Catholic School

Catholic Central High School

#1 in Best Catholic High Schools in Grand Rapids Area

grade A
Overall Grade
Private, Catholic
9-12
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Rating 4 out of 5 137 reviews

Apply Now Virtual Tour

COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:

We are proud to be educating our students full-time, in person since August 2020. Learn More

Overall Niche Grade

How are grades calculated?Data Sources

Academics
grade A
Diversity
grade B+
Teachers
grade B
College Prep
grade A
Clubs & Activities
grade A
Sports
grade A+

grcatholiccentral.org

(616) 233-5802

319 SHELDON BLVD SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503

About Catholic Central High School...

Applying

Application Deadline

Rolling Admissions

Application Fee

Interview Required

Required/Recommended Tests

Tuition

Yearly Tuition

$12,090

Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.

Received Financial Aid

40%

Average Financial Aid

$6,000

From Catholic Central High School

We’re a school rooted in the Catholic faith and grounded in the Dominican traditions of study, prayer, community, and service. We are proud to be the oldest co-educational diocesan Catholic high school in the nation, founded in 1906.

At Catholic Central, students find the right mix of high academic standards, individual attention, and opportunities to engage in a full spectrum of student life activities, from arts and athletics to clubs and organizations.

Our unique, student-centered schedule empowers students and encourages deeper inquiry and more meaningful learning time.

Our house system celebrates community and tradition, bringing students together in new and different ways than typical high schools.

Parents and students love the supportive, family-like environment found in the CC community and across our campus.

Check Out Upcoming Events at Catholic Central High School

Catholic Central High School Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

See All Catholic Central High School Rankings

Academics

Average Graduation Rate

100%

Average SAT

1250

123 responses

Average ACT

136 responses

Niche College Admissions Calculator

Popular Colleges

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following colleges.

grade A
Michigan State University
188 Students
grade A+
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
154 Students
grade B
Grand Valley State University
132 Students
grade B
Western Michigan University
74 Students
grade B
Aquinas College - Michigan
70 Students
grade A minus
Marquette University
60 Students
grade A minus
Hope College
57 Students
grade B minus
Ferris State University
52 Students
grade B+
Loyola University Chicago
51 Students
grade A minus
University of Dayton
43 Students

More About Catholic Central High School Academics

Welcome Class of 2026!

We are excited to welcome CC's largest incoming class in 5 years! 170 students make up the class of 2026. This is an exciting year with another year of enrollment growth; we’re welcoming around 40 new students - a 7% growth over last year. In addition, CC has a new Department of Innovation, and inclusion initiative which promises to deliver excellence in education to persons of all abilities.

Learn More

Culture & Safety

Poll

82%

of students agree that they feel safe at their school. 17 responses

Poll

76%

of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there. 17 responses

Poll

What are your favorite school events or traditions?

Based on 45 responses

COREX Senior Retreat
29%
Football Games
27%
Assemblies
16%
Weekly Mass
9%
Dances
7%
Morning Prayer
7%
Spirit Week
4%

Students

Diversity

B+

Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.

Students

550

95%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive. 19 responses

68%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy. 19 responses

100%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic. 19 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

15:1

National

17:1

Poll

68%

of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons. 22 responses

Poll

77%

of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students. 22 responses

Poll

73%

of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom. 22 responses

Map

Homes For Sale

View Nearby Homes

Clubs & Activities

Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.

Girls Athletic Participation

Boys Athletic Participation

77%

of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. 13 responses

31%

of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need. 13 responses

69%

of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations. 13 responses

Overall Niche Grade

How are grades calculated?Data Sources

Cost of Living
grade C
Good for Families
grade B+
Housing
grade C

Median Household Income

$56,666

National

$69,021

Median Rent

$1,123

National

$1,163

Median Home Value

$329,654

National

$244,900

Catholic Central High School Reviews

137 reviews

At Catholic Central there is always a place for everyone to fit in. With a variety of different clubs, sports, class options, and groups of students, there are so many different opportunities to meet new and interesting people. I personally joined the marching band and found an amazing community that helped me to find people that I knew throughout the school as a freshman. However, as far as the Catholic aspect goes, it can be lacking sometimes. The student body attends Mass every Wednesday, occasionally has all school confessions, and has an optional all day adoration chapel on Thursdays and Fridays. The school may have these things however when it comes to the students and teachers, I would say that maybe a third of the student body are true Catholics that accept and embrace the Truth and Catholic teachings. Unfortunately for those of us students that are true Catholics, we sometimes face mocking for being truly Catholic. Overall, the school is one that I would recommend to others.

They implemented a House system with saints as mascots - Mother Teresa, Maximillian Kolbe, Oscar Romero, and Solanus Casey. The competitions against the Houses throughout the school year brought team spirit, unity, and encouraged participation in food/clothing drives and fundraisers. The Advanced Placement education was taught by excellent teachers who were passionate about the subject and aiding students in their success. My teammates gave me a sisterhood throughout the year - not just during the fall semester - which made CC a home. The only reason I have to give CC three stars instead of five is because class and academic division was a subtle but serious problem that occurred between staff and student body, the music/arts program was pretty limited because there was not enough staff to supervise other types of liberal arts or technology clubs, and the technology department was disappointing for those who were hoping to improve.

I have had a great experience at Catholic Central. The student community made me feel welcome, and has truly been life changing. I can guarantee that no highschool in Michigan will better execute the high school experience. The teachers do a phenomenal job at interacting with the class and making learning fun and interesting. The students and parents do a great job at making the school as best as it can be. The facilities also are perefectly tailored to the needs of the students. From each closet, to the field where we dominate in football, each facility is made to perfectly support the amazing experience that recieve by coming here. While the price tag may be quite significant, you cannot truly put a price on the perfect education because it is priceless. Students who come here always have and always will succeed in life because of how flawlessly this school’s legacy and excellence is maintained.

COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:

Report Card

About

Applying

Tuition

Upcoming Events

Catholic Central High School Rankings

YouTube Video

Academics

Popular Colleges

Welcome Class of 2026!

Culture & Safety

Students

Teachers

Map

Home Listings

Clubs & Activities

Living in the Area

Catholic Central High School Reviews

Add to List