Advisory Board

Prof. Gerard Bradley
Professor of Law
University of Notre Dame Law School

Rev. Terence Henry, T.O.R.
President
Franciscan University of Steubenville

Prof. Russell Hittinger
Warren Professor of Catholic Studies
University of Tulsa

Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Langsfeld
Rector
Pontifical College Josephinum

Very Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M.
President
Catholic University of America

Rev. Bernard F. O’Connor, O.S.F.S.
President
DeSales University

Dr. Timothy T. O’Donnell
President
Christendom College

Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President
Creighton University

Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J.
President
Gonzaga University

Welcome to the Catholic High School Honor Roll

General remarks

All Catholic high schools in the United States were invited to apply for inclusion in the Honor Roll by completing two surveys made up of three sections (academics, Catholic identity, civic education). Approximately 250 schools responded to the surveys.

The overall score is computed by averaging the score from each of the three sections. The score from each section is weighted equally (i.e., academics, Catholic identity, and civic education each count as 1/3 of total score).

Points are awarded for answers that indicate commitment to or achievement in each of the areas of focus. Wording for agree/disagree questions was taken directly from authoritative ecclesial documents (papal encyclicals, Catechism of the Catholic Church). In those cases, agreement with the statement (or disagreement with its contrary) is taken to indicate commitment to Church teaching on the subject.

Specific notes

Survey 1 (Principal/Registrar/Theology chair)

PSAT scores over two years are averaged. This is the dominant component of the academic excellence score. The PSAT scores were weighted according to the percentage of students taking the test (in most cases, 100%). Alternatively, where PSAT scores were not available, ACT or SAT scores were used. A multiplier, derived from national average scores, equalized ACT and SAT with PSAT scores.

In addition, schools receive points for each year of course work offered, for each AP course offered, and for the percentage of AP test takers who achieved competency scores (3 or higher).

Academics scores were modified according to a function that takes into account schools’ socio-economic status, based on tuition rates, tuition assistance rates, and selectivity.

In Catholic identity, schools receive points for high percentages of Catholic students and faculty and for having ministers on staff. Points are also awarded for use of textbooks that appear on the USCCB’s list of texts in conformity with the Catechism.

Survey 2 (Social Studies/Economics chair)

Points are awarded for offering and requiring economics and civics/government courses and providing extracurricular activities in these areas.