Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of West Catholic Prep High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

West Catholic Prep High School

  • LocationPhiladelphia, PA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 454 students
Official website

West Catholic Preparatory High School is a Catholic Lasallian school at 4501 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, open to an interdenominational population. Four years of theology are required, and the handbook lists a Mass schedule. A chapel reserves the Blessed Sacrament.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of West Catholic Prep High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Francis de Sales Church: 0.7 mi1Saints Agatha and James Catholic Church: 0.7 mi2St. Gabriel's Catholic Church: 1.8 mi3Saint Francis Xavier Church: 1.9 mi4St. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church: 2.0 mi5Chapel of Divine Love: 2.0 mi6Office of School Ministry and chapel: 0.0 miWest Catholic Prep High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Francis de Sales Church — 0.7 mi · 4625 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia
  2. Saints Agatha and James Catholic Church — 0.7 mi · 111 South 38th Street, Philadelphia
  3. St. Gabriel's Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 2917 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia
  4. Saint Francis Xavier Church — 1.9 mi · 2319 Green Street, Philadelphia
  5. St. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 6213 Cedar Avenue, Philadelphia
  6. Chapel of Divine Love — 2.0 mi · 2212 Green Street, Philadelphia

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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (revised July 2026), West Catholic Preparatory High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReC_JQKA-HfjFSL_NZKrH6_493fb0iZ_saxOdm-YOWWUvFa-N86vrsKt6oF2z7ogbS5xfaZS-Mv8X6/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Bell 3 Mass Schedule”
      The 2026 handbook lists a Mass Schedule bell schedule for the school day.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot 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.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (revised July 2026), West Catholic Preparatory High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReC_JQKA-HfjFSL_NZKrH6_493fb0iZ_saxOdm-YOWWUvFa-N86vrsKt6oF2z7ogbS5xfaZS-Mv8X6/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Bell 3 Mass Schedule”
      The 2026 handbook lists a Mass Schedule bell schedule for the school day.
      “The School Minister also provides pastoral care for the community of students, faculty, and parents.”
      The Office of School Ministry is led by a School Minister, who gives pastoral care.
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 years of theology, one credit per year (grades 9 to 12), each taken as a graduation requirement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog, Theology Departmentdocs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRgIjcMuJaXC-xW4Mp0WqnD8MHeKrRXrHr-JhUvMtxmUlVPT1jU_Nzjl_WFJRBo0wxen4TcPpVNZw3S/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students must take four years of theology.”
      Four years of theology are required of all students.
      “WC9111 – Theology 1 1 credit College Prep Grade 9”
      Theology is a one-credit course in each grade, grades 9 through 12.
  • 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 handbook states that Church teachings are essential components of instruction in all disciplines.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (revised July 2026)docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReC_JQKA-HfjFSL_NZKrH6_493fb0iZ_saxOdm-YOWWUvFa-N86vrsKt6oF2z7ogbS5xfaZS-Mv8X6/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our efforts also include Church teachings and Christian values as essential components of instruction in all disciplines”
      Church teachings are stated as essential components of instruction in all disciplines.
N/ACampus culture: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Each class has an annual retreat that all students must attend.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (revised July 2026)docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReC_JQKA-HfjFSL_NZKrH6_493fb0iZ_saxOdm-YOWWUvFa-N86vrsKt6oF2z7ogbS5xfaZS-Mv8X6/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each class has an annual retreat that all students must attend. If a student misses their retreat, they are required to make it up in conjunction with the School Ministry Office. A student must attend four retreats, one per year, to graduate.”
      Every class has an annual retreat, and four retreats are required to graduate.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One ministry role is named: the School Minister.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Handbook (revised July 2026)docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReC_JQKA-HfjFSL_NZKrH6_493fb0iZ_saxOdm-YOWWUvFa-N86vrsKt6oF2z7ogbS5xfaZS-Mv8X6/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The School Minister also provides pastoral care for the community of students, faculty, and parents.”
      The Office of School Ministry is led by a School Minister, who gives pastoral care.
    2. Campus Ministry | West Catholic High Schoolwestcatholic.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Minister”
      The campus ministry page has a Campus Minister section, with no name printed on the page reviewed.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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 (The grade 12 theology course introduces Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog, Theology Departmentdocs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRgIjcMuJaXC-xW4Mp0WqnD8MHeKrRXrHr-JhUvMtxmUlVPT1jU_Nzjl_WFJRBo0wxen4TcPpVNZw3S/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society Catholic Social Teaching: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s social teaching.”
      The grade 12 theology course introduces Catholic social teaching.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (A Pro-Life Club is listed among the school's clubs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | West Catholic High Schoolwestcatholic.org/student-life/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Pro-Life Club”
      The school lists a Pro-Life Club among its clubs.
  • 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

