Catholic high schools
in North Carolina all provide a college-prep education.
Students attending a Catholic high school in North Carolina benefit from a dual education: their academics are taught in a small student-to-teacher ratio classroom, and they benefit from the religious environment and education at the school. North Carolina has several Catholic high schools. All are co-ed and have college-prep courses. These schools are private schools, and the school charges tuition and requires uniforms. For those who have a strong connection to their local parish, a letter of recommendation from the parish priest will help achieve a Catholic tuition rate.
Saint Thomas More Academy, Raleigh
A college-prep co-ed high school, Saint Thomas More Academy boasts a 100 percent college matriculation rate for 2009. That same year, 108 students attended the school, with a senior class of 16. Admission fees for 2009 were $6,000. The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) pre-admission test is required, and there is a fee for taking the exam. An open-house takes place, and the school suggests that parents and students attend. Seventy-five percent of the students participate in extracurricular activities including athletics and interest clubs. There are faith-based activities, and all students learn to pursue truth while remaining respectful of the opinions of others.
Cardinal Gibbons High School, Raleigh
A total enrollment of more than 900 students makes Cardinal Gibbons one of the largest Catholic high schools in the state. Its student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1. Non-catholic students are requested to apply for admission as well as those seeking a faith-based education. Prayers begin and end the school day. Because it is a college-prep school, the administration works closely with students for college enrollment, and the campus features visitors from various colleges throughout the year. Cardinal Gibbons has a strong athletic program for boys and girls. Its fine arts program requires a specific application and interview. The school administers its own admissions test. Tuition for Catholic students in 2011 was $8,595. Non-Catholic students are charged a higher fee.
Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville
With a total enrollment of less than 500 students, the senior class at Bishop McGuinness High School numbers under 100. The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1. Three levels of college-prep study are offered: standard, honors and advanced placement (AP). All students participate in the school's ministry program, with retreats, community service and a missionary trip as part of the curriculum. An application, placement test and interview are admission requirements. Annual tuition as of 2011 is $6,769 for students of the Catholic faith. There are payment plans available.
Charlotte Catholic High School
With a total enrollment of just over 1,000, the senior class at Charlotte Catholic High School is approximately 230 students. Their student-to-teacher ratio is 14:1. A mass is held daily on campus of this co-educational high school. Tuition as of 2011 is $7,400 for participating Catholics. Extracurricular activities, including 30 sports teams are an important part of the school day. Students take a placement test for admission. There is a fine arts program at the school in addition to the academic curriculum. Tuition assistance is available.
Tags: North Carolina, student-to-teacher ratio, Cardinal Gibbons, Catholic high schools, High School