It is high school application season, and eighth graders throughout the diocese are making plans for next year. Many of them will choose a Catholic high school, where excellent academics meet gospel values.
Nearly 1,100 students graduated from our six diocesan and three private Catholic high schools in 2017. More than 96% enrolled in college or a military academy, and they were offered over $435 million in academic and athletic scholarships. Thirteen graduates enlisted for military service.
If your child is in or ready for high school, I invite you to visit our schools online and in person. In the meantime, here are answers to some of the questions we are often asked in the Office of Catholic Schools.
Can my child enroll in any diocesan high school?
Yes, your child may apply to any diocesan high school. There are no geographic restrictions.
Are the high schools open for visits?
There are many ways to visit South Jersey Catholic Schools. Each school’s website has information about open houses, personal tours and other events designed to give prospective students and families an inside view.
What is the enrollment process?
The fall application window is the best way to evaluate your options and secure a spot for the next school year. Each school’s website has complete application instructions and dates. Generally, applications and recommendations should be submitted to diocesan high schools by Dec. 1, 2017. Applicants will receive acceptance, waitlist and non-acceptance notifications by the end of January 2018. Separate application and decision dates may apply for private high schools.
Is there any admission preference for students who already attend Catholic elementary schools?
No. South Jersey Catholic high schools welcome all applicants. You will find application instructions and guidelines on each high school’s website. Students coming from public or other non-Catholic schools will request transcripts and other records from their current schools. At parents’ request, records will be sent automatically from Catholic elementary schools where students are already enrolled. Otherwise, the application and review criteria are the same no matter where a student is currently enrolled.
What is the tuition for a South Jersey Catholic High School?
Tuition and fees vary by school and are posted on each school’s website. For diocesan high schools, the range is $9,000 to $10,000 per student. Academic scholarships may be available, and many of our Catholic school families qualify for need-based tuition assistance. Some schools offer a discount to multiple students from the same family. Payment plan financing options may also help ease the cost impact.
How will we know if we qualify for tuition assistance?
The FACTS online tuition management system is a starting point for determining eligibility for tuition assistance. You will be able to apply for tuition assistance when you apply for admission. Our school principals work with families to the extent possible to help make our diocesan schools affordable and accessible.
What additional fees apply besides tuition?
Some schools do not charge additional fees. Others separate tuition from fees for expenses related to registration, technology, graduation or certain extra-curricular activities. When you visit a school or a school website, you will be able to get up-to-date information about tuition and fees.
Our mission in South Jersey Catholic Schools is to inspire and educate young minds spiritually, academically and in service to others. A Catholic school education is a great gift — not only for our students, but for the world they will shape as adults.
Visit us at www.SouthJerseyCatholicSchools.org, and learn how you can give your child The Gift of a Lifetime.
Mary P. Boyle is Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Camden.
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South Jersey Catholic High Schools
Diocesan Schools
Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill
Gloucester Catholic High School, Gloucester City
Holy Spirit High School, Absecon
Paul VI High School, Haddonfield
St. Joseph High School, Hammonton
Wildwood Catholic High School, Wildwood
Private Schools
Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Pennsauken
Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Newfield
St. Augustine Preparatory School, Richland
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