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2020 Best Catholic High Schools in AmericaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Catholic High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, Catholic school ratings, and more. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools directly. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 1,259
Best Schools
1,259 results

  1. Regis High School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • 9-12
    • 116 reviews
    #1 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: Recent graduate (2019) - review limited to 1000 characters.

    Academics: superb accelerated + honors classes, but no APs.

    Diversity: plenty of geographical, racial, political diversity. Lots of commuters. There's a focus on underprivileged students.

    Teachers: go above and beyond.

    Clubs & Activities: major ones are sports, speech/debate (Hearn), theater (Regis Rep), and student publications (Owl = newspaper, etc) + many smaller clubs that meet every 1-2 weeks

    School Culture: small/connected - students make friends with their classmates and study with them, low competition

    Administration: They fire teachers they don't like, censor the curriculum, and make daily life harder for students. But at least they've finally started saving money.

    Sports: Limited facilities due to Manhattan location, but teams do well in their divisions.

    Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks available every day. Good (pricey) food.

    Facilities: Great building but aging. They renovate one big thing a year.
    Read 116 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 532 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Delbarton School

    • Private School
    • Morristown, NJ
    • 7-12
    • 102 reviews
    #2 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: As a parent, I would implore any parent who has a son to visit Delbarton for a couple of hours one day. Walk the grounds. Speak with the teachers. More importantly, speak with the boys that currently attend the school. The curtain will be pulled back and you will be able to experience the benfits of the Delbarton community. The brilliance and respect of the young men at the school is incredibly impressive. The campus is stunning and you can hear and see the dedication to the students by the teachers first hand. Wonderful institution for any young man to earn a stellar education, lifelong friends and a bright future!
    Read 102 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 588 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Cistercian Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Irving, TX
    • 5-12
    • 37 reviews
    #3 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: As a parent of two sons who graduated almost a decade apart, I can say, unequivocally, that Cistercian remains a top-notch academic institution dedicated to its long-standing mission of educating the whole child. My sons -- one driven by academics and the other by athletics -- thrived at the school. Yes, the very environment encourages students to strive for excellence, but the boys are supported as they determine what that means to each of them individually. The classical curriculum can be demanding, but each year prepares the boys for what is to come. The school has been able to maintain a fine balance between remaining firmly rooted in their founding mission and history while implementing progressive educational practices. It’s a beautiful thing to witness young men of character and accomplishment graduating each spring, heading to college well prepared and grounded, and excited for their next steps.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 349 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Woodside Priory School

    • Private School
    • Portola Valley, CA
    • 6-12
    • 61 reviews
    #4 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: I love talking about my time at priory and I spend every summer working on campus at Mountain Camp Woodside.

    If you are looking for a small school where you will be known respected and valued; teachers that go out of their way to ensure your success; a strong arts program as well as incredible athletics: Priory is the place for YOU.

    Built on the values of Community Individuality Spirituality Integrity & Hospitality, there is support for every student, every interest, and every struggle. Our Monks are the foundation of our community. Their unconditional love and acceptance knows no borders. Their energy motivates every activity. Their patience allows them to listen with the ear of their heart.

    Priory prepared me for hard pre-med classes. If you are considering Priory, you are considering an amazing college predatory school, community, and an alma matter you won't regret!

    If you don't believe me, watch my video: www.priory48.com/happy

    Chris Gregory ‘14
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 382 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Marymount School of New York

