Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School Photo #6 - Pope John Paul II Preparatory School

Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School

At Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School, we form students to become strong in mind, body, character, and spirit.
Rooted in faith and guided by the Gospel, our holistic approach to education nurtures spiritual formation, academic excellence, artistic creativity, athletic strength, and a deep sense of community.
We prepare future leaders who are grounded in the values of the Christian faith, community service, and lifelong learning.
Our students experience a supportive, faith-filled community dedicated to empowering the next generation to reach beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary!.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked TN School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 711 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $19,050
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 15 / May. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
All
Year Founded
2002
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
711 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
20 students
Number of AP Courses
20 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, College Algebra (Dual Enrollment), Computer Science A, English Language, English Literature, European History, French, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics C, Probability and Statistics, Psychology, Spanish Language, Studio Art - 2D & 3D, United States Government and Politics, United States History
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Khaki pants and polo boys and plaid skirt and polo for girls

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Nov. 15 / May. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
See our website for additional information about the Catholic discount and financial aid deadlines. www.jp2prep.org
Summer Program Cost
$145
Summer Program Cost Notes
Varies on programs
% on Financial Aid
28%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$5,820
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Charles Wade
Admissions Associate
Pat Kennedy

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
3D Printing Club, Esports Team, Knights TV, Math Team, Middle School Broadcasting Club, Model United Nations, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Robotics Team, Youth in Government

