Serra Catholic High School is a Franciscan co-educational secondary school that is owned and operated by the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
The school serves 310 students in grades nine through twelve.
The mission of Serra Catholic is to educate young men and women in a Catholic, Franciscan tradition through a structured and challenging environment which encourages spiritual, moral, academic and social growth, preparing its students to be productive members of Church and society capable of making choices grounded in Gospel values.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 268 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Serra Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Student Body
Total Students
268 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Serra Catholic High School's ranking?
Serra Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Serra Catholic High School?
The application deadline for Serra Catholic High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 7/24/2015
This is to inform you that Fr. Kieran Monahan, former Headmaster of Serra High School,
died this morning (Sunday, Jan 12) at Marian Manor in Boston, Massachusetts. Details of Wake and Mass available at 212-675-4388 or e-mail: Johnnys1230@aol.com
He served the Serra Community well and now we pray that he rest in eternal peace.+
Fr. Simeon Distefano, O.F.M.
Headmaster - 1970-76
5 6/16/2013
At Serra, all students fit in and find their niche, regardless of their skills and interests. All of the teachers at Serra are completely dedicated to the success of the students, and create a rigorous but very educational learning environment. Over the past few years, the school has continued to increase their number of college-level courses, and many students are now graduating from high school with a full year of college credit, entering into college as a sophomore. Serra is continuing to renovate their facilities, upgrading part of the building nearly every year. They are also continuing to grow their athletic programs and extracurricular activities as demands rise. I would strongly suggest Serra to any and all families looking for a great, private school education in the Mon Valley.
Endorse Serra Catholic High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

A Parent’s Guide to Private School Entrance Exams
As you’ve been doing your private school research, you’ve likely seen ISEE/SSAT score submission requirements for your target schools, and understand how important scores are to the admissions process. Unfortunately, tremendous candidates can get bypassed because they were not able to demonstrate what they knew on test day.

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.