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

Catholic high school

St. Francis De Sales High School

  • LocationColumbus, OH
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 866 students
Official website
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St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio, has a school chaplain, Fr. Kevin Girardi, and a Campus Ministry office. Its published campus ministry pages list a daily 7 AM Mass, monthly all-school Masses and monthly Eucharistic adoration. Students take four years of theology, with a retreat day for every grade.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Monday–Friday7:00 AMSt. Francis DeSales campus · Daily morning Mass as listed on the Campus Ministry page.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Morning Mass offered at 7AM”
    Campus Ministry lists a daily morning Mass at 7 AM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Francis De Sales High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Mathias Catholic Church: 0.2 mi1Saint James the Less Catholic Church: 1.5 mi2Immaculate Conception Catholic Church: 2.1 mi3Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church: 2.3 mi4St. Augustine and Gabriel Church: 2.7 mi5Saint Michael Catholic Church: 2.8 mi6St. Francis DeSales Campus Ministry: 0.1 miSt. Francis De Sales High School (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Mathias Catholic Church — 0.2 mi
  2. Saint James the Less Catholic Church — 1.5 mi · 1652 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus
  3. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church — 2.1 mi
  4. Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church — 2.3 mi
  5. St. Augustine and Gabriel Church — 2.7 mi
  6. Saint Michael Catholic Church — 2.8 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.

