2023 Best Catholic Schools in the Pittsburgh Area

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  147 reviews

Niche User: Pittsburgh Central Catholic is a highly esteemed institution that turns young boys into men and is well worth the investment. Although it is a steep tuition the lessons a young man will learn from the brotherhood simply cannot be matched. Along with the lifelong relationships you will make at Central Catholic they provide an education that is undoubtedly one of the best in the sate and maybe the country. It truly exemplifies what a 'college prep' high school should be like. The teachers never push a religion onto there students and allow them to think for themselves as that is apart of becoming a man. Most students have an outstanding relationship with their teachers and counselors. The sense of pride you get while attending this institution is something any one watching from a distance can see. Always remember Tradition Never Graduates!... Read 147 reviews

• grade A

• Students 790

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Gibsonia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  93 reviews

Alum: Aquinas Academy helped me to flourish to become the person I am today. I know that by attending Aquinas for 13 years, I am confident that I have the skills for university and later life. Most teachers are brilliant individuals who know their subject matter very well, always willing to stay after or come before school to help me out with any specific questions I had. The school is rapidly growing, and it is evident that Aquinas' successes are growing as well. It might seem that Aquinas doesn't have as many opportunities in niche areas that future students are passionate about, as compared to other schools. From my own experience, students actually are better prepared to lead because they are so strongly encouraged and guided by the administration to start and intentionally lead meaningful clubs, extracurricular activities, or sports that they are interested in. Aquinas gives so many opportunities to its young Catholic graduates of tomorrow and helps them to grow in so many ways.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  425 reviews

Junior: I moved to Oakland Catholic sophomore year. I went to a school before that really did not match my needs. I knew someone from middle school that transferred here for high school. I always knew about the school, but never imagined myself there. I brought up the idea to my parents and they were hesitant. After months and months of conversation regarding the subject, they agreed to let me tour it. I still remember the day I toured, I was so nervous but pleasantly surprised by this environment. After the tour, I begged my parents even more to let me go. And my last day of freshman year my parents told me that I could go if I followed a list of rules they had for me. I've been here ever since and it has been an amazing journey. I've made friends I know I will have for life and amazing experiences and opportunities that not all girls are lucky enough to have. The all girls environment has helped me grow along with the amazing teachers who I know are setting me up for a successful future.... Read 425 reviews

• grade A

• Students 454

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Cranberry Township, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  88 reviews

Parent: I daughter has been at NC for 3 years and is doing great academically and socially! She loves the small class size, the ability to take Honors and AP a classes to challenge herself and the opportunity to play a sport. I also like that the teachers know her and me personally and make themselves available even after school. They also support the Catholic faith.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A

• Students 202

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  82 reviews

Junior: Bishop Canevin is constantly growing! Adding new features like a cafe, and updated fitness center, a new gym floor, and remodeling classrooms every year. The small environment is a positive (in my opinion), but is growing each year. School spirit is extremely high and very involved. All of the teachers are helpful and open to help you if you are struggling at anytime. With a faith based education and and wonderful athletics, this school is home to many people.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A

• Students 220

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Mt. Lebanon, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  105 reviews

Senior: Seton LaSalle Catholic High School prepares its students academically for graduation while instilling high moral values that will shape over all lives. The teachers are knowledgeable and take a vested interest in the students. Administration strives to provide the most up to date technology to assist the students in the classroom. Students at Seton LaSalle feel at home, in a safe environment which encourages creativity, individuality, and spirituality. Although it is a Catholic school there are students of many religions who are all treated with respect. Students are encouraged take charge of their academics with a variety of AP and Honors classes. There are many college fairs and very helpful guidance counselors available to ensure that your future plans are attainable. You are given all the tools needed for sucess and a compassionate staff to assist when needed with the process of completing your high school career. Seton LaSalle provides a wonderful high school experience.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Natrona Heights, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: Our oldest child is currently a freshman at St. Joe's. We could not be more pleased about the experience or education our daughter is receiving. The school has exceeded any expectations we had coming in. The administration and staff are extremely supportive and make it feel as though it is not just a school community, but a school family. They make sure that each student's needs are being met- not just academically, but emotionally, spiritually, and socially as well. Highly recommend!... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Coraopolis, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  102 reviews

Parent: Moving from TX to PA, our biggest concern was finding a good high school for our son. After visiting multiple schools in the area, we applied to OLSH and are so glad we did. Our son is doing very well there, his academic performance is much better than in public school, where he commented on the continuous disruptions and lack of order in the classroom. We like that the school shares the Christian values we want for our son, without being overbearing. Everyone we've dealt with has been very supportive and helpful. The academic course load challenges without being a grind. The school has that "Ivy-league" look to it, attractive tree-shaded grounds situated at the top of a hill, a fantastic chapel, inviting library. OLSH seems to be a great springboard to a quality university. In fact, I understand that OLSH has a relationship with Notre Dame, and if our son could get in there, it would make his Fighting Irish fanatic grandmother's day!... Read 102 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 329

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Greensburg, PA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: Greensburg Central Catholic High School is very good place that have changed my life. As an international student that used to European style of education, I was very confused when I went to this school. But it provided great amount of help, not only teachers helped me but students too. This place is full of great people and friendship. The most important part is education. I could not only choose my course of education, but I could change it. The only thing that I miss and don’t like in my current school is break between classes. It is about three minutes. Sometimes it is enough to get to another class, but often not. Specially now – when we have the COVID-19 rules.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 392