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Mens Volleyball

School Notes

  • Founded in 2002 and accredited by Cognia and the Southern Association of Independent Schools, Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School (JPII) has grown to 711 in the fall of 2024. There is a strong regional outreach: Students come to JPII from 111 different feeder schools and live in 56 different zip codes and two states. We are a Catholic school dedicated to spreading the Good News, grounded in the teachings of the magisteriusm, and welcoming to others who are interested in a Catholic education. Faith guides not just how we pray and gather for mass on a weekly basis, but guides our student life, brings compassion to our disciplinary policies, and articulates how we communicate and interact with one another.
  • JPII has one of the most broad and innovative curriculums in Catholic education. JPII features a classical, liberal arts curriculum, requiring 4 credits of math, English, theology; 3 credits of science and social studies; 2 credits of world language and fine arts (in chorus, drama, visual art, or band) and 1 credit of PE and Christian Service Internship. Students earn 33 credits for graduation, allowing them to take multiple advanced classes in the disciplines of their choice. Students attend a weekly school-wide Mass. As a result of their Christian Service requirement, they donate over 20,000 hours of volunteer service to the middle-Tennessee community every year. Pope Prep offers a tutorial program for students seeking extra help in each core subject. In addition, faculty may hold office hours before and after school by appointment. In our innovate and entrepreneurship program, students may create a twelve-week internship in a field of their choice, such as medicine, the law, engineering, entrepreneurial or business pursuits, research, or other fields. They work with a professional in their field to better understand and engage in the daily experience of the profession. We find this is a transformative experience for many students that help them not only consider their college major but their vocation.
  • All JPII students are accepted to college and the large majority chooses a four-year college. Recent graduates were accepted to over 226 different colleges and universities. All total they were offered more than $10 million dollars in scholarships. The class of 2024 included 57 AP Scholars and 15 student-athletes across 8 different sports commit to play at the collegiate level. All JPII students are encouraged to participate in the AP program. Four out of five students will take at least one AP exam during their high school career. From the opening of Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School we have been strongly committed to the arts. Unique to most schools, we require a two-year complete of arts classes. The choral program continues to excel. Choirs at JPII have consistently earned "Superior" ratings in District and State adjudications. Over the last four years, over 40 students have auditioned for, and have been placed in, the Freshman and Mid-State Honors Choirs. Of those students, approximately 10% have been selected to move on to the prestigious Tennessee All State Choir. We put on two major productions a year in the theater program with several other smaller productions. Our theater students have received honors from various thespian societies and master the technical disciplines of the theater as well as the pursuit of advanced acting.Pope Prep is highly competitive in academics. We compete and win in robotics, Science Olympiad, forensics, youth in government, mock trial, mathematics, and Model United Nations. JPII`s Model UN team has won 606 awards in 56 conferences since 2002, and has been nationally ranked among the top high school teams in North America three times by BestDelegate.com.
  • JPII offers a full athletic program, featuring 23 varsity teams, which compete at the highest level of competition in Tennessee, Division II. We offer more athletic options than most schools and work with highly competitive athletes in archery, hockey, and tennis who have to work with development programs and coaches. We offer baseball, basketball, bowling, competition cheer, cross country dance, crew/rowing, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, softball, track and field, and wrestling. Since 2002, Pope Prep has been state champion in hockey (`07, `08), women`s soccer (`05), men`s bowling (`08), men`s lacrosse (`09, `11), and dance (`16). Seven students have been named "Mr. or Miss Tennessee", "All-American", or the equivalent in their sport: Megan Forester (soccer, 2005), Golden Tate (football, 2006 and 2007), Paige Baechle (basketball, 2010), Mary Leonard (lacrosse, 2011), Chelsea Gettelfinger (cheerleading, 2012), Grace Lascara (lacrosse, 2016), and Ben Brooks (baseball, 2017). About 70% of the student body play at least one sport.
  • Pope Saint John Paul II has been a leader in supporting students with learning disabilities or developmental delays to be part of a Catholic preparatory school and in most cases to complete a college preparatory curriculum. We sponsor the Hand in Hand Options Program, which serves students with intellectual disabilities with a full time, certified teacher. To learn more about the program go here. In 2016, JPII developed the Knights Success Program to support students with diagnosed learning disabilities who have average to above average intelligence.
  • The Knights Success Program strives to support students with learning disabilities as they progress through JPII`s college preparatory curriculum. We have hosted the first national meeting of Catholic schools' commitment to full inclusion for students with developmental delays in options programs. Many of our Hand In Hand graduates go on to programs like Next Steps at Vanderbilt or IDEAL at Lipscomb.
  • JPII is blessed to have beautiful facilities to support its academic, athletic, and fine arts programs. We have a 70-acre campus and are working on a new 20-year master campus plan for our expansion.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School cost?
Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $19,050 for private students and $145 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 85%.
Does Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School offer a summer program?
Yes, Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School offer?
Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Archery, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for most sports offered.
What is Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School's ranking?
Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School is Nov. 15 / May. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Nov. 15 / May. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (12 reviews)
5  
Pope is an exceptional school for our 2 boys. It has a challenging academic curriculum and offers so much for the students from academics to athletics to spiritual growth. We are blessed as a catholic family to have this school in our community.
- Posted by
5  
This is our first year at Pope Prep and we absolutely love it! Our son loves the school and is constantly challenged in his classes. We came from a different private school in the area and can tell the standards and academics are superior at Pope and will have more prepared for college and life beyond. They offer a variety of sports and activities that can help any student be involved and take pride in their school. Overall, we couldn`t be happier!
- Posted by
5  
Pope John Paul II High School is a special place. Teachers, administrators, board members, past and current parents, and alumni truly care for the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health of each individual student. I write this an a non-Catholic, nondenominational Christian alumni. The administration is very forward thinking and works closely with alumni, teachers, the diocese, third parties, students, and the board to ensure JP2 is a nurturing, safe space for everyone. When concerns are voiced, they listen intently and make adjustments--not to "save face" but to intentionally and consistently improve the school and its environment. STEM, the arts, athletics, theology, philanthropic work, and academia in general are strong at JP2. The school focuses on the "whole person/student." Pope John Paul II High School is simply a beacon among schools in Middle Tennessee.
