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West Catholic High School: West Catholic High School
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Catholic high school

West Catholic High School

  • LocationGrand Rapids, MI
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 482 students
Official website
Honor Roll badge

West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is listed in the Diocese of Grand Rapids school directory. An all-school Mass with mandatory attendance is offered weekly, priests are available for confession at least once a month, and the St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel is open every school day. Students take religion courses in all four years, complete a published service requirement of 90 hours over four years, and attend a retreat in every grade.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of West Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church: 1.0 mi1St. Peter & Paul Church: 1.6 mi2Holy Spirit: 1.9 mi3Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit: 1.9 mi4Basilica of St. Adalbert: 2.0 mi5St. Mary Catholic Church: 2.3 mi6Campus Ministry, St. Maria Goretti Chapel and St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel: 0.1 miWest Catholic High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church — 1.0 mi
  2. St. Peter & Paul Church — 1.6 mi · 520 Myrtle Street Northwest, Grand Rapids
  3. Holy Spirit — 1.9 mi
  4. Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit — 1.9 mi
  5. Basilica of St. Adalbert — 2.0 mi · 654 Davis Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids
  6. St. Mary 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.

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

100 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 prayer and sacraments page states that an all-school Mass with mandatory attendance is offered weekly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Sacraments - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/prayer-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “An all-school Mass with mandatory attendance is offered weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation and important feast days.”
      The school offers an all-school Mass each week.
  • 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 (The school states that priests are available at least once a month during lunch and/or after school to celebrate the sacrament. Advent and Lent communal penance services are also described.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Sacraments - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/prayer-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At least once a month, priests are available during lunch and/or after school to celebrate the sacrament.”
      Confession is available at least monthly during the school year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (The Adoration Chapel is open every school day for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and religion classes take students to the chapel weekly.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Prayer & Sacraments - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/prayer-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every day students have the opportunities to take a break from the busyness and stresses of daily life to spend time alone with Jesus before the Blessed Sacrament.”
      Students have daily opportunities for adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
    2. Parent Guild - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/parent-guild · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel is open every school day for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.”
      The adoration chapel is open every school day for adoration.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Three priests are listed as chaplains on the staff directory (Fr. Kyle Kilpatrick, Fr. Logan McGahan and Fr. Hunter Ostapowicz).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff Directory - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FR. KYLE KILPATRICK Chaplain”
      Fr. Kyle Kilpatrick is listed as a chaplain of West Catholic High School.
      “FR. LOGAN McGAHAN Chaplain”
      Fr. Logan McGahan is listed as a chaplain of West Catholic High School.
      “FR. HUNTER OSTAPOWICZ Chaplain”
      Fr. Hunter Ostapowicz is listed as a chaplain of West Catholic High School.
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 (Religion is listed with 4 credits required for graduation, and one credit is one full year. Each grade from 9 to 12 has two required half-credit religion courses (computed as four full-year equivalents, round down). Theology is taken in every grade.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-27 Curriculum Guide - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Curriculum-Guide-2026-27-for-Website.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “9th: Introduction to Scripture/Christology 9th-12th Introduction to Catholic Theology”
      The religion department lists a theology course offering for grade 9 and an introduction to Catholic theology for grades 9 to 12.
      “11th: Sacraments/Morality 12th: Church History/Catholic Social Teaching”
      The religion department lists theology courses for grades 11 and 12.
    2. Curriculum Guide - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/curriculum-guide · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Religion | 4 | English | 4”
      Religion is a 4-credit graduation requirement; one credit is one full year of work.
  • 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 English department's program goal states a faith-based education with an emphasis on the principles of Catholic doctrine, and the Physical Education goal also describes a faith-based program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Curriculum Guide - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Curriculum-Guide-2026-27-for-Website.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Through a faith-based education with an emphasis on the principles of Catholic doctrine, students will develop”
      The English department's program goal describes a faith-based education with an emphasis on Catholic doctrine.
