Catholic High School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025)

4552 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Catholic High School Photo #1 - Welcome! Welcome to Catholic High School! This building is a special place...It is home to the Crusaders. Come in and let us show you around!

Catholic High School Photo #2 - Welcome to the Shepherd Library and Media Center! Students can use desktop computers, printers, and the Makerspace to assist in their creative process or simply study, collaborate or sharpen their minds with a puzzle or board game!

Catholic High School Photo #3 - Entering Foyer: Enter these doors and experience the knowledge that you are prepared for the rigor of college, the excitement of making friendships, the anticipation of leadership opportunities, the joy of expressing your faith and the pride that comes with being part of our Crusader family!

Catholic High School Photo #4 - Hallway: Our hallways are busy and bustling as students navigate their classes, say hello to friends and visit their lockers. Special occasions, including Homecoming, game days and even birthdays, offer opportunities to decorate their class halls.

Catholic High School Photo #5 - Our curriculum provides a rigorous, faith-based learning environment that cultivates excellence and our class size facilitates positive teacher-student relationships. The CHS faculty engages and mentors students who benefit from their wisdom. We strive to educate the whole person, intellectually and spiritually, ensuring success in college and throughout life.

Catholic High School Photo #6 - All classrooms are furnished with Smartboards and students are issued Chromebooks. Our Flex Room is equipped for video conferencing, complete with three large monitors and webcams. This room also has "green screen" capabilities.Our dedicated teachers engage and inspire students to perform to their potential. By incorporating varied teaching methods and advanced technology tools, our students made a smooth transition to Digital Learning Days, our online virtual classroom.

Catholic High School Photo #7 - Our faith is an integral part of our community. Our chapel is open to the CHS community with time before homeroom for praise and worship, silent prayer, or the rosary and monthly adoration. All are welcome to celebrate Mass with our community every Tuesday.Our annual class retreats provide an introspective, unifying and unique experience at each grade level. Our retreats are led by our peer ministry team. These retreats, combined with our theology classes and En Christe program, ensure the development of faith formation and encourage the practice of social justice.Crusaders have the opportunity to pursue membership in National Honor Societies, student government and clubs. Students can be invited to join the National Honor Society as well as national honor societies in World Languages, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, English, Music and Art.

Catholic High School Photo #8 - In addition to our college-preparatory curriculum, we offer honors classes and STEAM courses as well as Advanced Placement classes in every subject area. We encourage our students to challenge themselves with high expectations.Crusaders have the opportunity to pursue membership in National Honor Societies, student government and clubs. Students can be invited to join the National Honor Society as well as national honor societies in World Languages, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, English, Music and Art.

Catholic High School Photo #9 - Athletics are so important to Crusader life! Close to 85% of our student body play, at least, one sport, many play two or more. Teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship are just a few of the values developed playing a sport. In addition, focus, time management skills and cooperation easily transfer to the classroom. An added bonus is the opportunity to forge strong relationships that grow when a common goal is achieved!

Catholic High School Photo #10 - We LOVE that we have such an extraordinary Fine Arts program! Our award winning CHS Theatre Company performs a wide variety of plays to include musical and classic theater as well as one-act plays and original pieces.

Catholic High School is a faith based college preparatory school focusing on academics, community service and athletics.

Quick Stats (2025)

Top Ranked VA School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 414 students
Yearly Tuition: $16,300
Average class size: 24 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1949

School Calendar

Link to School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

414 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

37%

State avg.: 31%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

33 teachers

Student : Teacher Ratio

13:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

67%

Average Class Size

24 students

Number of AP Courses

21 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Average SAT score

1167

(Out of 1600)

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Uniform

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$16,300

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

In 2023-2024, Catholic High School awarded over $1,590,000 in scholarships and financial aid. We know that every family\'s financial situation is unique, and we consider every application carefully.Although it is impossible to meet all the needs of every family, it is our goal that no family be denied an excellent Catholic education due to financial restrictions.

% on Financial Aid

65%

Admissions Director

Lisa Hamlet

Admissions Associate

Julianne Gnandt

Sports

Total Sports Offered

18 sports

Sports

Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track, Wrestling

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

15 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Filipino Culture Club, Web Design

Club or Organization:
Art Club, Blue Crab Bowl Team, Cooking Club, Forensics, German Club, Great Computer Challenge, Literary Mazagine, Math Club, Model United Nations, Spanish Club, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Drama

School Notes

Catholic High School was originally established under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond as Norfolk Catholic High School in 1949. In 1993, the school relocated to Virginia Beach and opened as Catholic High School. In the fall of 2003, the school was renamed to honor the Most Reverend Walter F. Sullivan, D.D., Bishop of Richmond. Based firmly on Catholic tradition, Catholic High School is dedicated to nurturing the intellect, shaping character and forming Christian values. The student body is composed of young men and women from varied socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Students represent the major cities of southside Hampton Roads-Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Suffolk. Catholic High School is a unique community of inquisitive students, gifted teachers, dedicated staff and generous clergy who come from all the cities of south Hampton Roads. Our students come from the Catholic schools of Christ the King, St. Gregory the Great, St. John the Apostle, St. Matthew, St. Patrick, St. Pius X, and Star of the Sea as well as the public schools of Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and other schools in the area. Every parish in south Hampton Roads is represented. Many international students are counted among the student body coming from a diverse group of countries from no less than four continents.We are lucky to have alumni from 2014 to 1965 on our faculty and staff. And many current students are the children and grandchildren of alumni. We value these multi-generational relationships. Based firmly on Catholic teaching, Catholic High School is dedicated to nurturing the intellect, shaping character and forming Christian values. Although approximately 80 percent of the student body is Catholic, other Christian denominations and beliefs are represented. Our goal is to make a Catholic education available to more students.Our student body is composed of young men and women from varied socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. As a Catholic school, we strive to serve the entire community of south Hampton Roads.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Catholic High School cost?

Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $16,300 for private students.

What schools are Catholic High School often compared to?

Catholic High School is often viewed alongside schools like Cape Henry Collegiate by visitors of our site.

What sports does Catholic High School offer?

Catholic High School offers 18 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Catholic High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for most sports offered.

What is Catholic High School's ranking?

Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Catholic High School?

The application deadline for Catholic High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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