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

90 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 (Campus Ministry lists monthly all-school Masses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monthly All-School Masses”
      Campus Ministry offers monthly all-school Masses.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (Campus Ministry lists a daily Mass at 7 AM on the school campus (Monday to Friday).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass offered at 7AM”
      Campus Ministry lists a daily morning Mass at 7 AM.
      “our campus is blessed with the opportunity to participate in daily Reconciliation and Mass, thanks to our school Chaplain.”
      The school states that daily Reconciliation and Mass are available to students on campus through the school chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (The Spiritual Life page says daily Reconciliation is available on campus.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “our campus is blessed with the opportunity to participate in daily Reconciliation and Mass, thanks to our school Chaplain.”
      The school states that daily Reconciliation and Mass are available to students on campus through the school chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Eucharistic adoration is listed once a month.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Eucharistic Adoration once a month”
      Campus Ministry offers Eucharistic adoration once a month.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Kevin Girardi is named as the school chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Kevin Girardi School Chaplain”
      Fr. Kevin Girardi is listed as the school chaplain on the Campus Ministry page.
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 table requires 4 credits of theology. The four theology courses (Theology I to IV) are full-year courses of 1 credit each; 4 credits equals four years of theology. Theology is taken in every grade, 9 to 12.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Programs of Study | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/academic-programs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology | 4 |”
      The graduation requirements table lists 4 credits of theology.
    2. Theology Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology IV - 1204 (year) Grade: 12 Credit: 0.50 per semester”
      Theology IV is a full-year course in grade 12, with the same structure as Theology I to III.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The Theology Department states the curriculum is in accordance with the 2008 USCCB Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the Theology Curriculum is in accordance with the 2008 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops”
      The Theology Department states its curriculum follows the 2008 USCCB Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The Bioethics course (grades 11-12) is an ethics course grounded in Catholic moral theology.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course is designed to impart an in-depth understanding of Catholic Moral Theology as it pertains to the pressing bioethical questions of the modern age.”
      The Bioethics course, grades 11-12, teaches Catholic moral theology applied to bioethical questions.
  • 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 statement says faith is expressed through every aspect of the school's communal life. This is stated in the mission statement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Mission | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/mission-statement · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith is a gift that we freely receive and a return of love that we express individually and through every aspect of our communal life.”
      The mission statement says faith is expressed through every aspect of the school's communal life.
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 (A retreat day is listed for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors (Kairos, with a one-day option).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every grade level at St. Francis DeSales has a day set aside”
      Every grade level has a retreat day.
      “Following this theme, the freshmen spend the day off campus”
      The freshman retreat takes place off campus.
      “Following this theme, the Juniors spend the day off campus”
      The junior retreat takes place off campus.
      “Kairos is a nationally recognized retreat that has been positively impacting the lives of our Seniors here at DeSales since 2001.”
      Kairos is a senior retreat.
      “The Sophomore retreat helps students see how to live service everyday.”
      The sophomore retreat focuses on service.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Four staff are listed: the school chaplain, the director, a campus ministry staff member and an assistant.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Kevin Girardi School Chaplain”
      Fr. Kevin Girardi is listed as the school chaplain on the Campus Ministry page.
      “Rebecca Metzger Director of Campus Ministry metzger@desales.co”
      Rebecca Metzger is listed as Director of Campus Ministry, with a published school email address.
      “Sr. Boram Lee Campus Ministry srboram@desales.co”
      Sr. Boram Lee is listed on the Campus Ministry staff.
      “CAROLYNN HEINMILLER Campus Ministry Assistant”
      A Campus Ministry Assistant is listed on the Campus Ministry page.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Several faith-based student groups are listed, including Campus Ministry, Stallions for Life, Sororitas, Fraternitas, Sisters of Strength and Core Team.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Clubs | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/service-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Members play key roles in assisting with Mass, serving as Readers, Altar Servers, Eucharist Ministers and Candle and Gift Bearers.”
      The Campus Ministry club assists with school Masses and gathers for faith and fellowship.
      “Stallions for Life is a service club dedicated to spreading the pro-life mentality”
      Stallions for Life is a school service club focused on pro-life work.
      “is a bible study for young women at DeSales. Gathering weekly”
      Sororitas is a weekly Bible study for young women.
      “Young men gather weekly for prayer, donuts, and discussion”
      Fraternitas is a weekly prayer and discussion group for young men.
      “Sisters of Strength is a Walking With Purpose Bible Study written for high school girls”
      Sisters of Strength is a Bible study for high school girls.
  • 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.
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 (Theology IV, Semester II, covers the social teachings of the Catholic Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the social teachings of the Catholic Church.”
      Theology IV, Semester II, introduces students to the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (Stallions for Life is a pro-life service club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Clubs | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/service-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Stallions for Life is a service club dedicated to spreading the pro-life mentality”
      Stallions for Life is a school service club focused on pro-life work.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The St. Vincent dePaul club, Run the Race volunteering and the school's service initiatives are listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Service Clubs | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/service-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the club’s emphasis is on service and advocacy to and for the poor, both locally and globally.”
      The St. Vincent dePaul club focuses on service and advocacy for the poor.
      “Students have an opportunity to volunteer at the Run the Race Center monthly on Wednesdays”
      Run the Race club members volunteer monthly at the Run the Race Center.
      “The Environmental Club fosters the Catholic social teaching of Care for Creation.”
      The Environmental Club is built around the Catholic social teaching of care for creation.
    2. Service Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “including the annual canned food drive, mission warmth clothing drive, and Christmas in the Courtyard for local youth.”
      The school runs school-wide service initiatives such as a canned food drive and Christmas in the Courtyard.

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

Strengths

  • Campus Ministry lists a daily 7 AM Mass and daily Reconciliation on campus, with a school chaplain named.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass offered at 7AM”
      Campus Ministry lists a daily morning Mass at 7 AM.
      “our campus is blessed with the opportunity to participate in daily Reconciliation and Mass, thanks to our school Chaplain.”
      The school states that daily Reconciliation and Mass are available to students on campus through the school chaplain.
    2. Campus Ministry Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Kevin Girardi School Chaplain”
      Fr. Kevin Girardi is listed as the school chaplain on the Campus Ministry page.
  • Theology is required in all four years, and the department states its curriculum follows the USCCB framework.
    Sources (2)
    1. Programs of Study | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/academic-programs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology | 4 |”
      The graduation requirements table lists 4 credits of theology.
    2. Theology Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the Theology Curriculum is in accordance with the 2008 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops”
      The Theology Department states its curriculum follows the 2008 USCCB Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework.
  • A retreat is listed for every grade level, 9 to 12.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every grade level at St. Francis DeSales has a day set aside”
      Every grade level has a retreat day.
  • Several faith-based student groups are listed, including a pro-life club and a justice-focused club.
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Clubs | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/service-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Stallions for Life is a service club dedicated to spreading the pro-life mentality”
      Stallions for Life is a school service club focused on pro-life work.
      “the club’s emphasis is on service and advocacy to and for the poor, both locally and globally.”
      The St. Vincent dePaul club focuses on service and advocacy for the poor.

