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

Catholic high school

St. Bernard Preparatory School

  • LocationCullman, AL
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 7–12 · 126 students
Official website

St. Bernard Preparatory School is a Roman Catholic, co-educational school serving grades 7 to 12, on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama, and founded by Benedictine monks. Its Catholic formation page describes a weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, opportunities for confession and Eucharistic adoration, daily prayer, and guided retreats offered through the year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Bernard Preparatory School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miBenedictine Sisters Retreat Center: 1.1 mi1Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church: 1.5 mi2Campus Ministry, St. Bernard Preparatory School: 0.2 miSt. Bernard Preparatory School (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center — 1.1 mi
  2. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church — 1.5 mi · 112 2nd Avenue Southeast, Cullman

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

71 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 (The Catholic formation page describes a weekly celebration of the Holy Mass as part of school life.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
      The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
  • 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
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
      The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (Eucharistic adoration is listed among the practices offered to students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
      The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Masses are confirmed. The faculty directory lists Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. as Chaplain without a priestly title; the President, Fr.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
      The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
    2. Faculty and Staff | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/faculty-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. Chaplain”
      Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. is listed as the school's Chaplain.
    3. President's Welcome | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/president-s-welcome · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Paschal Pautler, O.S.B. President, St. Bernard Preparatory School”
      Fr. Paschal Pautler, O.S.B. is the school's President and a priest.
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.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Years of theology or religion requiredNot 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.
    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.
  • 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

85 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 (Guided retreats are offered throughout the year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “We find students are actually eager for Catholic formation, embracing classes, spiritual walks, and guided retreats offered throughout the year.”
      Guided retreats are offered throughout the year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two campus ministry staff are named: the chaplain listed in the faculty directory and Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M., who is in charge of Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faculty and Staff | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/faculty-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. Chaplain”
      Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. is listed as the school's Chaplain.
    2. Clubs & Activities | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/education/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “explains Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M. She is in charge of Campus Ministry, and is the advisor for a Crochet Club”
      Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M. is in charge of Campus Ministry.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The Catholic formation page describes daily prayer as part of life at the school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
      The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

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

Strengths

  • The school describes a weekly Holy Mass, regular confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of student life.
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
      The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
  • Guided retreats are offered throughout the year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “We find students are actually eager for Catholic formation, embracing classes, spiritual walks, and guided retreats offered throughout the year.”
      Guided retreats are offered throughout the year.
  • Students help prepare school liturgies and serve as Knights of the Altar.
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Many students eagerly help prepare school liturgies, serve as Knights of the Altar, sing sacred music in praise of God, and practice acts of service within the community.”
      Students help prepare school liturgies, serve as Knights of the Altar, and practice service in the community.

Concerns

  • The chaplain is listed without a priestly title.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/faculty-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. Chaplain”
      Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. is listed as the school's Chaplain.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, St. Bernard Preparatory School

  • Address: 1600 St. Bernard Dr., SE, Cullman, AL 35055
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: stbernardprep.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026, stbernardprep.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026, stbernardprep.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Faith formation 1

  • Crochet Club
    A club advised by Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M., open only to young women, where students meet to talk and crochet.
    stbernardprep.com

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Knights of the Altar and school liturgies
    Students serve as Knights of the Altar and help prepare school liturgies.
    stbernardprep.com

Retreats 1

  • Guided retreats
    Offered throughout the year
    Guided retreats offered to students.
    stbernardprep.com

Service 1

  • Community Service club
    A student club listed among the school's clubs and activities.
    stbernardprep.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 (3)
  1. Catholic Formation | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/about/catholic-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
    The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
    “With weekly celebration of the Holy Mass, regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and daily prayer, life at SBP is one of faith, hope, and love.”
    The school describes weekly Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer as part of its Catholic life, without published times.
  2. Clubs & Activities | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/education/clubs-activities · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “explains Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M. She is in charge of Campus Ministry, and is the advisor for a Crochet Club”
    Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M. is in charge of Campus Ministry.
    “explains Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M. She is in charge of Campus Ministry, and is the advisor for a Crochet Club”
    Sr. Therese, L.I.H.M. is in charge of Campus Ministry.
  3. Contact | St. Bernard Preparatory Schoolstbernardprep.com/contact · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “1600 St. Bernard Dr., SE Cullman, AL 35055”
    The school is at 1600 St. Bernard Drive, SE, in Cullman, Alabama.

Reach out

Contact details for St. Bernard Preparatory School main line (School phone line) and the campus ministry 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.
49 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.75%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.10.1 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 Birmingham in Alabama, AL
Grades7–12
Students (all grades)126
Students in grades 9–1290
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio10.1 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges75%
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 Birmingham in Alabama

The Most Reverend Steven J. Raica, Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Bernard Preparatory School a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Bernard Preparatory School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.

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 Alabama · Alabama rankings