Education is the foundation of personal and societal development, and in the center of New York City’s bustling area, a group of highly regarded Catholic schools stands as symbols of excellence.
These schools have long been admired for their dedication to academic excellence, moral development, and a supportive environment that encourages both intellectual and spiritual progress.
In this article, we will be uncovering the top 12 Best Catholic Schools in NYC, to identify the institutions that have repeatedly proved their commitment to developing not only smart minds but also compassionate hearts.
From time-honored traditions to cutting-edge teaching methods, these institutions have created an environment in which students are encouraged to thrive academically while also embracing the values that are central to their faith. Without further ado, let’s dive into the best catholic schools in NYC…
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Table of Contents
BEST CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN NYC
- Regis High School
- Loyola School
- Xavier High School
- Dominican Academy
- Convent of the Sacred Heart
- Fordham Preparatory School
- The Mary Louis Academy
- St. Saviour High School
- Cardinal Spellman High School
- St. Vincent Ferrer High School
- Xaverian High School
- Archbishop Molloy High School
Now let’s take a deeper look at each of these Catholic schools in NYC and see what each of them has to offer…
1. Regis High School
Address: 55 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028, United States
The first on our list of catholic schools in NYC is Regis High School. Regis High School is a private, Jesuit high school on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It has been named the top all-boys high school in New York for a reason.
Regis High School transforms Catholic young men through an exceptional Jesuit education in a compassionate environment that develops leadership, charity, and a lifelong desire for service as leaders to others.
In accordance with its founders’ intentions to provide an education to students who may not be able to afford similar opportunities, students here pay no tuition, and unlike most other Catholic schools in NYC, Regis High School only accepts baptized, Roman Catholic boys.
2. Loyola School
Address: 980 Park Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
Next up, we have the Loyola School. As a Catholic, independent, coeducational, college preparatory, urban, secondary day school, Loyola School challenges its students to be intellectually fulfilled, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to achieving justice.
It is a small school with approximately 250 students, yet it reflects a broad community. Loyola School is committed to religiously, intellectually, aesthetically, physically, and socially challenging its students, with a focus on leadership and global citizenship.
Opportunities for personal study, reflection, and leadership enable students to expand their knowledge, improve their abilities, progress as individuals and community members, and recognize the goodness inherent in themselves and all of God’s creation.
3. Xavier High School
Address: 30 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
Xavier High School is one of the best catholic schools in NYC on this list. Founded in 1847, Xavier High School is a Catholic, Jesuit, college preparation institution in New York City that teaches brilliant, motivated young men from various backgrounds and means.
Xavier teaches students to accept responsibility for their life, to lead with integrity, to behave justly in service of others, to strive for excellence in all they do, and to improve their relationship with God.
Ultimately, Xavier molds young men who will go off to improve the world for the greater glory of God. The school encourages students to enrich their religious lives, strive for wide excellence, and serve others with integrity.
4. Dominican Academy
Address: 44 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065, United States
The next institution on our list of the best catholic schools in NYC is the Dominican Academy, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Dominican Academy is an Upper East Side all-girls Catholic secondary school.
It is one of the smaller catholic schools on the list, having approximately 250 students, but it is dedicated to academic achievement and community building through study, prayer, and action.
Their academic and spiritual program, in the tradition of St. Dominic, guides and challenges students to seek truth and justice in their world and to make meaningful contributions to society.
5. Convent of the Sacred Heart
Address: 1 E 91st St, New York, NY 10128, United States
Convent of the Sacred Heart is an independent Roman Catholic all-girls school in New York City’s Manhattan region. It is located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side at East 91st Street and Fifth Avenue and serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
According to niche.com, the Covenant of the Sacred heart is the third best Catholic schools in NYC and is among the best all-girls high schools in the world.
Its academic program is outstanding, with average SAT and ACT scores of 1430 and 33, respectively, and it is connected with a focus on community and service. The school provides IB and AP courses.
6. Fordham Preparatory School
Address: 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458, United States
The next on our list of catholic schools in NYC is the Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx. Fordham Preparatory School, located in The Bronx, New York, is an all-male Jesuit Catholic high school.
Their steadfast commitment to education is shaped by the spirituality and pedagogical heritage of the Society of Jesus, which was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius Loyola.
Fordham encourages academic, religious, social, emotional, and physical excellence in all students. The curriculum at Fordham Prep is designed to help students identify and improve their unique talents and abilities.
The curriculum requires more than the acquisition of knowledge; it exposes students not just to their strengths, but also to courses and areas that will test them, and allow them time for extra aid and consultation with professors.
7. The Mary Louis Academy
Address: 176-21 Wexford Ter, Queens, NY 11432, United States
The Mary Louis Academy is one of the few notable Catholic schools in NYC, located in the lovely Queens neighborhood of Jamaica Estates.
As the city’s largest all-girls high school, it has established a reputation as Queens’ top-rated Catholic high school. The students at The Mary Louis Academy are engaged in a rich tapestry of academics and extracurricular opportunities.
