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Aerial view of St. Joseph's Catholic Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Joseph's Catholic Academy

  • LocationBoalsburg, PA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 117 students
Official website
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Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, is a Catholic high school for grades 9 through 12 in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Its faith page describes an all-school Mass each week, a theology course every semester and an annual all-school faith retreat. The school names a school chaplain and a Director of Campus Ministry, and its service program requires 75 hours over four years.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Joseph's Catholic Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Joseph's Catholic Academy Chapel: 0.0 mi1Columbus Chapel: 0.5 mi2Ruthenian Community of Saint Basil: 2.5 mi3Campus Ministry: 0.0 miSt. Joseph's Catholic Academy (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy Chapel — 0.0 mi · 901 Boalsburg Pike, Boalsburg
  2. Columbus Chapel — 0.5 mi · 163 Boal Estate Drive, Boalsburg
  3. Ruthenian Community of Saint Basil — 2.5 mi · 1606 Norma Street, State College

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

82 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 faith page says the all-school Mass is typically on Thursday mornings, while the 2026-27 handbook's bell schedule shows the Mass period on Wednesdays. Both pages support a weekly school Mass; the day is recorded from the handbook and the conflict is listed in the gaps.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The focal point of our week is an all-school Mass, typically on Thursday mornings.”
      The school's focal weekly event is an all-school Mass, typically on Thursday mornings.
    2. Family Handbook 2026-2027 | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Family-Handbook-2026-2027-1.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “HolySacrificeoftheMass,offeredweeklyduringtheschoolday”
      The handbook says the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered weekly during the school day and attended by all students and faculty.
      “Mass(Wed)orClubs(Thu)”
      The bell schedule shows the Mass period on Wednesdays and clubs on Thursdays.
  • 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 (The Sacrament of Confession is listed among devotions offered throughout the year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to participate in various devotions, including the Sacrament of Confession, the Rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration.”
      Students may take part in confession and Eucharistic adoration throughout the year, with no frequency stated.
    2. School Chaplain | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/school-chaplain · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “provides for the sacramental life of the entire school community, including the planning and celebration of the Mass, other devotional practices and the Sacrament of Reconciliation”
      The chaplain provides for the sacramental life of the school, including Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally (Eucharistic Adoration is listed among devotions offered throughout the year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to participate in various devotions, including the Sacrament of Confession, the Rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration.”
      Students may take part in confession and Eucharistic adoration throughout the year, with no frequency stated.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Brian Saylor is named as the school chaplain. He also serves as pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Church, Bellefonte.)
    Sources (1)
    1. School Chaplain | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/school-chaplain · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Brian Saylor Saint Joseph's School Chaplain Pastor, Saint John the Evangelist Church, Bellefonte PA”
      Fr. Brian Saylor is the school chaplain.
      “provides for the sacramental life of the entire school community, including the planning and celebration of the Mass, other devotional practices and the Sacrament of Reconciliation”
      The chaplain provides for the sacramental life of the school, including Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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 (Every student takes one theology course each semester: eight semesters, which is four years of theology.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All students are required to take a Theology course each semester.”
      All students take a theology course every semester.
      “10th Grade: Who is Jesus? | Catholic Social Teaching”
      Students take a semester-long theology course in Catholic Social Teaching in 10th grade, and one semester theology course in each grade.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The school says its curriculum conforms to the standards set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which is read as following the bishops' high school curriculum framework.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Instruction is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, and our curriculum conforms to the standards set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.”
      The curriculum conforms to the standards set by the USCCB.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Christian Morality is a required 11th-grade theology course; it covers moral ethics.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “11th Grade: Christian Morality | The Church”
      Students take a semester-long Christian Morality course in 11th grade.
  • 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 faith page states that faith is part of every subject's purpose: scholarship in every subject helps students know, love and serve God.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “at our school scholarship in every subject helps our students to better know, love, and serve God through a deeper understanding of his creation.”
      The school states that scholarship in every subject helps students know, love and serve God.
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