  • Four years of theology are required, one credit each year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog, Theology Departmentdocs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRgIjcMuJaXC-xW4Mp0WqnD8MHeKrRXrHr-JhUvMtxmUlVPT1jU_Nzjl_WFJRBo0wxen4TcPpVNZw3S/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students must take four years of theology.”
      Four years of theology are required of all students.
      “WC9111 – Theology 1 1 credit College Prep Grade 9”
      Theology is a one-credit course in each grade, grades 9 through 12.
  • Each class has a required annual retreat.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (revised July 2026)docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReC_JQKA-HfjFSL_NZKrH6_493fb0iZ_saxOdm-YOWWUvFa-N86vrsKt6oF2z7ogbS5xfaZS-Mv8X6/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each class has an annual retreat that all students must attend. If a student misses their retreat, they are required to make it up in conjunction with the School Ministry Office. A student must attend four retreats, one per year, to graduate.”
      Every class has an annual retreat, and four retreats are required to graduate.
  • A Pro-Life Club is listed among the school's clubs, and the grade 12 theology course introduces Catholic social teaching.
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs | West Catholic High Schoolwestcatholic.org/student-life/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Pro-Life Club”
      The school lists a Pro-Life Club among its clubs.
    2. Course Catalog, Theology Departmentdocs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRgIjcMuJaXC-xW4Mp0WqnD8MHeKrRXrHr-JhUvMtxmUlVPT1jU_Nzjl_WFJRBo0wxen4TcPpVNZw3S/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society Catholic Social Teaching: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s social teaching.”
      The grade 12 theology course introduces Catholic social teaching.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office of School Ministry and chapel

  • Address: 4501 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: docs.google.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, docs.google.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Clubs and groups 1

Retreats 1

  • Class retreats
    Each class has an annual retreat that all students must attend; four retreats are required to graduate.
    docs.google.com

Service 2

  • Lasallian Interact
    A service club listed among the school's clubs, under the Lasallian Interact and Community Service Corps name.
    westcatholic.org
  • Community service (suggested hours)
    Students are encouraged to complete community service: suggested hours are 6 for freshmen, 8 for sophomores, 10 for juniors and 12 for seniors.
    docs.google.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 (2)
  1. Student Handbook (revised July 2026)docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vReC_JQKA-HfjFSL_NZKrH6_493fb0iZ_saxOdm-YOWWUvFa-N86vrsKt6oF2z7ogbS5xfaZS-Mv8X6/pub?embedded=true · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The School Minister also provides pastoral care for the community of students, faculty, and parents.”
    The Office of School Ministry is led by a School Minister, who gives pastoral care.
    “The chapel is located on the first floor in the Ludlow corridor. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the chapel throughout the school year.”
    The school has a chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
    “West Catholic Preparatory High School 4501 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139”
    The school is at 4501 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139.
  2. Campus Ministry | West Catholic High Schoolwestcatholic.org/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Through retreats, local service opportunities, faith groups, and prayer, West Catholic provides opportunities for students to encounter faith in action.”
    Campus ministry offers retreats, local service, faith groups and prayer.

Reach out

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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.
73 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.16.3 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

TypeDiocesan school
DioceseArchdiocese of Philadelphia, PA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)454
Students in grades 9–12454
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio16.3 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

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is West Catholic Prep High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. West Catholic Prep High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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