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Mckeesport, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  62 reviews

Senior: I have great memories, good and bad, some learning experiences and some that I will take with me the rest of my life. I have had many situations that made me become a better person and I realized how society can be so mean. I overcame my challenges where I was bullied. I realized in life you are going to have experiences that you can make it a positive or negative experience. I decided that I was not going to let this affect me and I held my head up high. My high school experience has influenced my development as a person inside and outside of class making me more independent. High school has shaped me into the intelligent, confident person I am today. My struggles have given me so much insight that I wouldn’t have gotten without them. I find trying to improve myself may be difficult, but I never give up trying. I am so eager to apply my work ethic and creativity to a school where I can build my knowledge and become the most successful well-rounded woman I can be in todays world.... Read 62 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 354

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  24 reviews

Senior: My experience at Nazareth Prep has been great. I’ve been a student here since my 11th grade year. They have taught me so much compared to my other high school, Trinity Christian. Nazareth Prep gives all of their students internships. My internship this year is at Children’s Hospital. I am able to shadow different departments and learn more about the medical field. Nazareth prep Isn’t a big school, which means it gives you the opportunity to work with others and get to know everyone. I recommend Nazareth Prep for those high school students who want a small school that still cares about your education and future!... Read 24 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 141

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Allison Park, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: Having a background in education, I was very dedicated to touring/researching as many schools (private & public) as I could to make sure my children were in the best academic atmosphere. Without a doubt, Alpha School offers the best balance of rigorous academic experience while maintaining a strong focus on developing moral and kind individuals. The administration is very hands-on which encourages stronger bonds between students and adults at the school. This is the only school that offered an actual stand-alone STEM curriculum, instead of tacking it on to science class. Another selling point was that it is independent of the arch dioceses, so it is not threatened by regrouping and closures. I also like that my children are exposed to other children from around the city, not just nearby neighborhoods. Families travel from Fox Chapel, Butler, and Moon to have their students attend Alpha, and after my first tour there, it’s obvious why. It’s the best kept secret in the North Hills!... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mc Kees Rocks, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: We are absolutely in LOVE with our experience at Archangel Gabriel! The staff, students and other families we meet feel like Home. So many exciting events and community building moments have already happened and it’s only November 😁 Grateful to have found our school for all 4 of our children and hope to continue to watch it grow and thrive! - The Sedlack’s... Read 17 reviews

• grade A

• Students 375

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: We love Holy Cross Academy! Our 3 daughters (4th, 2nd and 1st grade) get off the bus smiling every day and to us as parents, that’s an amazing way to greet your children at the door. Class sizes are small, families are extremely vested in their children’s success and the environment allows our children to focus academically with minimal distractions. We live in a fantastic public school district but still decide to pay the additional tuition (which is not that bad) because of the family like atmosphere. Well worth the sacrifice!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 329

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Freshman: I chose to go to Carlow University because of its amazing child education program. Along with the hands-on learning and Academic success plan set up for me, I am able to focus on my classes while doing what I love to do, which is working with kids on campus. Also, because it is a smaller school, it feels like a tight-knit family. During the pandemic, There was a strong sense of community between peers and instructors. Everyone was learning how to cope with the challenging times together, and it was appreciated that no one felt alone because of how well the school responded to the pandemic.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 247

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Wexford, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  12 reviews

Works Here: Blessed Francis Seelos Academy is an example that Catholic education is thriving! Although we had the option to send our children to the nationally ranked public school in our community, we chose this school for its faith-based education. Our children have received the moral foundation to face the many obstacles in the life. Religion is not just taught at Seelos, but in action! Academically, our children were prepared for high school and appeared to be ahead of their public high school classmates.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Cranberry Township, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: St. Kilian’s is a gem of a school. The curriculum is excellent and progressive, the teachers are caring and nurturing, and the school is thriving to the point of having a waitlist for admittance. I really can’t say enough great things about this school!... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 605

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: This school has been a fantastic experience from kindergarten through 8th grade. Everyone has been so kind, teachers are very responsive & the students truly care about each other. Zero tolerance for bullying. Curriculum is very challenging. The 7th/8th grade math teacher is the best & most challenging math teacher I’ve ever come across. My son took the high school placement test and scored in the top 5% nationally. If you can get through math at this school and say you weren’t prepared for high school, per a previous review, then you must have cheated your way through. The math teacher provides statistics at curriculum night and a very high number of his students test into honors math in high school, not just the kids in the advanced math class but about half of the kids in the regular math class as well. Yes there are rules and yes they are strict, but nothing more than what you will deal with when you enter your career, they prepare you for real life!... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 480

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 444

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Fabulous educational opportunities, dedicated and exceptional teachers, warm climate and culture among students, challenging and comprehensive curriculum, exceptional tech labs. An East End treasure!... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 438

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: What I enjoyed most about my time at St. Gabriel's is that it was a second home to my fellow students and I. We were able to connect with each other and our teachers in a way many grade schools and middle schools do not care enough to do.... Read 5 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 389

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Washington, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 336

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 295

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: We love St. Bede School for its "old school" elementary school feel, while staying current with technology, including STEM (STREAM) curriculum. The languages offered starting in Kindergarten, as well as the CAPA program make this school stand above other private school options in this area. This is an extremely affordable option to gift a Catholic education that integrates academic excellence and compassion and a community feel.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 292

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1