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 37 reviews
    #5 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: We have three daughters who attend Marymount and, in our experience, this school has exceeded our expectations in every way for our girls. The academics are rigorous but interesting and stretch our daughters in ways that develop their minds and heart while honoring their particular gifts and talents. The faculty is comprised of women and men who are life-long learners, warm, wise and challenge the girls to become the best versions of themselves. The teachers are role models and inspire the students to challenge, shape and change the world. Each division plans and serves the students at age-appropriate levels in social-emotional growth and supports the ups and down of developing friendship and learning self-care as the girls grow into mature young women. The families are lovely and we have made life-long friends in our years at Marymount. Our daughters are all thriving at Marymount and we are so grateful!
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 759 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Miami, FL
    • PK, K-12
    • 82 reviews
    #6 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Sophomore: Carrollton is a school that encompasses various opportunities for students starting from their Montessori years. It is a College Prep school and therefore preps their students for college from the very beginning of Freshman year. Students learn about the college admissions process, the challenges and difficulties of applying to colleges, and how to determine what college is best fit for them. Carrollton is also an all-girls school. The benefit of being a diverse all-girls school is that students have the freedom to speak on various topics regarding race, sex, culture, etc. in an open environment. Along with that, students have a close bond with their class along with different grade levels. Teachers strive to assist their students in any struggle they have. Last but not least, the campus, home to multiple peacocks and a beautiful bayside view, provides students with an atmosphere full of nature and beauty. Overall, Carrollton is a wonderful school!
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 847 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Convent of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 40 reviews
    #7 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Sacred Heart is an academically challenging school. Advanced classes and a rigorous curriculum challenge the students and teaches them how to work hard. The school and the faculty are always pushing their students to reach their full potential. Sacred Heart educates the full person allowing their students to not only become intellectuals but also well rounded individuals and leaders. I have never met a more dedicated faculty and administration; the faculty at Sacred Heart truly care for their students and want to see them succeed. The students at Sacred Heart embody the schools values and mission, which is obvious in the girls caring and kind nature. I have never felt more supported and cared for than I have at Sacred Heart and I look back at my time at Sacred Heart very fondly. The gift of a Sacred Heart education is the greatest gift I have ever been given and I am so grateful to this community for always being there for me and providing me with the tools I need to succeed.
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Marymount High School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 9-12
    • 104 reviews
    #8 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Overall, I feel prepared for college. The history department is very well run, while the other departments seem to lack quality faculty in one way or the other. The administration does a good job at running the school and listening to the students. The close-knit campus is something a value, as I know all my teachers and classmates very well. Comparing my experience to that of my mom's, who also went to Marymount, and faculty who have been there at the time, I can say that the school was definitely in better condition 30 some years ago. There are some parts of the school I will miss, like my friends I have made and some of the teachers, but overall I am happy to be graduating and moving on from Marymount.
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 396 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. St. Anselm's Abbey School

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • 6-12
    • 24 reviews
    #9 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Saint Anselm's Abbey School is one of the best things to ever happen to me. The school has an amazing environment that I have not felt outside of St. Anselm's. The faculty love what they do and love to always talk about their respective subjects and offer help to those that need it. The school has a phenomenal community that welcomes in everyone that enters. New students almost immediately become oriented with their new classmates and feel like part of the family the moment they enter the community. The brotherhood at the Abbey cannot be duplicated in high school. Everyone loves each other and seeks the best in each other. There is no bullying or issues like that at our school, there are no cliques or anything of the sort at our school. The sports programs welcome anyone to join, we do not recruit so all of our athletes come from within our walls. I love this school and I encourage anyone looking for a school please consider the Abbey.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 257 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Georgetown Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • North Bethesda, MD
    • 9-12
    • 52 reviews
    #10 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: Despite the nonsensical politics of a private institution, the school offers much to its students physically, emotionally and spiritually. With a phenomenal residential program and a faculty that will push you to be your best as you discover yourself, Georgetown Prep creates an environment where students can mature academically and as a people. Undoubtedly, students who attend this institution will be well-prepared for any university, but will also be nurtured to be men for and with others.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 496 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. St. Agnes Academy

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 267 reviews
    #11 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: St. Agnes has definitely prepared me for college. Something you get here that you won’t get at a lot of schools is the focus on social justice and the time they spend helping you become aware of what’s going on in the world and how we can strive to make the world a better place. I really appreciate that about this school. I have had quite a few minor complaints over the years, some with the admin, some with the strictness of the school, but they all seem like nothing when i look back at my overall time at St agnes. The teachers care SO much about their students, sometimes the teachers were the only people who kept me going at times. There will be several mental breakdowns throughout your time at St. Agnes due to the difficult workload and courses, but I would say it is well worth it in the end. St Agnes has made me who I am today and has brought me together with some of my best friends who I know I will be friends with for life. I can’t believe it but I’m so sad to be leaving!
    Read 267 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 921 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Mayfield Senior School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 9-12
    • 99 reviews
    #12 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Mayfield is a wonderful school! Mayfield not only provides a wide range of athletics and conservatories, but also provides opportunities for service and courses that prepare you for the future. The faculty and staff treat the students and parents with care, as if they are family. Safety is not an issue at Mayfield, for there is a security guard at the gate who takes his/her job seriously and works to help keep the campus safe. Teachers make themselves available for students who need extra help, but there are also peer tutors. The college counselors are always around to lend a helping hand, wether it be teaching you how to properly mail a letter, give you a "pep talk", how to apply for scholarships, and much more! Mayfield provides many resources for help if one seeks them. The sense of community is outstanding and everyone looks out for each other constantly. Mayfield is a place of opportunity.
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 333 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 97 reviews
    #13 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Truly one of the best communities in the city; with a faculty of extremely adept, experienced, and skilled teachers, administration, and coaches, and a student body that truly is a brotherhood, if you apply yourself and genuinely try, you'll find a spot, welcomed within the community, able to grow and thrive more than you otherwise could at other schools, I think.

