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Aerial view of St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School

  • LocationAustin, TX
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 414 students
Official website

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school in Austin, Texas, founded by the Diocese of Austin. The school celebrates Mass every week, typically at St. Vincent de Paul parish, and holds a monthly Exposition with confession available. Four years of theology are required, each class takes a retreat every year, and students complete 20 service hours a year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 miSaint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church: 0.3 mi1Formation and Ministry, St. Dominic Savio school chapel: 0.3 miSt. Dominic Savio Catholic High School (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church — 0.3 mi · 9500 Neenah Avenue, Austin

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.

ASacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

88 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 school says it celebrates Mass together as a community every week, typically at St. Vincent de Paul parish, and its campus news says the school gathers for Mass every Wednesday.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Sacramental Life - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/sacramental-life.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our school celebrates Mass together as a community every week, typically in the beautiful sanctuary of our neighboring parish, St. Vincent de Paul.”
      The school celebrates Mass together every week, typically at St. Vincent de Paul parish.
    2. Campus News - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/student-life/campusnews.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every Wednesday, our school community gathers for Mass to encounter Christ and grow together in faith.”
      The school gathers for Mass every Wednesday (school news, August 12, 2026).
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (Priests are invited to be available for confession during Exposition every month, for most retreats, and during Lent and Advent.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacramental Life - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/sacramental-life.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Once a month, typically on the first Friday of the month, the St. Dominic Savio school community gathers for Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.”
      Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held once a month, typically on the first Friday.
      “Our Formation and Ministry program invites priests to be available to administer the sacrament during Exposition every month, for most retreats, and during the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent.”
      Priests are invited to be available for reconciliation during monthly Exposition, most retreats, Lent and Advent.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held once a month, typically on the first Friday. Personal adoration is also available in the school chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacramental Life - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/sacramental-life.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Once a month, typically on the first Friday of the month, the St. Dominic Savio school community gathers for Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.”
      Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held once a month, typically on the first Friday.
      “The chapel is located off the student commons and is always open to students, faculty, and staff for private prayer”
      The school chapel is open for private prayer and adoration on campus.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (A Mass schedule is published. Fr. Ryan Higdon of St. Vincent de Paul celebrated the school's all-school Mass with a deacon.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus News - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/student-life/campusnews.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “celebrated by Father Ryan Higdon of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, alongside Deacon Rudy.”
      A parish priest celebrated the all-school Mass on August 12, 2026, with a deacon.
    2. Sacramental Life - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/sacramental-life.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our school celebrates Mass together as a community every week, typically in the beautiful sanctuary of our neighboring parish, St. Vincent de Paul.”
      The school celebrates Mass together every week, typically at St. Vincent de Paul parish.
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 theology are required, and the school says theology must be taken each year a student is enrolled. The school's four-year sequence runs through Theology IV.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/theology.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Four credits of Theology are required for graduation. These must be taken each year a student is enrolled.”
      Four credits of theology are required, taken each year of enrollment.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The theology department says it follows the USCCB High School Curriculum through the Diocese of Austin.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/academics/theology.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “follows the Diocese of Austin in accordance with the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops High School Curriculum”
      The theology department follows the USCCB High School Curriculum.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Apologetics is taught in Theology II and is listed as an elective. Christian Morality is a required semester of Theology III.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/academics/theology.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology II, Apologetics”
      Apologetics is taught in Theology II, and it is listed as an elective course.
      “Semester 2: Life in Jesus Christ (Christian Morality)”
      Theology III includes a required semester on Christian morality.
  • 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