- Posted by
5  
Having a recent graduate from JP2, I am amazed at the support they offer their students even after graduation. Our daughter has received encouraging notes from teachers, coaches and counselors. The support JP2 gives their students is far beyond what we could ever expect. We knew we had selected the right school while she attended there but we had no idea the support she was going to receive beyond graduation. So thankful for this amazing community. Once a Knight, ALWAYS a Knight!
- Posted by
5  
JP2 continues to support your student even after graduation. Our daughter graduated in May and received encouraging notes from her teachers, coaches, and counselors. The confidence they instill in their students transitions them to college seamlessly. The rigorous academics prepares them for college classes. We are so thankful we chose JP2 not just for high school but for the community we are all now a part of. Once a Knight ALWAYS a Knight!
- Posted by
5  
It's hard to not give JP2 a 5 star review. After looking at a lot of schools, we decided on JP2 due to what they called a Renaissance approach to education, which seemed like a perfect fit for our son. To be honest, he didn't fully engage at the school, instead focused on a sport not offered by many schools in the area (he was an athlete with the local rowing club) and focused on Scouting. JP2 made sure that his accomplishments outside of school sponsored events were recognized each year. They do this for all of their students. From an academic standpoint, he took some of the hardest classes the school had to offer and like others have said, carried a heavy load, particularly the last two years of school. But, for him, there was a payoff. He had 100% college acceptance, a high ACT and lots of scholarships and now, he finds as a new freshman that college is a breeze. I don't recommend taking so many hard classes. In fact, I think their normal classes are challenging enough and prepare students for college. But, it's really the people, the teachers and families, that made JP2 great for us. Our son loved his teachers. The teachers all knew the kids. The coaches knew them. Father Forsythe knew them. The administrative staff is top notch as well. The school runs smoothly. I am critical by nature and can always offer feedback and did a couple of times. But, at the end of the day, this is one of the most well run organizations I have ever been a part of. And, there is not better headmaster at any school in the Middle Tennessee area. He is young enough to be innovative and open and old enough to be old school and no-nonsense when it really matters and say some hard things to the kids when needed. My son recently said he had a great high school experience and he did. Go Knights!
- Posted by
5  
JP2 has been wonderful, so far. Its approach to learning is fantastic. A far cry from the traditional stand in front and lecture. They are learning truly experiencing the subjects. The culture has been one where all are welcome. The administration, teachers, and coaches are competent in their areas and incredibly supportive to the students and the parents. Best decision we made for our child.
- Posted by
5  
Our daughter just finished her Senior year at JP2. Even with the pandemic, we had an amazing experience. The involvement and level of interaction with the students even online during our "Zoom" school was more than we could have ever anticipated. The athletic programs, academic rigor, fine arts, and spiritual foundation in the school provides exceeded any expectation we had going in. The leadership, support staff, counselors, and teachers all took a personal interest and made an investment in not only our daughter but our family. They motivate, encourage, and lead students to take the next step with confidence and faith. They grow them to levels they did not know they were capable of. We are going to miss our JP2 family but thankful for the community they create and the level of involvement we will get to have even as an Alumni Family. We are so grateful for this school! We highly recommend to anyone who is looking for the best of the best!
- Posted by
5  
We are so grateful to have JPII in our community as a Catholic option for our children. The academics, faith-building community and strong administration have allowed for our freshman and junior to excel in character and confidence. When we searched high school options, there truly was no decision to make as it was the obvious choice for so many reasons. The academic rigor, caring teachers/staff, Christian values, community service, amazing athletics and coaches, school spirit and so many more attributes have exceeded our expectations! Every person on the campus cares and it shows numerous ways daily with the inclusion of lots of opportunities for parental involvement. Even from a facilities standpoint, the campus is pristine with the student experience always top-of-mind. We have every confidence that our children will be more than prepared for future pathways chosen thanks to the foundation received at JPII. Our middle-schooler is already looking forward to being a future student. Forever proud to be a JPII family!
- Posted by
5  
My son graduated from JP2 in 2010. He received a scholarship at William and Mary; Received a Master's Degree with Honors from Florida State and is a recent graduate of Cambridge University, with a Master's degree, again with Honors. He was able to accomplish all of this because of the education, guidance and leadership of excellent teachers, quality college prep classes and how to study, be challenged and be prepared for college thru JP2. We firmly believe that if he had not attended JP2, he would not have been as prepared for college both academically and socially. The school offers a great variety of sports, curriculums, arts, music, social activities and Christian values. We are thoroughly pleased with our experience with JP2.
- Posted by
5  
The community at JPII is like an extended family. When we moved to TN almost 2 years ago, it was so important for us to find the best high school for our son. JPII has been exactly that! The academic rigor, caring teachers/staff, Christian values, community service, amazing athletics and coaches, school spirit and so much more have been top notch! We are so very proud to be a part of the KNIGHT family and I would give JPII more than a 5 star rating if I could!! I have no doubt my children will be prepared for the next chapter of their life in college and beyond thanks to JPII!
- Posted by
5  
JPII is an excellent school. We sent both of our children to high school here and we were always happy with that decision. They were challenged both in the classroom and in their respective athletic programs. The teachers and coaches, along with the administration, are exceptional at what they do. Their focus is on making the students not only college ready, but focused on faith as well. My children were well rounded students and very well prepared for college, having taken foreign language courses and fine art classes alongside the required classes. The college counseling office was a huge help in guiding my children when looking into colleges and in obtaining college scholarship money.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked TN School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 711 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $19,050
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 15 / May. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Tennessee is $11,798 for elementary schools and $12,599 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Tennessee is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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