    We saw the genuine character of the community during Hurricane Harvey: every single student was in the city, serving, every single day, with the administration tasking Seniors to contact any and all students they know to make sure they were out serving. The school has high standards for it's students when it calls them to be men for others.
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,238 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Bellarmine College Preparatory

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 171 reviews
    #14 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: Bellarmine has taught me a variety of things. I believe that it is incredibly important to build a diverse set of skills, interests, and beliefs, and nothing has taught me how to accomplish this better than my Bellarmine education. From the brotherhood you see in the stands during football games to the emotion and spirituality of the Kairos retreat to the eye-opening experiences serving our community, Bellarmine pushes their young men to truly be men for and with others.
    Read 171 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,643 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

    • Private School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 9-12
    • 61 reviews
    #15 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Junior: Words cannot describe how thankful I am for my Jesuit education. The personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth that has been fostered over the past two years has shaped me into the person I am today. Jesuit is unique in its ability to foster a brotherhood between students; my classmates and I have built relationships that I am confident will last a lifetime. Even with a maxed schedule, I look forward to going to school every day. The academics are as difficult as you choose them to be, but the administration does a great job allowing the student to try new things and challenge themselves academically. Jesuit offers so many extracurriculars, and if you want to pursue something beyond what Jesuit offers, they encourage students to start clubs based on their interests. I could go on for days, but I honestly couldn't be happier with where I go to school.
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,133 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Saint Louis Priory School

    • Private School
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 7-12
    • 82 reviews
    #16 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: We can't recommend Priory enough. Though early into his tenure, we'd like to share our thoughts with you as our son is currently a new 7th grader. We were interested in a school that would challenge and bring out the best in our son (he previously attended a challenging Catholic school). The curriculum is rigorous, and our son greatly enjoys all of his classes and teachers. It has been a bit bumpy here and there with grades, but this was expected. Teachers are all available when extra help is needed, but your son must reach out to them and make the time. Is there a fair amount of homework? Yes, but it seems to be pretty evenly balanced across the subjects. Our son is very active in sports, so we've been careful to balance his activities, letting him get accustomed to the new setting and priorities.
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 383 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. St. Louis University High School

    • Private School
    • St. Louis, MO
    • 9-12
    • 205 reviews
    #17 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: The curriculum, teachers and overall experience has been very good! They prepare the students for college, strengthen their faith and foster a unique brotherhood for life. My only suggestion for improvement is communication. At times parents rely on other parents through the Facebook class page to inform or clarify information. For example, incoming seniors recently received a summer mailer about senior pictures at school this summer, but no other information was provided via school email so at first I thought it was a marketing mailer and I almost tossed it.
    Read 205 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 980 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 50 reviews
    #18 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: Woodlands is deeply committed to the young ladies and families it serves offering very strong academics, opportunities for both personal and spiritual development, and excellent college counseling! The staff are amazing, too. We loved the former principal, Mrs. Edmunds, and also equally love the current principal, Christine Schmidt (who is doing a fantastic job)! Everyone here -- including a knowledgeable registrar -- is doing an outstanding job educating these spirited, very smart, caring young women. My only complaint would be the choices made by the board of trustees. I hope people know that the trustees don't speak for all parents. I still disagree with their decision to let valuable staff go in order to save funds & I also think they would benefit from new, fresher perspectives/members. No place is ever perfect, of course, but this private all-girl's Catholic high school on the northshore comes pretty darn close! A++
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 131 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

