Admissions Viewbook 2022

The

Be a part of this Tradition!

A Message from the President

Dr. Barbara D. Nazelrod '68

The Catholic High School of Baltimore has empowered young women through education since 1939, and claims over 13,000 graduates in its long and remarkable history. I, too, am a proud Daughter of Catholic High and speak personally of the many ways my high school years prepared me for education and life beyond the doors of my Alma Mater. As President, I also take pride in the promise and vision of Catholic High in this millennium.

I encourage you to become familiar with the quality college preparatory education in the Franciscan tradition that our students receive each day. More than ever before, our society’s many needs compel young women to stretch and grow to their highest potential: to be empowered by their education and to transform our society for the better.

On behalf of our current students and those thousands of alumnae who make such a profound difference in our world, I invite you to visit The Catholic High School of Baltimore and experience for yourself our mission of empowering young women through their education each day and for a lifetime.

Dr. Barbara D. Nazelrod '68 President

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven

Our Sponsorship

With the permission of the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore from 1921 to 1947, and through the efforts of Mother Mary Generosa McCafferty, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, The Catholic High School of Baltimore was erected during the period of 1938 to 1939.

Catholic High continues today under the sponsorship of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. The institution is the only school in the world sponsored by the Sisters. Our Franciscan roots and values have been the framework of The Catholic High School of Baltimore since the beginning.

84 Years and Counting

The Catholic High School of Baltimore opened its doors on September 6, 1939 with a student body of 254 freshmen. The first graduating class in 1943 had the responsibility and privilege of laying the foundation upon which Catholic High’s traditions would rest.

For more than 80 years, Catholic High has educated and empowered young women to transform the world. Catholic High has advanced the curriculum through the decades to meet the needs of our ever-changing society. We hope to empower young women for generations to come so that they may let their light shine to transform our world for the better!

Mission

Empowered by Gospel values and rooted in the spirit and tradition of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, The Catholic High School of Baltimore, a sponsored institution of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is dedicated to the education of young women in an environment that fosters Christian attitudes of dignity and respect for the human person and all of creation.

In our mission, we recognize that through education the empowerment of women can effect the transformation of our society. Therefore, we challenge our school community to academic excellence, to responsible leadership, and to Christian community service.

Vision

The Catholic High School of Baltimore provides a positive educational environment for young women throughout Maryland. The school community challenges its constituents to academic excellence, responsible leadership, and Christian community service. This prepares students for leadership roles in the community, in the church, and in the world of the 21st century.

Academics

Honors Program

Catholic High’s Honors Program is designed to provide select students with a challenging and rigorous academic course of study. Students enroll in honors level classes and take Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses in their junior and senior years, enabling them to earn college credit while at Catholic High.

College Preparatory Program

The College Preparatory Program is a standard course of study that allows students to engage in diverse coursework over four years that exceeds MSDE requirements, making our students academically prepared and college-ready. The faculty of Catholic High is committed to educating each student in preparation for college.

Archangel College Preparatory Program

The Archangel Program, a college preparatory curriculum, provides opportunities for academic success to students with a diagnosed learning difference or who have encountered academic difficulties in middle school. The program provides students with small class sizes, frequent student-teacher interaction, and close cooperation between home and school.

An Archangel student learns and develops necessary skills to succeed in the classroom. Students in the program are accepted into a variety of well-known colleges and universities.

STEM PROGRAM

Catholic High’s STEM program enables students to begin an intense academic program in their freshman year with special emphasis in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With concentrations in Engineering, Biomedicine, and Sports Medicine, students have the opportunity to delve into their interests before college.

Students in the STEM Program have access to our Jesse James Hinson Biomedical Simulation Lab, Trueschel Robotics Lab, and Athletics Fitness Center which provides them hands-on experience in their area of study.

Visual & Performing Arts PROGRAM

The McCafferty Visual & Performing Arts Program is a four-year program that offers concentrations in Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra, Piano, Theatre, and Visual Art. Students have opportunities to participate in competitions, to grow in ability as well as self-confidence, and to complete AP courses or a senior year capstone project within their particular discipline. The VPA Program requires an interview and an audition for consideration.

Catholic High’s new state-of-the-art Dance Studio allows our dancers to perform at the highest level. We are also home to the only all-girls Marching Band in the State of Maryland!

Law & Leadership in the Franciscan Tradition PROGRAM

The Law & Leadership in the Franciscan Tradition Program is designed for young women who have excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills. To encourage the young women in this program to become active, engaged citizens, students participate in at least two of the following activities: Duns Scotus Forensics Society, TCHS Mock Trial Team, Student Council, Maryland Page Program, Youth & Government, or Model UN.

Faith and Service

The Catholic High School of Baltimore and the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia identify with the values and teachings of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. Spiritual growth and development are incorporated into the Catholic High education. The four-year theology curriculum, Liturgies and prayer services, as well as annual class retreats lend themselves to the faith and personal development of students, regardless of their religious background.

Catholic High’s commitment to Christian community service is giving witness to our faith and empowering our young women to let their light shine. Christian community service is a yearly commitment and required for graduation.

Through action and reflection, Christian community service provides opportunities to build discipleship within the Catholic High community, the Greater Baltimore community, and the world.

Cub Athletics

The goal of Catholic High’s Athletic Department is to provide a program for sound physical conditioning and training, and to develop sportsmanship, athletic skills, and techniques. While promoting self-discipline, personal dedication, and determination, we encourage our young women to be involved in interscholastic competition and to benefit from the many advantages athletic competitions provide.

Catholic High participates in the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) during the fall, winter, and spring.

of students participate in sports

Lasting Traditions

Catholic High’s long-lasting traditions continue to be cherished by our students. Senior bows, emerald green class rings, and special events make the Catholic High experience unique. The May Crowning is one of Catholic High’s most memorable traditions as the school community gives honor to Mary, while Miss Catholic High crowns the Blessed Mother.

Hello Day is another annual tradition where our Seniors welcome Freshmen into the Catholic High community. The Senior Big Sisters present their Freshmen Little Sisters with gift baskets including our mascot, teddy bears, and Catholic High gear. The community gathers for an afternoon of fun as they introduce the Freshmen to life at Catholic High!

Other traditions include Junior Ring Liturgy, Junior & Senior Powder Puff Game, and Field Day.

Clubs and Organizations

Find your passion at Catholic High by joining one or more of our 30 clubs and organizations! Many of our students are engaged after school through extra-curricular activities. All clubs are studentled, which provides our students the opportunity to develop leadership skills they need for life after high school. Catholic High students have the opportunity to form new clubs with the help of our supportive administration and faculty. The possibilities are endless at Catholic High!

Catholic High also offers membership to Honor Societies in multiple disciplines:

• National Honor SocietyMother Generosa Chapter

National English Honor SocietySister Corda Marie Bergbauer Chapter

National Art Honor Society

National Science Honor Society

French Honor Society

Spanish Honor Society

Tri-M Music Honor Society

Student Outcomes

Recent College Acceptances

Catholic High is committed to helping each student gain admission into the colleges of her choice. Our college counseling services begin when we discuss and analyze with students their PSAT test scores and identify strategies that will prepare them for admission into, and success during, college.

Each year, our students are accepted into prestigious colleges and universities! Read the full list of acceptances on our website.