H I G H
S C H O O L
EDUCATING HE ARTS AND M INDS
2
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Thank you for taking the time to explore Cathedral High School. Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share a glimpse of who we are and what we believe. Cathedral is a premier Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition, and our mission is both clear and deeply meaningful: we seek to transform the hearts and minds of a diverse group of students, so they have the competence to see and the courage to act. This transformation is at the center of everything we do. It shapes how we teach, how we mentor, and how we accompany our students during these formative years. Our Catholic identity is not simply something we teach—it is something we live. Rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, we educate both the mind and the heart. Through prayer, liturgy, retreats, and service, students come to recognize God’s presence in their lives and develop a faith that will guide them well beyond their time at Cathedral.
As you explore these pages, I invite you to consider how Cathedral could shape your child’s future. The transformation that takes place here is real, lasting, and grounded in faith. We would be honored to partner with you in this journey! God bless,
Mark Matthews Cathedral High School Principal
You will often hear “Greatness is Calling” at Cathedral. This is more than a slogan—it is an invitation for each student to discover the gifts God has given them and to use those gifts in service of others. In our classrooms, students are challenged to think critically and pursue academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, they are encouraged to lead, to serve, and to grow in confidence through countless opportunities in athletics, the arts, and co-curricular life. What truly sets Cathedral apart, however, is our community. It is a place where students are known and loved, where relationships matter, and where young people are inspired to become the very best versions of themselves. Here, students are not only prepared for college, but for a life of purpose, integrity, and impact.
“Being at Cathedral was an opportunity to be part of a community where faith was not only spoken about, but woven into daily actions, decisions, and expectations, shaping a clarity of purpose that carries into every season of life.” – Captain Morgan Bolden, Class of ‘20, U.S. Naval Academy Graduate 2024
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
3
ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY: RIGOR WITH RANGE At Cathedral High School, academic excellence is defined not only by rigor but by balance, growth, and care for the individual learner. Rooted in our Holy Cross mission of educating hearts and minds, Cathedral challenges students intellectually while ensuring they are supported, known, and encouraged along the way. In contrast to environments defined solely by academic intensity, Cathedral believes that true rigor includes reflection, balance, and purpose. Students are encouraged to pursue excellence while maintaining joy in learning, healthy relationships, and a strong sense of self—preparing them not only for college success, but for lifelong learning. Cathedral students have a support system that includes their counselor and the College and Career Center. Cathedral also has two social workers and a mental health counselor. Scan to See Academic Pathways
A hallmark of Cathedral’s commitment to academic growth is Cathedral’s Learning Support Program, which serves approximately 20% of the student body. Through a collaborative team of educators, case managers, and counselors, the program provides high-quality support that is current, compliant, and reflective of Cathedral’s Holy Cross values. Cathedral offers a wide range of academic pathways designed to meet students where they are and help them grow beyond what they thought was possible.
4
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
“I transferred to Cathedral my sophomore year because I felt Cathedral was the best place for me academically, and it was! While here, I also noticed faces that mirrored God’s own.” – Nolan McCracken, Summa Cum Laude Graduate, National Merit Finalist, National Science Olympiad Qualifier
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
5
ACADEMICS
32 AP CLASSES
Scan to See Course Guide
6
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
Scan to Read AP Success Stories
19
DUAL CREDIT COURSES
3
CLASS LEVELS
1
RENOWNED LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAM
College Prep, Academic, Honors
AP Capstone is a rigorous, two-year diploma program. It centers on two foundational courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—designed to build critical thinking, research, and communication skills rather than focusing on a single academic subject. Each spring, our AP Capstone students present their projects during the AP Capstone Fair. To earn the Capstone Diploma, students must receive a score of 3 or higher on the AP Seminar and AP Research exams. They also have to pass four additional AP exams.
“My AP Seminar and AP Research classes taught me how to be independent and how to do research. I know those skills are going to help in college and throughout my career.” – Stella Caress, Class of ‘26, University of Georgia
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
7
SERVING OTHERS
St. Andre Service Project During their junior and senior years, students design, lead, and carry out a self-directed service project rooted in personal passion, community need, and Catholic social teaching.
Christmas on the Hill Each December, Cathedral High School provides Christmas cheer to hundreds of students from a nearby elementary school.
Service Learning Trips Over spring break, educators accompanied five of our students on a service trip to De La Salle Blackfeet School, where they served the community and learned more about the Blackfeet culture. Plans are in the works to continue these service learning opportunities for Cathedral students.
8
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
FAITH IN ACTION How we encounter Jesus at Cathedral High School Daily Mass
Adoration
Regular Reconciliation
Daily Prayer Meditation and Prayer at the Grotto
Class Retreats
including Junior Retreat to South Bend
Cathedral High School is part of an international network of Holy Cross high schools and colleges throughout the world. Our tradition is based on educating both hearts and minds. Helping a diverse group of students develop spiritually has been one of the missions of Cathedral ever since her founding by the Brothers of Holy Cross in 1918. Approximately 20 percent of the student body comes from different faith backgrounds, giving all our students the opportunity to learn and interact in a religiously diverse environment.
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
9
STUDENT LIFE AND BELONGING
27
ATHLETIC TEAMS More than half of the Cathedral student body participates in at least one sport during their time on the Hill. Baseball, softball, lacrosse, and soccer are played at our beautiful sports facility, Brunette Park.
