Choosing a Catholic High School: Five Things to Consider — and Five Resources to Use

(Photo courtesy of Holy Family High School)

For parents of eighth graders, the approach to high school can feel like it arrives all at once. One moment, your child is navigating middle school lockers and homework; the next, you’re weighing decisions that will shape their intellectual, spiritual and personal formation during some of the most influential years of their life.

Recognizing how weighty that moment can feel, the Archdiocese of Denver’s Office of Catholic Schools has published A Parent Guide to Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese of Denver, a practical resource designed to help families discern well and with confidence

At the heart of the guide is a simple reminder: Catholic education is not merely about academics. It is about forming young men and women in wisdom, virtue and a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

Five things every parent should consider

1. Faith formation

High school is often when a young person’s faith is tested, deepened or neglected. Parents are encouraged to look closely at theology courses, sacramental life, retreats, service opportunities and — just as importantly — the faith witness of teachers and staff. Is theology required for all four years? Are Mass and Reconciliation available? Are adults modeling a lived Catholic faith?

2. Academic program

While all Catholic high schools offer core subjects, the way those subjects are taught matters. Families should consider curriculum, reading lists, academic rigor, advanced or AP courses, and the availability of academic support. A strong Catholic education integrates faith and reason.

3. Extracurricular opportunities

Sports, arts and clubs can play a formative role in a student’s life. Parents are invited to look beyond trophies or resumes and ask whether these activities support balance, virtue and community.

4. School culture

Culture shapes experience. The guide encourages parents to pay attention to what a school values, how students treat one another and whether the overall environment aligns with their family’s values. Peer influence grows in high school, making culture a critical consideration.

5. Remember: you are still the parent

Perhaps the most countercultural reminder in the guide is this: parents remain the primary educators of their children. Listening to a student’s preferences is important, but the responsibility for discernment rests with mom and dad. Catholic schools exist to partner with families — not replace them.

Five resources to help you decide

The guide also offers concrete tools to help families move from reflection to action:

• Visit school websites to understand priorities and programs.

• Speak directly with admissions staff, who can answer questions and arrange tours.

• Ask about the real cost, including scholarships and tuition assistance — Catholic schools strive to be accessible and affordable.

• Attend open houses, where families can experience the school community firsthand.

• Consult your parish and school leaders, including pastors and principals, who can offer trusted insight.

Choosing a high school is ultimately an act of trust — trust that God is at work in your family, and that he will guide you as you seek what is best for your child. With thoughtful discernment and the right tools, parents can approach this decision not with anxiety but with confidence and peace.