    • Private School
    • Atherton, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 94 reviews
    #19 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: I have had the most amazing education at SHS. The teachers teach beyond the book and what is required, which allows me to have a truly well rounded education. In addition, they are extremely supportive and truly want to get to know the students. There are lots of opportunities for students to get involved in pretty much anything, from sports to leadership to arts. Leadership opportunities are structured in a way that is balanced during the school day, so student athletes or performers in the play can still be involved in other clubs. The school has really placed emphasis on student wellness also. And, the community is supportive and fun. I have loved my experience as a gator and will miss it next year!
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,180 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Loyola High School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 9-12
    • 176 reviews
    #20 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Sophomore: I am a current sophomore at Loyola, and I am happy to say this school has reached my expectations superbly. Our school school community of brotherhood, which allows you to connect with every student on campus. I have received a very rigorous academic challenge from Loyola with the balance of a healthy, supportive community. Every teacher at Loyola wants for their students to do well and will continuously provide extra help if needed. I have enjoyed my time at Loyola, and I hope you enjoy it too!
    Read 176 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,247 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Notre Dame High School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 218 reviews
    #21 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: At Notre Dame High School, I got to learn a lot about what it means to be a woman of impact. I learned lots of things from my classes, but more importantly I learned a lot about advocacy and what it means to speak my mind about issues. I learned that being an adult and getting an education is more than acquiring information, getting a job to support myself, and achieving a level of prestige. In growing up and becoming a member of society, from learning from my peers (and from teachers in the classroom and the school's environment/atmosphere overall), I have come to realize that life is not just about my personal life and my personal goals, and it is very important to engage with social issues and what is going on in the world.
    Read 218 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 650 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Portsmouth Abbey School

    • Private School
    • Portsmouth, RI
    • 9-12
    • 66 reviews
    #22 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Junior: The academics here are Aplus. The required readings are classic, futuristic, push the envelope, and one of the best curriculums found at preparatory schools. The teachers are involved, accessible and ready and willing to help you get ahead. The campus is beautiful, 500 acres and next to Narragansett Bay. The Benedictine community is very active and many teach classes. The students here are friendly and welcoming, there are many dorm challenge activities such as The Ravens Cup, Community Service, and sports competitions. Family involvement is highly encouraged. This is a top boarding and day school.
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 360 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. St. Ignatius College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 313 reviews
    #23 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: St. Ignatius has helped me to better understand myself along with preparing me academically for my future education. SI really fulfills their duty of preparing its students for college, whether it be their rigorous academics or learning to form strong relationships with their teachers and peers. Throughout my four years at SI, I've also learned the importance of maintaining faith in God and knowing that I'm able to find him in all things. And I believe that if it weren't for SI incorporating God into my daily life I wouldn't be who I am today. Aside from that, SI's diversity has helped me to become comfortable in an environment along with making me feel as if I belonged. Lastly, I am glad to have attended St. Ignatius because it really has helped to lead me on the right path along with preparing me for college.
    Read 313 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,476 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Santa Catalina School

    • Private School
    • Monterey, CA
    • 9-12
    • 71 reviews
    #24 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: It's an amazing school with a beautiful campus. The academics can feel like a lot, but there's tons of places to get help. It's very easy to make friends here, and due to all of the different contexts of boarding life, you're never stuck with just one friend group. Some of my best friends are students from different grades who I met in my extracurricular! Boarding students have a lot of freedom, although it can feel kind of mandated at times - there's only a few places to go on the weekends, you have to write a form weeks in advance if you're staying overnight with your parents, and if you're sick you stay in a hot room for 9 hours with nobody checking on you. Not to mention church every Sunday, signing into dinner every night, and singing practice every Wednesday. At least our uniforms have some freedom! Of course, all of these events are still enjoyable, and there's nothing that brings people together like complaining. I love Catalina - it's my home! And I wouldn't go anywhere else.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 210 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. St. Ignatius College Prep

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • 9-12
    • 329 reviews
    #25 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: We are so fortunate to have our daughter attend this exceptional school. It’s incredible and you really have to go there to truly experience for yourself it’s outstanding academics, community and stunning campus.

    My daughter tells us all of the time how grateful she is that she was able to go to school here,and my husband and I wish we’d had the opportunity to go here as well! I cannot express that this school knows how to educate students and prepare them for college. They also leave with a special bond to the school and community that they will have for a lifetime in addition to having the the honor of being a graduate.
    Read 329 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,404 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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