50+ 10
CLUBS AND ENRICHMENT OFFERINGS including theatre, band, two choirs, visual arts, fine arts, speech & debate, a student-run coffee shop, and more!
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
From Civil Air Patrol and Robotics to Band and Theatre, students have countless opportunities to express themselves and form friendships. Through the Freshmen Experience, students begin to appreciate Cathedral’s rich diversity and form lifelong friendships. Guided by Peer Ministers, students are invited to share their gifts and discover opportunities to expand their connectedness to the Cathedral community.
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
11
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING We empower students through immersive, real-world professional opportunities that integrate rigorous career preparation with the Holy Cross tradition of educating hearts and minds.
J-Term Students have the opportunity to explore an interest outside the classroom, including internships and travel abroad opportunities that can earn college credit.
Johnny Mac’s Coffeehouse Cathedral’s student-run coffee shop allows students to learn how to run a business firsthand. Cathedral also has a thriving DECA Club where students hone their skills as emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.
“By bridging the gap between classroom theory and community practice, we cultivate ethical leaders ready to serve their future industries with zeal, integrity, and excellence.” – John O’Hara, Director of Experiential Learning
12
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
Podcasting & Broadcasting Students can post their own podcasts and create other content for Cathedral’s social media. Students also have the opportunity to broadcast Cathedral sports games, including football and basketball.
Other Opportunities Other on campus opportunities include interning, tutoring, assisting with admissions tours, gameday operations, front desk assistance, business experience in Cathedral’s Spirit Shop, and early-learning opportunities in Cathedral’s Irish Blessings Daycare. Cathedral students who are interested in early childhood education can assist in our on-campus Irish Blessings Childhood Center.
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
13
OUTCOMES THAT MATTER Scan to See Where Our Graduates are Attending College
Cathedral’s academic program prepares students for success well beyond graduation. Through supportive academic and college counseling, thoughtful course planning, and intentional preparation, families are equipped to navigate the college search process with confidence and clarity. On average, the Cathedral High School graduating class reports more than $55 million in scholarship offers. These outcomes reflect Cathedral’s belief that education is not simply about achievement, but about formation— preparing students to engage the world thoughtfully, responsibly, and with purpose.
“Graduating from Cathedral with 51 credits already completed gave me the ability to make my dream a reality. It not only allowed me to take an entire year off from my Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, but also freed up enough time in my schedule to complete a B.A. in Spanish. Without Cathedral and the opportunities it gave me, I would not be graduating as Dr. Rodecap in 2029.” – Rachel Rodecap, Class of ’24, Butler University PharmD
14
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
LIFELONG CONNECTIONS Graduates remain closely connected to Cathedral and to one another, offering guidance, opportunity, and support to current students and fellow alumni. Whether through mentorship, career exploration, service, or faith-based engagement, alumni play an active role in shaping the next generation of Cathedral students. These connections provide students with real-world insight, encouragement, and access to a network grounded in shared purpose.
“When I was running for state judge, I made sure Cathedral High School was listed on my campaign literature. I cannot tell you the number of people who said, ‘I see you’re a Cathedral graduate. You have my support because I know you’re prepared, and you have the moral and ethical convictions to handle the position you’re running for.”’ – The Honorable Tanya Walton-Pratt, Class of ’77, U.S. District Judge
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
15
MAKING CATHEDRAL ACCESSIBLE Through a combination of tuition assistance, state-supported programs, and family support, Cathedral works closely with families to make a Holy Cross education attainable. We encourage families not to self-select out of the admissions process solely because of cost. For many families, financial support has made Cathedral not just a possibility, but a reality.
16
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
GREATNESS IS
CALLING! Scan to See Financial Aid
TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS
STUDENTS ATTENDING FROM
68 ZIP CODES ACROSS 12 SURROUNDING COUNTIES Cathedral High School offers convenient busing services throughout the city, helping families from a wide range of neighborhoods access our campus. Routes and approximate bus stops are updated annually to reflect families’ needs and enrollment patterns, with maps available to help families understand coverage areas.
Scan to See Bus Routes
18
C ATHEDR A L H I G H S CH O O L
Westfield
Noblesville
Carmel Zionsville
Fishers
Meridian Hills
McCordsville
Cathedral
Speedway
Lawrence
Cumberland Indianapolis Beech Grove
CATH ED RA L HIGH SCHOOL
19
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE Choosing a high school is about more than academics—it is about finding a place where students will be known, supported, and inspired to grow. At Cathedral High School, students are challenged to pursue excellence grounded in faith and encouraged to discover who they are called to become.
Scan to See Admissions Info
Our admissions team is committed to partnering with families every step of the way. We invite you to learn more about Cathedral, visit our campus, and imagine your family as part of our community. Your journey—and your child’s—can begin here.
INQUIR E
Whatever future you may choose, you’ll get the best possible start at Cathedral. And it all begins the moment you arrive.
V IS IT
Visiting “the Hill” is the best way to learn more about opportunities available for students and parents at Cathedral.
2026 Niche Best Schools
One of the first steps to joining the Cathedral family is to complete your application.
Cathedral is a fully-accredited co-ed private Catholic high
2026 Niche Best High School for Athletes
Follow us!
A P P LY
school, both by the State of
AP Platinum Honor Roll
Indiana and Lumen, and a
Four-time National Blue Ribbon School
Education Association.
@cathedralhighschool
member of the National Catholic
@cathedralhs
@gocathedral
@gocathedral