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

Catholic high school

St. Bede Academy

  • LocationPeru, IL
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 262 students
  • SponsorSaint Bede Abbey (Benedictine monks)
Official website

Saint Bede Academy is an independent, coeducational Catholic high school in Peru, Illinois, administered by the Benedictine monks of Saint Bede Abbey, which shares the school's address. The Academy Chaplain, a Benedictine priest, arranges all-school Masses and prayer services, and the Abbey's published schedule lists a Mass Monday to Saturday. Four years of religion are required, and students must complete 25 Christian service hours each year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Bede Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Bede Abbey: 0.0 mi1Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church: 1.7 mi2Saint Josephs Roman Catholic Church: 1.9 mi3Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church: 1.9 mi4Saint Marys Roman Catholic Church: 2.3 mi5St. Bede Academy (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Bede Abbey — 0.0 mi · 24 West Highway 6, Peru
  2. Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church — 1.7 mi
  3. Saint Josephs Roman Catholic Church — 1.9 mi
  4. Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church — 1.9 mi
  5. Saint Marys Roman Catholic Church — 2.3 mi

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

59 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 (Several named all-school and class Masses appear on the 2026-27 calendar and in the chaplain's duties.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “His role as chaplain includes arranging all-school masses and prayer services”
      The chaplain arranges all-school Masses and prayer services.
    2. 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook, Saint Bede Academy (calendar)st-bede.com/s/2026-2027-Handbook-Proof22.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Homecoming Week All School Mass”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a Homecoming Week all-school Mass.
      “All School Mass”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists an all-school Mass.
      “Back to School Mass”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a Back to School Mass.
      “Senior Farewell Mass”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a Senior Farewell Mass.
      “Baccalaureate Mass”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a Baccalaureate Mass.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (The 2026-27 calendar lists one Adoration or Lectio Day.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook, Saint Bede Academy (calendar)st-bede.com/s/2026-2027-Handbook-Proof22.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adoration or Lectio Day (Thursday of”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists one Adoration or Lectio Day.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the Academy Chaplain and head of the religion department.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “As chaplain and head of religion department, he is the spiritual director for our students and responsible for the program of their formal religious education.”
      Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the chaplain and spiritual director for students.
    2. Our Faculty | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/our-faculty · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Dominic Garramone O.S.B. Academy Chaplain, Benedictine Monk”
      Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the Academy Chaplain, a Benedictine monk.
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, one for each of the four religion courses (I to IV); four full-year equivalents. Religion is taken in each year of attendance.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Religion (4)”
      Four credits of religion are required to graduate.
      “Religion I: Revelation Religion II: Church and Sacraments Religion III: Faith and Morals Religion IV: Life and Justice”
      The religion courses are Religion I to IV.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 school's statement of purpose, in its handbook, says the principles of the Catholic faith must be fully integrated into the school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook, Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/s/2026-2027-Handbook-Proof22.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The principles, practices, and beliefs of the Catholic Faith must be fully integrated”
      The school's statement of purpose says the Catholic faith must be fully integrated into the school.
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

71 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    RetreatsRetreats for some grades (The 2026-27 calendar lists a senior retreat and a junior day of recollection.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook, Saint Bede Academy (calendar)st-bede.com/s/2026-2027-Handbook-Proof22.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Senior Retreat”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a senior retreat.
      “All School Assembly/ Junior Day of Recollection”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a junior day of recollection.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (The chaplain is the one named campus ministry staff member; the Christian Service Moderator runs service, not campus ministry, and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Faculty | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/our-faculty · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Dominic Garramone O.S.B. Academy Chaplain, Benedictine Monk”
      Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the Academy Chaplain, a Benedictine monk.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Three faith-based student groups are listed: Lectio Divino, Eucharistic Ministers and the Abbey Altar Servers.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Clubs | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/student-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Lectio Divino Moderator: Father Dom”
      Lectio Divino is a student group moderated by the chaplain.
      “Eucharistic Ministers Moderator: Father Dom”
      Eucharistic Ministers is a student group moderated by the chaplain.
      “Abbey Altar Server Moderator: Father Michael”
      The Abbey Altar Server group is a student group with a monastic moderator.
  • 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.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

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

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Christian Service is 25 hours each academic year of attendance, 100 hours over four years.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A total of 25 Christian Service hours are required per year of attendance.”
      Christian Service is 25 hours required each year of attendance.
    2. Christian Service Program | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/christian-service-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All graduating students of Saint Bede Academy are required to complete a minimum of 25 hours each academic year in attendance.”
      Graduating students must complete 25 service hours each academic year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot 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.
    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 (The Charity Club partners with local organizations to serve the community.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Clubs | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/student-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Providing specific opportunities for students to serve in the local communities and partnering with organizations for the purpose of service.”
      The Charity Club provides service opportunities with local partner organizations.

