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Senior High Course of Study | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/academics/course-of-study/senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “they are reading Rerum novarum in Theology IV”
      Students read Rerum novarum, a Catholic social teaching document, in Theology IV.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (The Guardians for Life is a student-run pro-life club, and senior students make the March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. every year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Clubs | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/clubs · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Guardians for Life is a student-run pro-life club.”
      The school has a student-run pro-life club, the Guardians for Life.
    2. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “seniors go on the March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. every year.”
      Senior students make the March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Two school-wide Service Days each year send groups to diocesan and local organizations, contributing about 1,500 service hours each semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/service · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “As a school community, we set aside a day each semester for a Service Day.”
      The school sets aside a Service Day each semester.
      “contributing about 1500 service hours each semester.”
      Student groups serve diocesan and local organizations, about 1,500 service hours each semester.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is offered two or three times a week at the school's oratory, and a chaplain, Fr. Jared Holzhuter, is named.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered at St. Ambrose two or three times a week thanks to our chaplain”
      Mass is offered at the school two or three times a week.
      “Fr. Jared Holzhuter, Chaplain”
      Fr. Jared Holzhuter is the school's chaplain.
  • Theology is required in every year of the Classics and Standard diplomas, four units in all.
    Sources (1)
    1. Graduation Requirements | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/academics/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Theology | 4 | 4 | 1 per year enrolled”
      The Classics and Standard diplomas require four units of theology.
  • Students read Rerum novarum in Theology IV, and senior students make the March for Life pilgrimage each year.
    Sources (2)
    1. Senior High Course of Study | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/academics/course-of-study/senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “they are reading Rerum novarum in Theology IV”
      Students read Rerum novarum, a Catholic social teaching document, in Theology IV.
    2. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “seniors go on the March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. every year.”
      Senior students make the March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. each year.

Concerns

  • The spiritual life page gives Mass two or three times a week.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered at St. Ambrose two or three times a week thanks to our chaplain”
      Mass is offered at the school two or three times a week.
  • It is said to be available on a regular basis.
    Sources (1)
    1. Day in the Life | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/admissions/day-in-the-life · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Spiritual direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to students on a regular basis.”
      The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to students on a regular basis; frequency not stated.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Holy Name Heights oratory (St. Ambrose Academy)

  • Address: 702 S. High Point Road, Suite 209, Madison, WI 53719
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: oratory

View on map ↗

Source: ambroseacademy.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, ambroseacademy.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 3 off campus, 5 location not published

Faith formation 2

  • Diocesan nun runOff campus
    Twice a year
    Students visit convents and monasteries to speak, work and pray with the Sisters.
    ambroseacademy.org
  • Junior high Bible studies
    Weekly, over lunch
    Bible studies for junior high boys and girls, open to all junior high students.
    ambroseacademy.org

Service 2

  • March for Life pilgrimageOff campus
    Every year, for seniors
    Senior students travel to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life.
    ambroseacademy.org
  • Service DaysOff campus
    Once each semester
    School-wide days when student groups serve diocesan and local organizations.
    ambroseacademy.org, ambroseacademy.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Altar serving and sacristan workOn campus
    Male students serve at the altar at Mass, and female students prepare for Mass as sacristans.
    ambroseacademy.org

Clubs and groups 3

  • Guardians for Life
    A student-run pro-life club that helps at the Sharing Center, prays outside Planned Parenthood during 40 Days for Life, and holds a Mother's Day diaper drive.
    ambroseacademy.org
  • Order of St. Jerome
    Small-group Bible studies for senior high boys.
    ambroseacademy.org
  • Tipi Loschi
    Weekly, over lunch
    A weekly lunchtime Bible study for senior high girls, praying with Scripture.
    ambroseacademy.org

Retreats 1

  • Retreat team
    Juniors and seniors plan and lead retreats for younger students.
    ambroseacademy.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 | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Fr. Jared Holzhuter, Chaplain”
    Fr. Jared Holzhuter is the school's chaplain.
    “Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik, Director of Student Ministries”
    Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik is the Director of Student Ministries.
  2. Our New Home | St. Ambrose Academyambroseacademy.org/our-home · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “located in Holy Name Heights at 702 S. High Point Road Suite 209, Madison, WI”
    The school is located at 702 S. High Point Road, Suite 209, Madison, Wisconsin.
    “with arrangements to use the oratory for worship”
    The school uses the oratory at Holy Name Heights for worship.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: 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.
58 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.12.9 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 Madison, WI
Grades6–12
Students (all grades)187
Students in grades 9–12119
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio12.9 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 Madison

The Most Reverend Donald J. Hying, Bishop of Madison

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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