What to Consider When Looking for a Catholic High School
Catholic Identity – Mission of the School
Connection to the charism of the religious order sponsor
(if applicable)
Religious instruction, daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, retreat opportunities
Service requirements
Vocational support for students who might consider religious vocations
Size of student body (large, bustling campus versus small, close-knit setting)
Geographic location
Proximity to home and parish elementary school
Transportation needs
Carpool opportunity/shuttle service
Co-ed versus single sex
Annual tuition
Financial aid offerings: application process and deadline
Scholarship opportunities and eligibility
Desired rigor of the curriculum (AP level courses, college credit, specialized ‘tracks’ meeting each student unique needs)
Resources for academic supports if needed
Vocational track/trades if desired
Retention rate
College acceptance rate
Student life and interests (clubs, fine arts, STEM, leadership opportunities, athletics, etc.) that allow each student to grow socia and emotionally
Fall 2025 Timeline
Fall 2025 Opportunities to Visit
High School Fair: September 4, 2025 at Logan University
High School Night: September 23, 2025 at Christian Brothers College High School
Visit school campuses:
Fall Shadow Days
Open Houses
Campus Tours
Apply to your first-choice school via that school’s website (September - December)
Submit Transcript Request Form through the Archdiocese of St. Louis portal (open from October 1 - November 9, 2025)
Apply for financial aid at your first-choice school (if applicable)
School requirements (vary by high school)
Attend an interview
Take a placement test/entrance exam
January 30, 2026
Decision Day - Celebrate!
For more information
Campus Visits
Deciding which Catholic high school feels most like “home”
Start early!
High School Fairs are open to grades 5-8
High School Nights are open to middle school, but are geared to grades 7 and 8
8th graders can shadow in the fall
Schedule a one-on-one campus tour (varies by high school)
Attend an Open House (Sundays in October and November.)
Visit archstl.org/education or check each school’s website for details
Attend a performing arts showcase, an athletic event, an all-school liturgy, or any other community engagement event sponsored by the school to experience how students are engaged/involved
What to look for while on a Campus Tour or Shadow Day?
Atmosphere & Vibe
Student/parent interactions: Are students kind, respectful, and engaged?
Do they seem genuinely happy to be there? Are parents/guardians on campus, actively volunteering and participating in the high school experience?
Faculty engagement: Notice how teachers interact with students. Are they approachable, passionate, and supportive?
Faith in action: What aspect of the school’s Catholic identity most resonates with you?
Campus Visits, continued
Personal Fit
Classroom experience: During a shadow day, pay attention to how classes are taught. Does the pace and style suit your learning preferences?
Extracurriculars: Ask about clubs, sports, arts, music and leadership opportunities. Can you picture yourself joining in?
Student voices: Talk to current students. Ask what they love? Since arriving to this school what would they would change? How have they grown?
Comfort & Belonging
Diversity & inclusion: Does the school celebrate different abilities, backgrounds and perspectives? Do you feel welcomed? Do you feel like you could truly “belong” versus “fit in”?
Size & layout: Is the campus easy to navigate? Do you prefer a bustling environment or a quieter, close-knit feel?
Lunch & social spaces: Observe where students gather: cafeteria, courtyard, student commons. Do they feel inviting?
Practical Details
Uniforms & expectations: Are you comfortable with the dress code and discipline policies?
Commute & schedule: Consider how the school’s location and daily routine fit into your life. How did the commute to and from campus feel?
Admissions team: Are they warm, responsive, and helpful? This often reflects the school’s overall culture.
Application
Applying to your ‘first choice’ school:
Each school has its own online application that must be filled out in order to be considered an active applicant
Please only complete an application for your student’s FIRST-CHOICE high school
If your student is not accepted to his/her first-choice high school, or they change their mind, his/her transcript and records will be sent to the student’s second-choice school
Your student’s first-choice school will notify you, prior to the January 30, 2026 decision date, that your student was not accepted and will work with you to forward records to the second-choice school
Records Release
Students enrolled in archdiocesan schools:
If your student attends an archdiocesan school, you must complete the Archdiocesan Transcript Request Form (TRF) between October 1 and November 9, 2025 via the Archdiocese of St. Louis portal, found HERE
The TRF informs the archdiocesan grade school where to send each student’s records (the student’s first-choice school)
Note: The TRF asks the student to rank his/her student's top school choices (up to three)
This will only be used if the student is not accepted to his/her first-choice school. Three school choices are not required, but a second choice is advisable
Archdiocesan elementary schools do NOT write letters of recommendation for high school applicants
Application, continued
Applying for Financial Assistance:
Explore the financial aid and scholarship opportunities offered by the student’s first-choice high school
Talk to your student’s first-choice school to learn the process and timeline to apply for assistance
The best time to fill out the school’s financial aid application may be in conjunction with submitting the admissions application. (Each school varies. It is best to discuss this with the Admissions Team at your student’s first-choice school.)
For some schools, the most competitive financial aid offers are awarded to those who apply for aid by December 31, 2025. (Each school varies. It is best to discuss this with the Admissions team at your student’s first-choice school.)
Interviewing at your student’s first-choice school:
Some schools require an interview for admissions
Interviews are typically held with a faculty or staff member at the student’s first-choice school
The interview helps the school get to know the applicant beyond their grades and application
Student should only attend the interview of their first-choice school
Testing:
Some schools require additional testing for admission and/or merit-based scholarship criteria
Test dates vary. Some schools hold the test prior to acceptance, others hold the test after the January 30, 2026, acceptance date.
Acceptance
Notification of Acceptance:
All schools will share notification of acceptance via email and/or USPS mail on Friday, January 30, 2026.
In the rare occasion that your student does not receive notification of high school acceptance, please contact the Admissions Director of the student’s first-choice high school. Families may also call the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ Office of Catholic Education and Formation for guidance at: 314.792.7300 or by email at catholiceducation@archstl.org