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 (The retreats page lists a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior retreat, each held yearly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students at West Catholic get to come together with their class for yearly grade-level retreats.”
      Each class has a yearly grade-level retreat.
      “This one-day retreat is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for high school.”
      Freshmen have a one-day retreat at the start of the school year.
      “The sophomore class gathers off campus for a day of spiritual reinvigoration.”
      Sophomores have a day-long retreat off campus.
      “The junior retreat is a day-long opportunity to move students into a deeper relationship with Christ and with the Church community.”
      Juniors have a day-long retreat.
      “Seniors gather for a two-day overnight G.I.F.T. (Growing in Faith Together) Days Retreat”
      Seniors have a two-day overnight retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Campus ministry staff listed: the Director of Campus Ministry and three priest chaplains.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith & Service - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Joe Gietzen Director of Campus Ministry (616) 233-5958 joegietzen@grwestcatholic.org”
      Joe Gietzen is the Director of Campus Ministry and can be reached at the listed phone and email.
    2. Staff Directory - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FR. KYLE KILPATRICK Chaplain”
      Fr. Kyle Kilpatrick is listed as a chaplain of West Catholic High School.
      “FR. LOGAN McGAHAN Chaplain”
      Fr. Logan McGahan is listed as a chaplain of West Catholic High School.
      “FR. HUNTER OSTAPOWICZ Chaplain”
      Fr. Hunter Ostapowicz is listed as a chaplain of West Catholic High School.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Faith-based groups listed on the clubs page include Life Force, the Men's Discernment Group, the Women's Discernment Group, the Morning Adoration Club, Peer Advocates and Students for Life.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Organizations - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Life Force is a group of motivated students charged with putting on the Life Force Retreat each spring”
      Life Force is a student group that runs the Life Force Retreat each spring.
      “The Priestly Discernment Group is a group of young men bound together in the brotherhood of Christ”
      The Men's Discernment Group is a student group for young men discerning their vocation.
      “Before the beginning of each school day, students have the opportunity to participate in eucharistic adoration in the school’s St. Maria Goretti Chapel.”
      The Morning Adoration Club offers adoration in the St. Maria Goretti Chapel before each school day.
      “The Women’s Discernment Group is designed so that young women can enjoy fellowship, prayer and other activities”
      The Women's Discernment Group is a student group for young women discerning their vocation.
      “Peer Advocates are students dedicated to serving as leaders and sharing their faith through class retreats”
      Peer Advocates are students who share their faith through class retreats and daily interactions.
      “Students for Life promotes the pro-life message in our school and in the greater community. Club members volunteer at HELP Pregnancy Center and other pro-life events”
      Students for Life promotes the pro-life message and volunteers at a pregnancy center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The school states that each school day and each class begins in prayer.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Sacraments - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/prayer-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each school day and each individual class begins in prayer.”
      Each school day and each class begins with prayer.
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 (The minimum service hours by grade are 10, 20, 30 and 30 (90 hours over four years, from the graduation service table).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grade | Minimum | T.E. | C.S.A | 9th | 10 Hours | 20 Hours | 40 Hours | 10th | 20 Hours | 30 Hours | 50 Hours | 11th | 30 Hours | 40 Hours | 60 Hours | 12th | 30 Hours”
      The minimum service requirement is 10, 20, 30 and 30 hours in grades 9 to 12.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (R724 Catholic Social Teaching is a required half-credit religion course in grade 12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Curriculum Guide - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Curriculum-Guide-2026-27-for-Website.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “R724 Catholic Social Teaching Course Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s social teaching.”
      R724 Catholic Social Teaching is a required grade 12 religion course.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (Students for Life promotes the pro-life message and attends the March for Life; more than 50 students join the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs & Organizations - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students for Life promotes the pro-life message in our school and in the greater community. Club members volunteer at HELP Pregnancy Center and other pro-life events”
      Students for Life promotes the pro-life message and volunteers at a pregnancy center.
    2. Student Life - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/student-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year more than 50 West Catholic students join in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.”
      More than 50 students join the annual March for Life each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (The school runs organized service drives for shelters and a community food drive, and students complete Works of Mercy service hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Winter Clothing Drive – West Catholic students and staff collect winter clothing to donate to Dégagé Ministries and other homeless shelters.”
      Students and staff collect winter clothing for homeless shelters each year.