87 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 takes one retreat per year, and retreat attendance is mandatory and a graduation requirement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student-Led Ministry - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/student-led-ministry.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each class takes one retreat per year.”
      Each class takes one retreat per year.
      “Retreat attendance is mandatory and is a graduation requirement.”
      Retreat attendance is mandatory and is a graduation requirement.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Three Dominican Sisters of Mary Sr. John Henry, Sr. James Karol and Sr.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Dominican Sisters of Mary - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/dominican-sisters.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sr. John Henry, OP, Sr. James Karol, OP, and Sr. Maria Jerome, OP serve at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, where they teach, mentor students, and support campus ministry.”
      Three Dominican Sisters serve the school and support campus ministry.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (One faith-based student group is listed: the Timothy Team, a student peer ministry team.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student-Led Ministry - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/student-led-ministry.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Timothy Team (abbreviated TIM Team) is now a vital center of the faith life of our school community”
      The Timothy Team is a student peer ministry team at the school.
  • 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 (The Diakonia Service Program requires 20 service hours each year, which is 80 hours across four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Service - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/christian-service.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At least 10 of the required 20 hours must be”
      The Diakonia Service Program requires 20 service hours.
      “well beyond the required 20 hours minimum each year”
      The required service minimum is 20 hours each 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 school runs a junior Street Retreat with Austin's homeless community, an Imago Christi Day of service at more than 20 sites, and a Catholic Relief Services Global High School Program partnership.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Christian Service - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/christian-service.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “travel to more than 20 service sites around the Austin area”
      Imago Christi Day sends students and faculty to more than 20 service sites in Austin.
      “Typically, Imago Christi Day is scheduled during April.”
      Imago Christi Day is typically scheduled in April.
      “Savio is proud to partner with Catholic Relief Services in the CRS Global High School Program”
      The school partners with Catholic Relief Services in its Global High School Program.
    2. Student-Led Ministry - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/student-led-ministry.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “An extended walking pilgrimage designed to facilitate an encounter with Christ in Austin’s homeless community”
      The junior Street Retreat is a walking pilgrimage in Austin's homeless community with partner organizations.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is celebrated every week, and the school publishes monthly Exposition with confession available.
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacramental Life - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/sacramental-life.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our school celebrates Mass together as a community every week, typically in the beautiful sanctuary of our neighboring parish, St. Vincent de Paul.”
      The school celebrates Mass together every week, typically at St. Vincent de Paul parish.
      “Once a month, typically on the first Friday of the month, the St. Dominic Savio school community gathers for Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.”
      Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held once a month, typically on the first Friday.
      “Our Formation and Ministry program invites priests to be available to administer the sacrament during Exposition every month, for most retreats, and during the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent.”
      Priests are invited to be available for reconciliation during monthly Exposition, most retreats, Lent and Advent.
  • Four years of theology are required, and the theology department says it follows the USCCB High School Curriculum.
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/theology.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Four credits of Theology are required for graduation. These must be taken each year a student is enrolled.”
      Four credits of theology are required, taken each year of enrollment.
    2. Theology - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/academics/theology.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “follows the Diocese of Austin in accordance with the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops High School Curriculum”
      The theology department follows the USCCB High School Curriculum.
  • Each class takes a mandatory retreat every year, and students complete 20 service hours a year.
    Sources (2)
    1. Student-Led Ministry - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/student-led-ministry.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each class takes one retreat per year.”
      Each class takes one retreat per year.
      “Retreat attendance is mandatory and is a graduation requirement.”
      Retreat attendance is mandatory and is a graduation requirement.
    2. Christian Service - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/christian-service.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At least 10 of the required 20 hours must be”
      The Diakonia Service Program requires 20 service hours.

Concerns

  • A parish priest celebrated the all-school Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus News - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/student-life/campusnews.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “celebrated by Father Ryan Higdon of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, alongside Deacon Rudy.”
      A parish priest celebrated the all-school Mass on August 12, 2026, with a deacon.
  • Mass in the school chapel is published as monthly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacramental Life - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/sacramental-life.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass is celebrated in the school chapel at least once a month before school.”
      Mass is celebrated in the school chapel at least once a month.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Formation and Ministry, St. Dominic Savio school chapel

  • Address: 9300 Neenah Ave, Austin, TX 78717
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: school chapel with tabernacle

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 2 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 2

  • Street Retreat (junior retreat)Off campus
    Junior year
    An extended walking pilgrimage in Austin's homeless community, with partner organizations Mobile Loaves and Fishes and the Foundation for the Homeless.
    saviochs.org
  • Class retreats
    Each class takes one retreat per year, led by student leaders. The senior retreat is a two-day overnight retreat.
    saviochs.org, saviochs.org

Service 3

  • Imago Christi DayOff campus
    Typically April
    An annual day of service in which the whole school community serves at more than 20 sites around Austin.
    saviochs.org, saviochs.org
  • Diakonia Service Program
    A service program requiring 20 hours of service a year, at least 10 of them serving others outside the school community.
    saviochs.org, saviochs.org
  • Catholic Relief Services Global High School Program
    A school partnership with Catholic Relief Services.
    saviochs.org

Faith formation 1

  • Timothy Team (TIM Team)
    A student peer ministry team of junior and senior students who lead retreats, Mass planning, liturgy and community prayer, supported by theology faculty.
    saviochs.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. Student-Led Ministry - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/student-led-ministry.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Timothy Team (abbreviated TIM Team) is now a vital center of the faith life of our school community”
    The Timothy Team is a student peer ministry team at the school.
  2. Sacramental Life - St. Dominic Savio Catholic High Schoolsaviochs.org/faith/sacramental-life.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Our Formation and Ministry program invites priests to be available to administer the sacrament during Exposition every month, for most retreats, and during the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent.”
    Priests are invited to be available for reconciliation during monthly Exposition, most retreats, Lent and Advent.
    “9300 Neenah Ave, Austin, TX 78717”
    The school is at 9300 Neenah Ave, Austin, TX 78717.
    “The St. Dominic Savio community is blessed to have our very own chapel and tabernacle on campus.”
    The school has its own chapel and tabernacle on campus.
    “The chapel is located off the student commons and is always open to students, faculty, and staff for private prayer”
    The school chapel is open for private prayer and adoration on campus.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: 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.
80 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.13.2 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 Austin, TX
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)414
Students in grades 9–12414
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio13.2 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges95%
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 Austin

The Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia, Bishop of Austin

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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