We`re a school rooted in the Catholic faith and grounded in the Dominican traditions of study, prayer, community, and service. We are proud to be the oldest co-educational diocesan Catholic high school in the nation, founded in 1906.At Catholic Central, students find the right mix of high academic standards, individual attention, and opportunities to engage in a full spectrum of student life activities, from arts and athletics to clubs and organizations. Our unique, student-centered schedule empowers students and encourages deeper inquiry and more meaningful learning time. Our house system celebrates community and tradition, bringing students together in new and different ways than typical high schools.Parents and students love the supportive, family-like environment found in the CC community and across our campus.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MI School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 578 students
- Yearly Tuition: $11,850
- Acceptance rate: 98%
- Average class size: 23 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Catholic Central High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild to Moderate Learning Differences
Year Founded
1906
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
578 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 19%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
73%
Average Class Size
23 students
Number of AP Courses
14 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus, Capstone, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Macroeconomics, Psychology, Research, Seminar, Statistics, US Government & Politics, US History, World History
Average SAT score
1148
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Khaki pants/shorts/plaid skirt and polo/button down
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$11,850
Tuition Notes
At least 50% of our students receive tuition assistance and we encourage all interested families to apply for tuition assistance. Additionally, we offer several need-based scholarships as well as merit-based scholarships for incoming freshman. You may find scholarship information here: grcatholiccentral.org
% on Financial Aid
50%
Acceptance Rate
98%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Nellie Richthammer
Sports
Total Sports Offered
22 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
22 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking Club, Catholic Central Association of Scholarly Science-Fiction Enthusiasts, Chinese Club, Debate, E-Sports Club, Finance Club, French Club, Men's Group, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Peace Jam, Political Discourse, Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Students for Life, Sustainability Club, UPRISE Volunteer Club, Women's Group, Writers Group
Arts and Music Programs:
Jazz Band
Baking Club, Catholic Central Association of Scholarly Science-Fiction Enthusiasts, Chinese Club, Debate, E-Sports Club, Finance Club, French Club, Men's Group, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Peace Jam, Political Discourse, Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Students for Life, Sustainability Club, UPRISE Volunteer Club, Women's Group, Writers Group
Arts and Music Programs:
Jazz Band
School Notes
- Not only will you find the high academic standards you`d expect, but also the individualized attention and near limitless opportunities every student deserves. It`s this unique combination, along with our strong foundation in faith, that sets CC apart from every other high-school around.
- Parents and students alike love the supportive, family-like environment here, as well. There`s a comfort in knowing you are surrounded by others who share the same values and the same desire to be challenged and succeed both in and out of the classroom, and in life beyond graduation.
- In fact, this is not a four-year investment. It`s an investment of a lifetime.
- Click here to view our Campus Video.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Catholic Central High School cost?
Catholic Central High School's tuition is approximately $11,850 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 98%, which is higher than the national average of 94%.
What sports does Catholic Central High School offer?
Catholic Central High School offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, 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 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. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Endorse Catholic Central High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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