Aside from academics, the school lays a strong focus on the importance of service, supporting both individual and school-wide activities to benefit the community.
The academy’s dedication to holistic growth, academic quality, and the spirit of giving back distinguishes it among the other catholic schools in NYC.
8. St. Saviour High School
Address: 588 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States
St Saviour High School is one of the best all-girls Catholic schools in NYC, located in Park Slope, Brooklyn. It was founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and runs under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.
Saint Saviour, in collaboration with St. John’s University, offers college-level and honors courses in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies throughout all four years. Their curriculum includes a variety of Advanced Placement courses in literature, history, language, and science.
The dedication of Saint Saviour High School to education and character development distinguishes it as a model of great Catholic education. And aside from academics, the school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from Chess Club to Drama Club.
9. Cardinal Spellman High School
Address: 1 Cardinal Spellman Pl, Bronx, NY 10466, United States
Next up, we have the Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx. Cardinal Spellman High School is New York City’s premier independent, co-educational, college-prepared Catholic high school.
Their objective is to foster an aspirational atmosphere that promotes exceptional academic performance, leadership, and service. They value personal development and foster a dedication to others, empowering their diverse student body to become leaders who make a difference in our neighborhood, nation, and globe.
The school encourages academic achievement while also encouraging social development, sports engagement, and enjoyment of the arts, all while remembering that they are a Catholic family maintained by faith, respecting all individuals, and lovingly serving God and each other.
10. St. Vincent Ferrer High School
Address: 151 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065, United States
St. Vincent Ferrer High School, in the heart of Manhattan, is one of the best catholic schools in NYC known for its dedication to academic success and spiritual development.
This all-girls high school has a long tradition of developing young women into strong leaders. St. Vincent Ferrer High School educates its students for academic and personal success through a challenging curriculum, a focus on character development, and a supportive community.
Rooted in the Dominican tradition, the school instills principles such as truth, compassion, and service, promoting a holistic education that equips graduates to make a positive influence in the world.
11. Xaverian High School
Address: 7100 Shore Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11209, United States
Xaverian High School, located in Brooklyn’s lively Bay Ridge neighborhood, is a prominent educational institution. It has been a bright example of academic success and character development since its inception in 1957.
This private, co-educational, Catholic, college preparatory school caters to students from grades 6 to 12. Xaverian High School, proudly linked with the Xaverian Brothers, has played an important part in shaping the lives of over 18,000 accomplished and responsible Catholic graduates.
Xaverian offers an integrated educational experience that fosters growth in religion, intelligence, leadership, music, athletics, and many other areas.
For nearly 60 years, Xaverian High School has been a pillar of academic performance and character formation in New York City due to its commitment to developing well-rounded persons.
12. Archbishop Molloy High School
Address: 83-53 Manton St, Briarwood, NY 11435, United States
The last institution on our list of the best catholic schools in NYC is the Archbishop Molloy High School. Also known as Molloy, the Archbishop Molloy High School serves as a prestigious co-educational institution in Briarwood, Queens, New York.
It is well-known for its emphasis on college preparation and Catholic education for students in grades 9-12. Molloy is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and is located on a 6-acre campus at 83-53 Manton Street.
Molloy’s motto, “Non Scholae Sed Vitae,” translates to “Not For School, But For Life,” emphasizing the school’s commitment to educate students not only for their academic journeys, but also for the larger scope of life’s difficulties and opportunities.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Catholic School in NYC?
The average tuition cost for catholic schools in NYC is $8,463, which is lower than the New York private school average tuition which costs about $20,823.
How many Catholic schools are in NYC?
Currently, the Archdiocese of New York oversees 43 Catholic high schools in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, while the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens oversees 15 such institutions.
Is Catholic school free in NYC?
No. Although catholic schools in NYC are not free, they offer relatively low fees compared to other private institutions.
Are there all-boys Catholic schools in NYC?
Yes. There are several all-boys catholic schools in NYC like; Xavier High School, Cardinal Hayes High School for Boys, Xaverian High School, and St. Agnes Boys High School
Are there all-girls Catholic schools in NYC?
Yes. Just as we have a number of all-boys catholic schools in NYC, there are also some catholic schools in NYC that are meant for only girls. These includes; The Mary Louis Academy, Dominican Academy, Archbishop Molloy High School New York, and Cathedral High School amongst others.
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VERDICT
Catholic schools have long held a distinct presence in New York City, providing a unique blend of academic brilliance, values-based education, and a commitment to developing competent individuals.
Each of the best 12 Catholic schools in NYC evaluated in this post has a rich history and tradition, and they have continuously proved their commitment to preparing students for success, not only academically but also in life.
From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the serene neighborhoods of Queens and Brooklyn, these catholic schools in NYC have left an indelible mark on their students, instilling a sense of purpose, values, and a strong work ethic that continues to guide graduates long after they leave the hallowed halls.