De Paul Catholic High School

DePaul is a small, college focused high school. Staff are serious about their jobs. You are expected to monitor your child's grades on PowerSchool and contact teachers if you have a concern. The old days of sitting back and waiting for a teacher to call you are gone. A parent must be proactive and willing to reach out to teachers via email if there is a concern. You can access your child's grades 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can create their own clubs and activities if they like - they don't have to conform to what already exists. Creativity and independent thought is encouraged as long as it is done in a responsible, safe manner. It doesn't matter if you aren't an athlete. Most students at DePaul are engaged in some after school activity though. Teachers who don't perform up to par do not last long. The parent sentiment of "not my child" doesn't work well. Students are held to a certain standard of conduct, academically and personally. If you are struggling, you are expected to seek out help. There are many people willing and eager to provide help if you need it. Just ask!
--Submitted by a parent

Sent my two children to DePaul... and very glad I did. There are issues at ALL high schools, but when all is said and done... you will be glad...Very happy with most teachers, happy that values and morals are also taught..My children might of had mixed emotions about the school at age 16 and 17, but now at 22 and 24,,,I was so nice to hear them say,, thanks mom it was the best choice !!!.
--Submitted by a parent

DePaul has a mentality that students who do not fit in with the majority of other students are flawed in some way, and so the administration should take it upon themselves to correct the problem. In fact, they send several students to counseling every year for this reason. Unfortunately, this often does more harm than good, as not fitting in with high school students is often a sign of virtue opposed to a problem. A basic understanding of ethics and human history makes it clear that you should not stifle diversity. Good thing MLK, Ghandi, Jesus, and John Lennon did not attend a school with DePaul s mentality.

I you are not Vincentian or a strong athlete, please do not spend your money. These are the only students the school promotes.
--Submitted by a student

The school is great for makign friends and to prep you for college. But the teachers are horrible and do not know how to teach. do not apply here (unless you need friends)
--Submitted by a student

Check the dress code and the lack of it being enforced. It is very small example to the problems. Happy with some teachers and not with others- find that at all schools. How many graduates went to top level schools? I don't knw?
--Submitted by a parent

DP can be fantastic or lousy due to a number of reasons- parental guidance,student work ethic, and the keeping of the quality staff. Those who work WITH the school gain great benefits. Those who don't, waste their money. Also, athletics are very important but don't come before academics. That is not the case at many other schools!

The school advertises a great sentiment of family and unity. Most students and faculty know each other by first name. DePaul is gorged with the typical rallies, celebrations, and Catholic ceremonies. Suffice it to say, the school exerts a chauvinistic need for students to fuse with the crowd and zealously follow it's creed. As a result, individuality and self-expression are parlous detained. I am not condescending the school on it's dress code or presentation policies. I am disappointed more so with the low tier arts program, overscrupulous faculty, and the subconscious mental tax of fitting in . I wish I had more space so I could give a full account, but to put mildly: DePaul is not a cure for apathy, case closed.
--Submitted by a student

DePaul is a place where everyone can make friends. Everyone can find something to do here; it doesn't matter who you are you will be accepted by someone. They make freshman very welcome and all the teachers are both challenging and kind. They obviously want you to do your best. The only things I could say about DePaul that aren't excellent is that the laptops are expensive and responsibility is a must to have them and take care of them. Also being a well-rounded student is something that a student will develop at DePaul or come with at the start of Freshman year. DePaul is the place to be for anyone who wants the complete high school experience including fun, friends, and friday night football games along with the studies that will get you the farthest you can go in life.
--Submitted by a student

Ms. Brewer is a terrific teacher. She puts her heat and soul into her classes. I am so happy my son has her for English.
--Submitted by a parent