Pope John Paul II Catholic High School

I really enjoy going to CHS. While the work is really hard and we have alot of homework, it is an excellent school. Everybody knows everyone else and the school is like a big family. Mr. Aquilla is an amazing principal and knows every student and communicates with everyone. He is also very into going to the sports. The only thing that I do not like is that some of the students that are let in go there because they were expelled from other schools and they are not very good influences. Other then that, the school is challenging and I love it. :)
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from CHS in May of 2008. She was in the National Honor Society, and was accepted to Auburn University's School of Architecture. She also qualified for two (2) scholarships at Auburn. At CHS, she learned discipline, time management, study skills, and personal responsibility. I am convinced that she will have a very successful carreer at Auburn, due in large measure to her preparation at CHS. All of the teachers are caring, dedicated educators. The administration knows each student personally. Most students can participate in atheletics, if they want. They student body is overwhelmingly goal oriented and college bound. Most come from families where both parents are well educated. The building is the only reason that I did not rate the school 5 star. Anew site has been purchased and a buuilding program is underway. Both my daughter and I are very pleased with her high school experience at CHS.
--Submitted by a parent

This high school is excellent. It received the most scholarship money per senior in North Alabama. The guidance counselor actually knows each student and his or her potential before their junior year. The faculty and principal care about what the students learn in the classroom and allso that each student learns that they are important to their community. Although the athletic program does not have onsite facilities that meet every need, the staff works together to provide competitive programs in almost every sport. Catholic High is a great opportunity for students in Huntsville to excel.

This school is in horrific shape. The building is not safe and would not be a great place to be in a storm. It looks like it could fall down anysecond. There are holes in the walls and rats in the basement. The teachers are mediocre. There are some good teachers but they dont have the supplies they need to teach efficiently. The academics are no better than those of a public school. The atheletics program is dreadful. There are not any fields or a gym. The bottom line is that this school is not worth the 6000 dollars a year. A better education and better facilities can be found at a public school. The students at the school widely bash the school and the administration for the lack of a decent building. The administration continually promises a new building but they did not come through in the past 10 years.

The Catholic community is known for their educational institutions. It's true that the school does not hold with 'free spirits' but if you and your child are serious about their future then I would highly consider CHS for education, community, the staff and athletics. The teachers give all the support and teaching aid they possibly can. An old adage still rings true 'You get out what you put in', if your child is unresponsive or uncooperative in class then no they will not get 'star pupil' attention; they'll get what they deserve... punishment. The regular curriculum is demanding in itself and for the really ambitious they offer several AP courses and special dual enrollment program with UAH. Alumni from Catholic High have gone on to Georgetown, George Washington U,Purdue,Auburn, West Point, military etc. As for the shape of the building, it was the old Social Security building, what do you expect?
--Submitted by a former student

My daughter went to this school and graduated last year. We felt she received a great college prep education.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school is not a school for children who wish to have independence, freedom or choice. This school limit's your choices of what you want to do, or want to be. The school has little to offer as far as classes go. Just the basics. If you wish to become a doctor, a psychiatrist or some other field, I would not send your children to this school. The building is in VERY bad shape. The teachers have little intrest in the children, as they state a Catholic School would. A school with more classes, more teachers and more to offer is what you would need.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a top-tier college-prep school,using a 'classical education' format. The school has over 220 students and is growing. The new 55 acre facility will open Fall 06 & will accomodate 650 students. The school is one of few that requires 4 years each of math, science, English, history,& religion plus 2 years of foreign language (Latin, French, German or Spanish), etc. The principal & staff know each student by first & last name (& many parents). Although it is an authentic and 'true-to-the-faith' Catholic school, its student body includes approx. 30% nonCatholics because of its high academic reputation. The school is proud of its ethnic diversity, having students from all races and some foreign exchange students. There is much parent-involvement which helps maintain high discipline. There is no drug or alcohol problem at CHS. Extracurricular activities include: expanding sports program, academic clubs. The students publish a national, award-winning literary magazine.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. Provides a Superior education. Good preparation for College.
--Submitted by a parent