Concerns

  • The pages give only a frequency for adoration.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “our campus is blessed with the opportunity to participate in daily Reconciliation and Mass, thanks to our school Chaplain.”
      The school states that daily Reconciliation and Mass are available to students on campus through the school chaplain.
      “Eucharistic Adoration once a month”
      Campus Ministry offers Eucharistic adoration once a month.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

St. Francis DeSales Campus Ministry

  • Address: 4212 Karl Rd., Columbus, OH 43224
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

16 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 4 off campus, 12 location not published

Retreats 5

  • Freshman retreat (Rooted)Off campus
    A day off campus with the sacraments, activities and keynote speakers.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Junior retreat (Rise)Off campus
    A day off campus with the sacraments, activities and keynote speakers.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Salesian Leadership RetreatOff campus
    One week
    A week at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians for junior student leaders.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Sophomore retreat
    A service-focused retreat that includes the COPE poverty simulation.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Kairos (senior retreat)
    Three days, two nights
    A senior retreat run with student leaders, teachers and staff.
    sfdstallions.org

Service 4

  • Run the Race clubOff campus
    Monthly on Wednesdays
    Volunteers at the Run the Race Center with children, playing games, tutoring and mentoring.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Stallions for Life
    A pro-life service club that promotes service and fellowship.
    sfdstallions.org
  • St. Vincent dePaul club
    Service and advocacy for the poor, both locally and globally.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Environmental Club
    Built around the Catholic social teaching of care for creation; runs recycling and clean-up projects.
    sfdstallions.org

Faith formation 3

  • Sororitas
    Weekly
    A weekly Bible study for young women focused on prayer, Scripture and discussion.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Fraternitas
    Weekly
    A club for young men that meets weekly for prayer and discussion.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Sisters of Strength
    A Walking With Purpose Bible study for high school girls.
    sfdstallions.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Campus Ministry club
    Members serve as readers, altar servers, Eucharistic ministers and candle and gift bearers at Mass, and gather for faith and fellowship.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Core Team
    A student leadership group that leads Bible studies, retreats and Encounter.
    sfdstallions.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Encounter
    Modeled on Oratory Nights; students encounter Christ through the Blessed Sacrament and fellowship.
    sfdstallions.org
  • Monthly all-school Mass
    Monthly
    All-school Masses, with students serving as readers and gift bearers.
    sfdstallions.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 (3)
  1. Campus Ministry Department | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Rebecca Metzger Director of Campus Ministry metzger@desales.co”
    Rebecca Metzger is listed as Director of Campus Ministry, with a published school email address.
  2. Spiritual Life | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “our campus is blessed with the opportunity to participate in daily Reconciliation and Mass, thanks to our school Chaplain.”
    The school states that daily Reconciliation and Mass are available to students on campus through the school chaplain.
    “our campus is blessed with the opportunity to participate in daily Reconciliation and Mass, thanks to our school Chaplain.”
    The school states that daily Reconciliation and Mass are available to students on campus through the school chaplain.
  3. Contact | St. Francis DeSales High Schoolsfdstallions.org/contact-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “4212 Karl Rd. Columbus, OH 43224”
    The school address is 4212 Karl Rd., Columbus, OH 43224.

Reach out

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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.
65 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.85%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.11.5 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
DioceseCatholic Diocese of Columbus, OH
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)866
Students in grades 9–12866
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio11.5 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges85%
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

Catholic Diocese of Columbus

The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Francis De Sales High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Francis De Sales High School is a Catholic high school in the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.
What is St. Francis De Sales High School’s Compass Score?
89 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at St. Francis De Sales High School?
Mass is listed at St. Francis DeSales campus. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is St. Francis De Sales High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. St. Francis De Sales High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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