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

Strengths

  • A Benedictine priest serves as Academy Chaplain and head of the religion department.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “As chaplain and head of religion department, he is the spiritual director for our students and responsible for the program of their formal religious education.”
      Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the chaplain and spiritual director for students.
    2. Our Faculty | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/our-faculty · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Dominic Garramone O.S.B. Academy Chaplain, Benedictine Monk”
      Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the Academy Chaplain, a Benedictine monk.
  • Students must complete 25 Christian service hours each year, 100 hours over four years.
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A total of 25 Christian Service hours are required per year of attendance.”
      Christian Service is 25 hours required each year of attendance.
    2. Christian Service Program | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/christian-service-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All graduating students of Saint Bede Academy are required to complete a minimum of 25 hours each academic year in attendance.”
      Graduating students must complete 25 service hours each academic year.
  • Four years of religion are required, and the Abbey's published schedule includes a Mass Monday to Saturday.
    Sources (2)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Religion (4)”
      Four credits of religion are required to graduate.
    2. Prayer Times at St. Bede Abbey | Saint Bede Abbeystbedeabbey.org/prayer-times-at-st-bede-abbey · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday-Saturday Schedule 5:45 AM - Morning Prayer 6:15 AM - Brief Community Meeting 6:30 AM - Breakfast followed by lectio divinia 7:45 AM - Mass”
      The Abbey's daily liturgy schedule lists Mass at 7:45 AM Monday to Saturday.

Concerns

  • The calendar lists retreats for seniors and juniors only, not for freshmen or sophomores.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook, Saint Bede Academy (calendar)st-bede.com/s/2026-2027-Handbook-Proof22.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Senior Retreat”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a senior retreat.
      “All School Assembly/ Junior Day of Recollection”
      The 2026-27 calendar lists a junior day of recollection.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Academy chaplaincy and Saint Bede Abbey

  • Address: 24 West US Highway 6, Peru, IL 61354
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: st-bede.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, st-bede.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, stbedeabbey.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

11 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 0 off campus, 9 location not published

Clubs and groups 1

  • Lectio DivinoOn campus
    Typically once or twice a month at lunch
    A student group that discusses scripture readings. Its moderator is the chaplain.
    st-bede.com, st-bede.com, st-bede.com

Liturgy and prayer 4

  • Daily Mass at Saint Bede AbbeyOn campus
    Monday to Saturday at 7:45 AM; Sunday at 10:00 AM
    The Abbey's published daily schedule. The Abbey shares the Academy's address.
    stbedeabbey.org, stbedeabbey.org
  • All-school and class Masses
    Several times a year, for example Back to School, Homecoming week, Senior Farewell and Baccalaureate
    The calendar names several all-school and class Masses for 2026-27.
    st-bede.com, st-bede.com, st-bede.com, st-bede.com, st-bede.com, st-bede.com
  • Eucharistic Ministers
    Students who assist at all school Masses by distributing Communion. The chaplain meets with them before installation.
    st-bede.com, st-bede.com
  • Abbey Altar Servers
    Year-round; training in May and August; special practices for Christmas and Easter
    A group for sophomore, junior and senior boys. Training and special practices cover Christmas and Easter liturgies, professions, ordinations and funerals.
    st-bede.com, st-bede.com

Faith formation 2

  • Adoration or Lectio Day
    One day, on the Thursday of the musical matinee week
    One Adoration or Lectio Day is listed on the 2026-27 calendar.
    st-bede.com
  • Monthly prayer services
    Monthly
    Students take part in monthly prayer services.
    st-bede.com

Retreats 2

  • Senior Retreat
    A retreat for seniors, listed on the 2026-27 calendar.
    st-bede.com
  • Junior Day of Recollection
    A day of recollection for juniors, listed on the 2026-27 calendar.
    st-bede.com

Service 2

  • Charity Club
    Serves local communities through partner organizations.
    st-bede.com
  • Christian Service Program
    25 hours each academic year
    Required service, logged through the X2VOL system and approved by the program coordinator.
    st-bede.com, st-bede.com

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 (5)
  1. Prayer Times at St. Bede Abbey | Saint Bede Abbeystbedeabbey.org/prayer-times-at-st-bede-abbey · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Monday-Saturday Schedule 5:45 AM - Morning Prayer 6:15 AM - Brief Community Meeting 6:30 AM - Breakfast followed by lectio divinia 7:45 AM - Mass”
    The Abbey's daily liturgy schedule lists Mass at 7:45 AM Monday to Saturday.
  2. 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook, Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/s/2026-2027-Handbook-Proof22.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Saint Bede Academy is an independent, Catholic, coeducational secondary school administered by the Benedictines”
    The Academy is a Catholic school administered by the Benedictine monks of Saint Bede Abbey.
  3. Spiritual Life | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “As chaplain and head of religion department, he is the spiritual director for our students and responsible for the program of their formal religious education.”
    Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the chaplain and spiritual director for students.
    “As chaplain and head of religion department, he is the spiritual director for our students and responsible for the program of their formal religious education.”
    Fr. Dominic Garramone, O.S.B. is the chaplain and spiritual director for students.
  4. Directions to Saint Bede Academy | Saint Bede Academyst-bede.com/directions · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “24 W US HWY 6 Peru, Illinois 61354”
    The Academy's address is 24 West US Highway 6, Peru, Illinois 61354.
  5. Contact Us | Saint Bede Abbeystbedeabbey.org/contact-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Saint Bede Abbey and Academy | 24 West US Highway 6, Peru, IL, 61354”
    The Abbey and the Academy share one address.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

FAcademic Excellence: Minimal (grade F): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
22 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.32%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.9.6 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 Peoria, IL
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)262
Students in grades 9–12262
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio9.6 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges32%
SettingRural

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 Peoria

The Most Reverend Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Bede Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Bede Academy is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Peoria. Its sponsor is Saint Bede Abbey (Benedictine monks).
What is St. Bede Academy’s Compass Score?
63 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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