Delone Catholic High School

I'm an alum of Delone, currently pursuing a Masters Degree at a top-ranked University within my professional field. When looking back, I cherish every experience during my academic career at the high school. Delone is among the best academic institutions in the Southcentral PA area. The administration and staff are experienced and knowledgeable within their perspective fields and challenge students. The school focuses greatly on academics and its Catholic foundation, but also strives in its efforts to assist students in their development as loving, open-minded and accepting young adults. The student body illustrates this through their welcoming and accepting attitudes. Previous reviews mention "cliques" however few exist, with most students befriending many and a graduating class knowing every fellow classmate. The curriculum is good, but improvement would benefit the school. However for a smaller school, it offers multiple AP classes with more being added and existing classes challenging students. Overall, Delone is an amazing school which will not only prepare a student for further academic growth, but assists in their development in to strong, devoted, respectable adults.

I am currently a senior at the University of Pittsburgh within its School of Social Work. I graduated from Delone Catholic in 2006 and after reflecting on my experiences at DCHS, found that not only was I prepared for higher education at a program ranked 8th in the nation, but exposed to many differing ideologies during my time there. Delone is located in a community comprised of a large majority, Christian Conservatives and the beliefs and values of the community are strongly expressed. Delone holds those values and beliefs close to home, but also provides a greater experience, calling on its students to think critically and to love thy neighbor as thy self. Delone challenges academically and athletically (as shown by its amazing sports programs) but also challenges its students to have integrity, compassion, and understanding. Delone Catholic practices what it preaches...

I entered Delone in 9th grade, and did not return after that year. I hated the school and would not recommend it to anyone. The school is the epitome of small-town mentality. As an honors student, I found Delone extremely easy. Unfortunately, all through 9th grade I was subjected to the less-than-up-to-par teaching methods and a curriculum that was geared to the slowest students. I literally slept or read through every single one of my 8 classes and got straight A's all year. As someone that went to catholic schools all through middle school, I found Delone s religious teaching tedious and offensive. All I got out of religion class was that you should always give inordinate amounts of money to the church and that the word Catholic is synonymous and interchangeable with the word Christian. Do not waste your child s high school education, or your money. Find another high school.
—Submitted by a student

The only reason why I go to Delone is because of the great music program. Don't get me wrong, I love our sports teams and they do a great job year after year, but sports just arn't for everyone. I like how there is a varity of things you can do to show your creative side or to show your talent. I'm not a big fan of the grading system, though. But all of the students are very friendly, and so are most of the teachers.
—Submitted by a student

As a student, I am very pleased. I would not be willing to go anywhere. I love the spirt of the school. As I was reading the reviews I came across one that complained about the attire and grooming of the students. Basically, the men must be clean shaven and shirts must be tucked in. There isn't really anything bigger than that. And some teachers are more strict than others on the rules and policies but they are perfectly easy to live with. Another thing that I loved when I entered my first year of Delone they started preparing us for college. I also disagree that DCHS focuses on sports more than faith. The faith and sports are combined together which is so great. I also love the smallness of my classes. It's great for learning. I hope you choose DCHS! Go Squires!
—Submitted by a student

the principle is horrible, and some of the teachers are as well. however the students are very nice
—Submitted by a student

My child entered Delone as a 10th grader. Previously he had attended an extremely expensive, highly respected Catholic [school] in another state. The faculty/staff and students were welcoming. The academics were far more challenging. The athletic opportunities far exceeded his former school. Delone certainly prepared him for college. It was a wonderful experience for him and for us. I wish he could have attended Delone from the beginning of his high school career.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student of Delone Catholic I would like to say that I think that Delone is one of the best schools out there. Sure there are strict rules but there has to be. Your there to learn and grow in your faith. I think that the school has great spirit, great love and devoction to all its students. There wasn't a day that goes by that I don't think about my time at Delone and wish that I could go back. I loved it there and all of the teachers and fellow students. Where else can you go and express your faith and not be critized. Delone Catholic is definitely one of the best small Catholic schools around. Sometimes it don't realize it until your no longer there and you long to go back.
—Submitted by a former student

I have read the reviews posted, and am really surprised about the negativity. My child came to the school as a noncatholic because we wanted to have the good academics and good discipline that was lacking elsewhere. We nave never experienced anything other than fairness, good academics, and good discipline. I imagine that the other reviews may have come from kids that might have been a problem in the school. This school is no different than others as far as having problems here and there with kids, but we are extremely pleased. Our child is an average academic and we've never had a problem in any area. Don't let the negative reviews persuade you away from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This past year has been my first experience with the school and I couldn't be more pleased. My son comes home excited about what he's learning and demonstrating incredible growth in thought and attitude. The school recognized an issue with bullying this year and dealt with it head on. My son and his friends grew to understand that in order to stop the less socially adapted students from getting bullied, he and his friends had to step up and take responsibility for their school. I attritube this mature attitude to the school's welcoming environment and serious atmosphere. My son initially complained because he wasn't allowed to sleep or chat in study hall, but in the end his grades showed that fair but strict discipline paid off.
—Submitted by a parent

The academics are limited, unvaried, and not a priority. The clear focus is proper grooming (for male students) and attire. Academics are a clear second to these shining priorities. The 'scare tactic' discipline system is antiquated, unbalanced, and unfair. As students accumulate 'demerits,' they get hours of detention. There is no way for a student to contest an unfair demerit. Instructors can (and do) give demerits and detention for anything or nothing at all, in whatever combination the instructor pleases. Departmental communication is limited. Transitions to the next level of a foreign language, for example, are difficult, cumbersome, and awkward. 'Politics' and tension among departments is apparent as well. The school seems to have trouble finding and keeping good teachers. They never admit or mention it, but during my four years of involvement, I saw three teachers get quietly fired. 'Clicks' are rampant and create social tension and hatred between groups and extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a former student

The style of instruction is antiquated/ inferior to that found in other schools. Range & variety of courses are limited.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great high school with spirit, dedication, and hard working students. I never regret choosing to go here.
—Submitted by a student

Academics are great - sports are strong - transportation is an issue.
—Submitted by a parent

School has taken a turn for the worse. Students do not treach each other with respect. The catholic enviroment is no where to be seen. What ever happened to do unto others as you would have others do unto you. The teacher quality is one of the best. The so called 'clicks' are not a good enviroment for any new student.
—Submitted by a former student

Delone is a school where you have to be in the so called 'click' in order to survive. The students overall come from wealthy families, this is why those who aren't wealthy generally do poorly and have trouble making friends. Also since its a catholic school you would think of things such as kindness and generosity and honesty but rather the school and the administration is simply out for themselves, anyway to make a penny.
—Submitted by a former student

More challenging that most public schools, but for a Catholic school I was surprised at how liberal it is and how little they really teach about the core beliefs of the Church. It focuses a great deal on sports and too little on the faith.
—Submitted by a former student

My child came from the public school system in 10th grade. At Delone, the teacher and guidance departments are excellent. The willingness of almost all of the teachers at Delone to work one-on-one with children and aid the parents in are exceptional. You rarely see this in the public school system.
—Submitted by Martha Phillips, a parent

If you are a parent searching for a school where the student is seen as an individual, not just a number, then Delone will meet your needs. The staff and faculty do care and will keep you informed as to your child's progress.
—Submitted by a parent

Cool students, but not worth the cost of tuition.
—Submitted by a former student