#1 Best Catholic High School in Alabama (Niche 2025)
#4 Best College-Prep Private High School in Alabama (Niche 2025)
#4 Most Diverse Private High School in Alabama (Niche
#7 Best Private High School in Alabama (Niche 2025)
Established in 1996, St. John Paul II Catholic High School is a Roman Catholic college preparatory school for students in grades 9-12.
St. John Paul II Catholic High School is the only Catholic parochial high school in the Tennessee Valley and greater Huntsville area.
The school functions under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.
The school is a member in good standing of the National Catholic Educational Association, with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Inspired by our patron, St. John Paul II Catholic High School develops students in spirit, mind, and body through a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education. As a welcoming community of faith, we encourage, challenge, and support our students to learn enthusiastically, lead honorably, and live responsibly so they will improve themselves and society through their faith and vocation.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked AL School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 358 students
- Yearly Tuition: $10,400
- Acceptance rate: 99%
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. John Paul II Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
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
Dyslexia, Language-Based and Mild Learning Differences, PEPs
Year Founded
1996
Colors
Black, Green, Silver
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 15, 2026
Campus Size
15 acres
Student Body
Total Students
358 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
21%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
17 students
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus A/B
ChemistryEnglish Language and Composition
English Literature and CompositionPhysics 1 and 2
U.S. GovernmentUS History
World History
Average SAT score
1213
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
25
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
School uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$10,400
Tuition Notes
Other applicable fees may apply.
Scholarships and financial aid opportunities available.
% on Financial Aid
22%
Acceptance Rate
99%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Denise Schovel
Admissions Associate
Sharon Wieter
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
44 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
AdorationAmerican Sign Language
ApologeticsArt Club
Campus MinistryCatholic Relief Services
Chess ClubCulture Club
Debate ClubDungeons and Dragons Club
Fellowship of Christian AthletesFrench Club
Future Business Leaders of AmericaFuture Teachers of America
Gaming ClubGarden Club
Green TeamHistory Honor Society
Homecoming/Prom CommitteeInvestment Club
Karaoke ClubLatin Club
Latin Honor SocietyLink Crew
Liturgical ChoirLiturgy Alive
Math TeamMen's Bible Study
Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor SocietyNational Art Honor Society
National Honor SocietyPoetry Club
Pro-Life ClubRetreat Team
Spanish ClubSpanish Honor Society
Student CouncilTARC Rocket Team
Technology Student AssociationThe Criminal Mind
Thespian ClubWomen's Bible Study
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Color GuardDance Team
School Notes
- School Motto: Truth and Honor
- School Mascot: Falcons
- #1 Best Catholic High School in Alabama (Niche 2023)
- #4 Best College-Prep Private High School in Alabama (Niche 2023)
- #6 Best Private High School in Alabama (Niche 2023)
- Established in 1996, St. John Paul II Catholic High School is a Roman Catholic college preparatory school for students in grades 9-12.
- St. John Paul II Catholic High School is the only Catholic parochial high school in the Tennessee Valley and greater Huntsville area.
- The school functions under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.
- The school is a member in good standing of the National Catholic Educational Association, with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Inspired by our patron, St. John Paul II Catholic High School develops students in spirit, mind, and body through a Christ-centered, college preparatory education. As a welcoming community of faith, we encourage, challenge, and support our students to learn enthusiastically, lead honorably, and live responsibly so they will improve themselves and society through their faith and vocation.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. John Paul II Catholic High School cost?
St. John Paul II Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $10,400 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. John Paul II Catholic High School?
The acceptance rate of St. John Paul II Catholic High School is 99%, which is higher than the national average of 86%.
What sports does St. John Paul II Catholic High School offer?
St. John Paul II Catholic High School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, E-sports, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. St. John Paul II Catholic High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for most sports offered.
What is St. John Paul II Catholic High School's ranking?
St. John Paul II Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for St. John Paul II Catholic High School?
The application deadline for St. John Paul II Catholic High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
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