Cathedral Catholic High School

What an awful school. Too much religion, no diversity among students which makes my child feel uncomfortable.
--Submitted by a parent

Worthless school. -Teachers do not seem to be able to handle their work environment. I've encountered many teachers who spend anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes (Normally, many times have reached 45 to 50 minutes) of their classes talking about completely unrelated life experiences/preferences/problems, and many who seem to not be able to function as a distributor of information. -Many of the administration seems to have terrible social skills. More specifically, the Dean of Students, seem to be incompetent. -The expend a significant amount of resources into sports, with the reason that "It brings attention towards our school". -The administration seems to be illogical and illegitimate. The summer school project. -The religious implications seem to, many times, obstruct the students' learning. This school does not seem to direct towards legitimate learning, and rather than assimilating information into the students, seems to prefer voicing themselves as a "competitive" school, while completely throwing off providing any sort of constructive experience to the students. Other public schools seem to provide better, and more likable, education

I am currently a senior attending cathedral and I am proud to say that I have done very well academically. Truthfully, to succeed at this school requires a lot of learning on your own. The teachers give out the work and expect the students to figure it out on their own. I personally got back a paper from a teacher that stated "stop wasting my time," when I hadn't done well on a test. Ironically, the teachers don't teach. On the other hand the campus is beautiful, so if you are one who judges something by its cover then this is the perfect place for your child. All in all, the teachers are not willing to help out a student in need which makes it extremely hard to be successful. I've attended this school for four years, I know what I'm talking about. And if you asked another student what they think about this school, I'll guarantee most of the kids would respond the same way I have. Don't ruin your child's life by putting them in this school. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or disagree with anything I have said.
--Submitted by a student

Cathedral is a great school. When you're on top, you should expect the jealous to try to knock you down. I guess one should never be surprised that the negative coments on this site come from parents and students who struggle with the fact that not everyone can be a star varsity athlete or Rhodes Scholar! As in life, there are those who will succeed and those who won't. At least at CCHS the students who apply themselves and take advantage of the resources that an institution of this type provides, will, ultimately be successful. But given human nature, the ones who fail will be the biggest whiners, blaming their school, society, "the man", or anything convenient for their inability to achieve. My three kids all graduated from Uni and are all successful, contributing citizens with children of their own. Over the years we've stayed close to the CCHS community and the USDHS legacy is still there. Go Dons! Keep the pressure on.

Cathedral Catholic High School has some very serious problems with that make me unable to recommend this school with a clear conscience. The most troubling issue is that the administration has consistently shown a hostility towards students, which is a constant issue. Also academically the school has slipped, CCHS was known as the elite tier of academics in the region, with many students going to ivy-league caliber schools. Now it is more likely for a student to be receiving an sports scholarship to an SEC school for football then to be getting straight "A's" Finally, the atmosphere is something that has changed for the worse, former alumni are coming less and less to events, and donations from young alumni has declined dramatically.If a parents need a good school in North County, Torrey Pines HS and Canyon Crest will more then suffice, and if parents insist on private school, Saint Augustines (all boys), Our Lady of Peace (all girls), and Bishops or Marian (co-ed), are much better value and environment. I sincerely hope that CCHS can reverse the negative trend that has occurred in the last 5-7 years, until then however, this institution will not be receiving a dollar from me.
--Submitted by a parent

I am going to this school next year as a sophomore. I just moved here from another state, far away.. much much different from here 110% I know absolutley know one, and am kind of shy.. only because i left everything I have ever known to come to here and fit in with people here. I would say I am a fairly average student I do good academically and I love sports, exspecially volleyball. But, everything is just so competative, and i honestly doubt i stand a chance making any of the teams.. and that would totally bum me out cause thats half the highschool experience playing a sport and being involvded, also a way i could meet people... ahhh i'm just so nervous i'm not going to fit in and be a lonely outcast! :( Anyone who has suggestions or advice.. weather it be student, parent, whoever.. please e-mail me.. i would appreaciate it so much!

This is a college prep school so expect it to be hard work. There seems to be an emphasis on testing at the expense of teaching, but that applies to the public schools too. With a transition student in Junior year, we found the staff very caring and accommodating and are extremely pleased how things panned out.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Cathedral. Walk this campus you will see how high the bar is. Athletics: #1 in CIF in almost every sport,Academics: Ivy league acceptance for the top, UC,State & great private for the rest..Most get admited to 4 yrs. universities. This is not a rich school, plenty of students get financial help & they should. This is also a school of all colors and yes, religions as well. (Catholicism is taught) Uniforms,rules & detentions go with it. They try to make an impact on your student in 4 years. I looked at our top local public school & put my money here because our expectations are high also.
--Submitted by a parent

School sets high standards in academics and athletics so your kids do their very best. Very happy with the school, community and catholic education!
--Submitted by a parent

We live in Fallbrook, CA, and drive and hour each way just to get to this school--it's that good. Both my daughters are in Advanced Placement classes and Honors courses, and I am astounded at the gravity of the work they accomplish. I know that my college was not harder than their high school and I believe they are getting the best education possible. We would never leave Cathedral, and we recommend it to all our friends. In responce to the Transfer Student's review, neither of my girls found Cathedral to be overly snobbish. This is a great school and we will send all of our children and friends here.
--Submitted by a parent