Bishop Watterson High School, inspired by the example of Christ, seeks to challenge and nurture the leaders of the 21st century by providing them with the religious, moral, intellectual, social, and physical skills that they will need to achieve their fullest potential as productive and successful Catholic adults. Bishop Watterson High School endeavors to educate the total person by focusing on the spiritual, intellectual and physical development of the students.
The primary goal is to produce mature, self-disciplined young men and women who have a firm commitment to essential Gospel values, a deep understanding of their rights and responsibilities as Christian citizens, the critical skills necessary to pursue successfully their post-secondary education and chosen careers, and an appreciation of their cultural heritage and artistic achievements.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Top Ranked OH School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 899 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,400
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Bishop Watterson High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
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
Year Founded
1954
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
899 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
69%
Average Class Size
20 students
Number of AP Courses
18 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Italian Language and Culture, AP Latin, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics "C" Mechanics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History
Average SAT score
1214
Average ACT score
24
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
males - black uniform pants, white shirt and tie; females - uniform jumper, white shirt and knee socks
males - black uniform pants, white shirt and tie; females - uniform jumper, white shirt and knee socks
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31
Yearly Tuition Cost
$12,400
% on Financial Aid
33%
Admissions Director
Mary Kate Harris
Endowment Size
$5 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
19 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
30 Clubs 2021-22, Student Ambassador Program, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
4 Choirs, 5 Bands including marching, Fall Drama, Spring Musical
30 Clubs 2021-22, Student Ambassador Program, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
4 Choirs, 5 Bands including marching, Fall Drama, Spring Musical
School Notes
- Bishop Watterson High School is a comprehensive, co-educational, Catholic school for grades 9-12. It is located in a residential area serving the northwest quadrant of Columbus and Franklin County. A large majority of parents are college-educated, business and professional people. Bishop Watterson High School meets all State of Ohio education requirements and is fully accredited by the Department of Education, State of Ohio and the Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Bishop Watterson High School also received the U.S. Department of Education Exemplary School Award.
- More than 90% of the students are Catholic. Students come from the Columbus City Schools and seven suburban school systems Buckeye Valley, Delaware, Dublin, Hilliard, Olentangy, Upper Arlington, and Worthington. More than 99% of the graduates enter four-year and two-year colleges and universities. A typical graduating class will be dispersed to fifty or more colleges throughout the United States. Many of the top quartile will be attending our country`s most competitive colleges.
- The curriculum is college preparatory. The Advanced Placement, honors, and accelerated programs offer those students who qualify the opportunity to follow a stimulating curriculum designed for the academically talented. Students must apply and meet high academic standards/criteria to be placed into accelerated, honors and Advanced Placement courses.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bishop Watterson High School cost?
Bishop Watterson High School's tuition is approximately $12,400 for private students.
What sports does Bishop Watterson High School offer?
Bishop Watterson High School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Bishop Watterson High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for most sports offered.
What is Bishop Watterson High School's ranking?
Bishop Watterson High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Bishop Watterson High School?
The application deadline for Bishop Watterson High School is Jan. 31.
School Reviews
5 12/7/2016
Bishop Watterson provided my children with an exceptional well rounded academic experience. They were well prepared for college. Bishop Watterson is a community in every sense of the word. It is a constant at this school to be expected to contribute to the community in which we live! Additionally, students learn skills to be responsible as well as communicate with adults and employers.
5 12/7/2016
I am a graduate of BWHS in '84. I love Watterson, my 3 children have or are attending BWHS. Upon graduation they are equipped w/ the right skills and education to be successful at the college level. BWHS has more classes available than any other central Ohio Catholic School. So if your child is a slower learner or an advanced learner you will be in the best hands possible w/in the Catholic diocese. The new principal(s) are great and the energy at BWHS is always fun, positive, spiritually based and just an all around great place to be.
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