Catholic Central High School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked MI School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 587 students
Yearly Tuition: $13,975
Acceptance rate: 88%
Average class size: 23 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Aug. 1 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School News

Catholic Central Blog Posts - 01/10/2025
Click here to explore all our latest blog posts!

School Rankings

Catholic Central High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Catholic Central High School
9	164
10	149
11	145
12	129

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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Mild to Moderate Learning Differences

Year Founded

1906

Colors

White, Blue, Royal blue

Summer School Offered

Yes

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Last Day of School

Thu. Jun 10, 2027

Student Body

Total Students

587 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

18%

State avg.: 19%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

41 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

14:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

73%

Average Class Size

23 students

Number of AP Courses

29 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

BiologyCalculus

CapstoneChemistry

English LanguageEnglish Literature

MacroeconomicsPsychology

ResearchSeminar

StatisticsUS Government & Politics

US HistoryWorld History

Average SAT score

1148

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Khaki pants/shorts/plaid skirt and polo/button down

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Dec. 15 / Aug. 1 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$13,975

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Catholic Central is committed to making Catholic education accessible to families from a range of economic backgrounds. We recognize that paying tuition is a considerable investment for most families. That’s why we believe that tuition should not be a “one-size fits all” model or a reason why students cannot attend Catholic Central. We are proud to offer Tuition Assistance. Learn mere here: www.grcatholiccentral.org.

% on Financial Aid

50%

Acceptance Rate

88%

National avg.: 82%

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Joel Hubert

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

22 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

22 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Baking ClubCatholic Central Association of Scholarly Science-Fiction Enthusiasts

Chinese ClubDebate

E-Sports ClubFinance Club

French ClubMen's Group

Mock TrialModel United Nations

National Honor SocietyPeace Jam

Political DiscourseQuiz Bowl

Science OlympiadSpanish Club

Students for LifeSustainability Club

UPRISE Volunteer ClubWomen's Group

Writers Group

Show More (5)Hide

Arts and Music Programs:

Jazz Band

School Notes

Catholic Central High School is the oldest co-educational diocesan Catholic high school in the United States.
Since our founding in 1906, we have been proud to provide a Catholic education in Grand Rapids, Michigan-a culturally rich environment where students learn to live by the Dominican pillars.
At the core of every lesson is our commitment to forming servant leaders through prayer, study, service, and community.
We are also proud to be the first and only STEM-certified high school in Michigan, demonstrating our dedication to academic excellence and innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

School Motto: Catholic Central: Preparing Servant Leaders For a Christ-Centered Life
School Mascot: Cougars

Catholic Central High School, the oldest co-educational diocesan Catholic high school in the United States, has been a proud provider of Catholic education in Grand Rapids, Michigan, since 1906. In this culturally rich environment, students learn to embrace and live out the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service. At the heart of every lesson is our unwavering commitment to forming servant leaders.
As an inclusive community rooted in the Catholic faith, Catholic Central prepares students for a Christ-centered life. We build every aspect of our mission-education, athletics, and community-on the foundation of the Gospel. Our leadership remains dedicated to nurturing a vibrant community of believers who support students in their pursuit of knowledge and faith. The chapel is open to all, offering a space for hope, reflection, and salvation.
Students at Catholic Central are encouraged to discover, develop, and utilize their God-given talents. With Christ at the center of all they do, they are both curious and disciplined, striving to embody the Dominican pillars. Our dedicated faculty and staff guide students in mastering critical thinking skills, equipping them for real-world experiences in higher education and beyond.
We are also proud to be the first and only STEM-certified high school in Michigan, demonstrating our dedication to academic excellence and innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
At Catholic Central, we are committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to a transformative Catholic education. Through our Variable Tuition program, families can apply for a tuition rate that fits their unique financial situations, making an excellent Catholic education accessible to more families within our community. Grand Rapids Catholic Central This program, along with the generosity of our donors, parish subsidies, and need- and merit-based scholarships, ensures that every family pays less than the full cost of educating their child.
Click here to view our Campus Video.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Catholic Central High School cost?

Catholic Central High School's tuition is approximately $13,975 for private students.

What schools are Catholic Central High School often compared to?

Catholic Central High School is often viewed alongside schools like West Catholic High School by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Catholic Central High School?

The acceptance rate of Catholic Central High School is 88%, which is equal to the national average of 88%.

What sports does Catholic Central High School offer?

Catholic Central High School offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Diving, E-sports, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Catholic Central High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for most sports offered.

What is Catholic Central High School's ranking?

Catholic Central High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Catholic Central High School?

The application deadline for Catholic Central High School is Dec. 15 / Aug. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / Aug. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is Catholic Central High School located?

Catholic Central High School is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 2 other private schools located in Downtown.

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (4 reviews)

5 5/12/2015

I am alumni of Catholic Central High School. This was a high quality school when I graduated back in the early 2000's and I am amazed and proud of where it is today. The programs and course offerings extend to those that are high achieving to those that need learning support. They offer just as many varsity sports as those schools that have three times their population. The fine arts program is award winning and continues to impress. Students have opportunities to grow in their faith with retreats and weekly Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. I have lived in other major cities around the mid-west and Catholic Central High School is amongst the best secondary education you can find.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - mikej

5 5/12/2015

Catholic Central High School provides all students with the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, spiritually, athletically, and socially in a Christ centered environment. As an alumni, I am proud be a part of the teaching staff.

- Posted by Teacher - Jessi

5 5/12/2015

The academics at Catholic Central are second to none among high schools in West Michigan. Students are extremely well prepared for college and the next step in their lives. The teachers are very accommodating to all the students and willing to provide all the necessary help for students to have success. The teachers are demanding and push students to achieve great things. Extracurricular activities are awesome. Athletics and the arts are as plentiful as the local schools with 3000 students. Participation in all of them is higher then any other school around. Facilities are now in the process of matching every first class experience this school has to offer. The school and athletic facilities are going through major planning for upgrades and will be the best when done.

- Posted by Parent - toddk

5 5/12/2015

Catholic Central is a great school , we are blessed to have a defined mission and plenty of resources to accomplish that mission. We have kind, caring and hardworking students and parents that are involved in their children's eduction.

- Posted by Teacher - marco

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Grand Rapids, MI is $8,909 for elementary schools and $11,118 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Grand Rapids, MI is 92% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).