90 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 school holds an annual all-school retreat on its Faith Pillar Day, and students attend it. A separate senior retreat is also held.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students also attend an annual faith retreat, typically held at the beginning of the academic year.”
      Students attend an annual faith retreat at the beginning of the academic year.
    2. Family Handbook 2026-2027 | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Family-Handbook-2026-2027-1.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “theFaithPillarDayprovidesthesettingforourannualall-schoolretreat.”
      The Faith Pillar Day provides the setting for the annual all-school retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two ministry staff are named: the School Chaplain (Fr. Brian Saylor) and the Director of Campus Ministry (Mr. Nick Astle).)
    Sources (2)
    1. School Chaplain | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/school-chaplain · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Brian Saylor Saint Joseph's School Chaplain Pastor, Saint John the Evangelist Church, Bellefonte PA”
      Fr. Brian Saylor is the school chaplain.
    2. Campus Ministry | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “please contact the the Director of Campus Ministry, Mr. Nick Astle, at nastle@sjcacademy.org.”
      The Director of Campus Ministry is Mr. Nick Astle, with an email address for questions.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (Campus Ministry is the only Catholic student club on the list of popular clubs. Fellowship of Christian Athletes is ecumenical and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Clubs | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/student-clubs · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Campus Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Engineering Club”
      Campus Ministry is listed among the popular student clubs.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The school day begins each morning with a schoolwide prayer, and a weekly all-school Mass and chapel services are held.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Family Handbook 2026-2027 | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Family-Handbook-2026-2027-1.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “schooldaybeginseachmorningwithaschoolwideprayer,thePledgeofAllegiance,andimportantannouncements”
      The school day begins each morning with a schoolwide prayer.
      “HolySacrificeoftheMass,offeredweeklyduringtheschoolday”
      The handbook says the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered weekly during the school day and attended by all students and faculty.
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.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Students must complete at least 75 hours of service over four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/community-service · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Over their four years, Saint Joseph's students are required to complete at least 75 hours of service to their church, community, and/or school.”
      Students must complete at least 75 hours of service over four years.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Catholic Social Teaching is a required semester course in 10th grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “10th Grade: Who is Jesus? | Catholic Social Teaching”
      Students take a semester-long theology course in Catholic Social Teaching in 10th grade, and one semester theology course in each grade.
  • 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

  • An all-school Mass is held each week, and the handbook says students are required to attend school liturgies.
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The focal point of our week is an all-school Mass, typically on Thursday mornings.”
      The school's focal weekly event is an all-school Mass, typically on Thursday mornings.
    2. Family Handbook 2026-2027 | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Family-Handbook-2026-2027-1.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “HolySacrificeoftheMass,offeredweeklyduringtheschoolday”
      The handbook says the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered weekly during the school day and attended by all students and faculty.
  • Theology is required every semester for four years, including a Catholic Social Teaching course in 10th grade.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Formation | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/faith-formation · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All students are required to take a Theology course each semester.”
      All students take a theology course every semester.
      “10th Grade: Who is Jesus? | Catholic Social Teaching”
      Students take a semester-long theology course in Catholic Social Teaching in 10th grade, and one semester theology course in each grade.
  • A named school chaplain and a Director of Campus Ministry are listed, and the service requirement is 75 hours over four years.
    Sources (3)
    1. School Chaplain | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/school-chaplain · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Brian Saylor Saint Joseph's School Chaplain Pastor, Saint John the Evangelist Church, Bellefonte PA”
      Fr. Brian Saylor is the school chaplain.
    2. Campus Ministry | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “please contact the the Director of Campus Ministry, Mr. Nick Astle, at nastle@sjcacademy.org.”
      The Director of Campus Ministry is Mr. Nick Astle, with an email address for questions.
    3. Community Service | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/community-service · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Over their four years, Saint Joseph's students are required to complete at least 75 hours of service to their church, community, and/or school.”
      Students must complete at least 75 hours of service over four years.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry

  • Address: 901 Boalsburg Pike, Boalsburg, PA 16827
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, Student Life Center

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Retreats 1

  • Youth Conference trip (Franciscan University of Steubenville)Off campus
    Each summer
    A trip sponsored by Campus Ministry to one of the Youth Conferences at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
    stjoeacad.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Campus MinistryOn campus
    An optional student club that leads liturgical ministries, communal prayer and fellowship, and coordinates the annual retreat.
    stjoeacad.org, stjoeacad.org

Faith formation 1

  • House system small-group Bible study
    Small-group Bible study is one of the activities in the school's house system.
    stjoeacad.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. Campus Ministry | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Campus Ministry assists in providing for the religious and spiritual needs of the school community.”
    Campus Ministry serves the religious and spiritual needs of the school community.
    “Campus Ministry assists in providing for the religious and spiritual needs of the school community.”
    Campus Ministry serves the religious and spiritual needs of the school community.
    “901 Boalsburg Pike, Boalsburg, PA 16827”
    The school is at 901 Boalsburg Pike, Boalsburg, PA 16827.
  2. School Chaplain | Saint Joseph's Catholic Academystjoeacad.org/faith/school-chaplain · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Fr. Brian Saylor Saint Joseph's School Chaplain Pastor, Saint John the Evangelist Church, Bellefonte PA”
    Fr. Brian Saylor is the school chaplain.

Reach out

Contact details for Nick Astle (Director of Campus Ministry) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
48 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.10.3 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
DioceseRoman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)117
Students in grades 9–12117
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio10.3 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges75%
SettingSuburb

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

Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

The Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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