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 with mandatory attendance is offered weekly, and confession is available at least once a month.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Sacraments - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/prayer-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “An all-school Mass with mandatory attendance is offered weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation and important feast days.”
      The school offers an all-school Mass each week.
      “At least once a month, priests are available during lunch and/or after school to celebrate the sacrament.”
      Confession is available at least monthly during the school year.
  • Religion is required in all four grades, and the grade 12 religion courses include Catholic Social Teaching.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Curriculum Guide - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Curriculum-Guide-2026-27-for-Website.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “9th: Introduction to Scripture/Christology 9th-12th Introduction to Catholic Theology”
      The religion department lists a theology course offering for grade 9 and an introduction to Catholic theology for grades 9 to 12.
      “R724 Catholic Social Teaching Course Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s social teaching.”
      R724 Catholic Social Teaching is a required grade 12 religion course.
  • A retreat is held for each grade, and the school sets a service requirement of 90 hours over four years.
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students at West Catholic get to come together with their class for yearly grade-level retreats.”
      Each class has a yearly grade-level retreat.
    2. Service - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grade | Minimum | T.E. | C.S.A | 9th | 10 Hours | 20 Hours | 40 Hours | 10th | 20 Hours | 30 Hours | 50 Hours | 11th | 30 Hours | 40 Hours | 60 Hours | 12th | 30 Hours”
      The minimum service requirement is 10, 20, 30 and 30 hours in grades 9 to 12.

Concerns

  • No page states that Mass is offered on every school day; the published Mass is weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Sacraments - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/prayer-sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “An all-school Mass with mandatory attendance is offered weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation and important feast days.”
      The school offers an all-school Mass each week.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, St. Maria Goretti Chapel and St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel

  • Address: 1801 Bristol Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: St. Maria Goretti Chapel, St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel, prayer garden

View on map ↗

Source: grwestcatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, grwestcatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, grwestcatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, catholicschools4u.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

12 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus, 9 location not published

Retreats 3

  • Steubenville Youth ConferenceOff campus
    Each summer
    A summer weekend conference in Steubenville, Ohio, for high school students, with a busload of West Catholic students each year.
    grwestcatholic.org
  • Life Force Retreat
    A weekend of prayer, skits, eucharistic adoration and witness talks for students of all grade levels.
    grwestcatholic.org
  • Kairos Retreat
    Annual retreat for juniors, led by seniors who attended the previous year.
    grwestcatholic.org

Service 2

  • March for Life tripOff campus
    More than 50 students join the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
    grwestcatholic.org
  • Winter clothing and gift drives
    Student-run food drive, a winter clothing drive for homeless shelters, and a gift drive for St Ann's Home.
    grwestcatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Morning Adoration ClubOn campus
    Before the beginning of each school day
    Students may take part in eucharistic adoration in the St. Maria Goretti Chapel before school.
    grwestcatholic.org
  • Liturgical Choir
    Choir that sings at Masses and faith-filled gatherings.
    grwestcatholic.org

Faith formation 3

  • Men's Discernment Group
    Young men who discern their vocation together and are open to the seminary after high school.
    grwestcatholic.org
  • Women's Discernment Group
    Young women who share fellowship, prayer and activities to discern God's will for their life.
    grwestcatholic.org
  • Peer Advocates
    Students who lead class retreats, Household activities and welcome incoming freshmen.
    grwestcatholic.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Students for Life
    Promotes the pro-life message at school and in the community, volunteers at HELP Pregnancy Center and attends the March for Life.
    grwestcatholic.org
  • Life Force
    Usually held in the spring
    Student group that plans the Life Force Retreat.
    grwestcatholic.org, grwestcatholic.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 (4)
  1. Faith & Service - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Joe Gietzen Director of Campus Ministry (616) 233-5958 joegietzen@grwestcatholic.org”
    Joe Gietzen is the Director of Campus Ministry and can be reached at the listed phone and email.
    “Joe Gietzen Director of Campus Ministry (616) 233-5958 joegietzen@grwestcatholic.org”
    Joe Gietzen is the Director of Campus Ministry and can be reached at the listed phone and email.
  2. Clubs & Organizations - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Before the beginning of each school day, students have the opportunity to participate in eucharistic adoration in the school’s St. Maria Goretti Chapel.”
    The Morning Adoration Club offers adoration in the St. Maria Goretti Chapel before each school day.
  3. Campus & Facilities - West Catholic High Schoolgrwestcatholic.org/campus-facilities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Highlights of our campus include the Henry J. & Cheryl L. Makarewicz Academic Learning Center, the St. Maria Goretti Chapel, the St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel, a prayer garden”
    The campus includes the St. Maria Goretti Chapel, the St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel and a prayer garden.
  4. Find a School - Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapidscatholicschools4u.org/about-us/find-a-school · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “West Catholic High School 1801 Bristol Ave NW Grand Rapids MI 49504”
    West Catholic High School is at 1801 Bristol Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, in the diocese's school directory.

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.
61 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.88%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.15.8 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 Grand Rapids, MI
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)482
Students in grades 9–12482
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio15.8 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges88%
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 Grand Rapids

The Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of Saint Andrew

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

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

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