Charleston Catholic High School

Charleston Catholic High School offers challenging classes, including Advanced Honors and various AP offerings. It employs accomplished teachers who cover the material well and encourage in-class discussion that enhances further understanding. The leadership fosters excellence through example and clearly communicates principles and values that create a supportive, respectful environment. Students are encouraged to excel in academia and sports. They have opportunity to meet before and after school in order to comprehend material if the meaning was missed in class. Also, leadership remain accessible to students. This inspires students to explore their interests by exploring ideas and conducting mature discussions. Students, therefore, realize greater acumen for the subjects and areas of study they enjoy and become more adept at fundamentals (such as analyzing, synthesizing, drawing correlations, and articulating views) in order to succeed in collegiate settings. CCHS's grading scale is set at a higher standard, more difficult than most, which requires students to work diligently. Although this requires greater effort, it helps students to prepare for demanding college programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers are great -- truly caring, bright individuals dedicated to learning-- and I received a solid education, one of the best available in town. However, bullying among students, especially 7th-8th grade boys, was a problem that teachers often didn't crack down on -- 'boys will be boys'. If you have a student who is ADHD, or with mild to medium executive disfunction, or simply a special case (difficulty with verbal processing, slow test taker, or simply a creative, outside-the-box thinker who struggles to follow rules), Charleston Catholic performed, when I was there (could be different now) a strictly average job. For students with no special learning needs, however, Chas. Catholic provides a great foundation for college. The sports emphasis will appeal to some more than others, and the costs -- well, the costs are to be expected. Quality private education costs money.
—Submitted by a student

Charleston Catholic provides a solid, college -prep education. The curriculum prepares graduates to transition easily to a college academic load. For a small school, the athletic teams are high-performing and very competitive. Most students participate in a sport. The facility is clean and orderly, with a cafeteria known to the students for serving delicious, healthy food. There are few discipline problems. Most teachers are fully proficient in their fields of study, with only a few weak faculty members. There is a small, core group of parent volunteers consistently helping out. Charleston Catholic exceeds mandated attendance days;snow days are infrequent. The principal, Mrs. Sullivan, and her adminustrative support staff do a fine job keeping the school running smoothly on an even keel at all times. I have two children who are graduates, and another soon will be. Is this school perfect? No. Is it close to perfect? Absolutely.
—Submitted by appreciative parent, a parent

Sending me to Charleston Catholic was the best decision my parents ever made. The teachers are great, Mrs. Sullivan our principal is amazing, and I definitely felt prepared for college after leaving Catholic. The sports programs are awesome, and since the school is small, everyone becomes like family. If I end up moving back to WV in the future, I will most certainly send my kids to CCHS
—Submitted by a student

My son enjoys going to this school. It would be nice if there were an actual band class after school from 3:00 to 3:45 every day, & I would be willing to pay extra to bring in a qualified instructor. Other high schools have actual band classes & their musicians learn a lot from scheduled daily practices in a structured environment. Your school is excellent & I am giving you all stars.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very disappointed in the academics while at CCHS. Many of my friends attended local public high schools and were better prepared for college than I. The Science Department lacks the technology and advancement than many public high schools have. I was not prepared for college as I entered the pre-med program. In addition, although the public view is that the academics receives much emphasis, I believe that many of the students were ill behaved and spoiled; which often influenced students grades. In addition, Father Sadie, was ruthless, did not present himself always as a positive role model and lacked the nurturing one would expect of a Catholic Priest; he was more of a politician than a role model. I did not enjoy my 'expensive' education at CCHS, although I achieved very high grades, it did not prepare me as I had expected.
—Submitted by a former student

My experience at CCHS was not beneficial. If they would focus more on the students and improving their education the school would be great. I mean the tuition is more than my sons college. Yet students were once charged $5.50 a DAY to park in the Church owned lot. Money is everything to this so called prep school. I cannot forget to mention that the science department is by far the worst in the state in means of what is taught.
—Submitted by Very Concerned, a former student

This so called college prep high school was a very bad experience for my family. The teachers were mediocore at best with a few exceptions. Shawn Smith
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a great place for educational and personal growth.
—Submitted by a teacher

My experience with CCHS at the high school level was relatively good. The instructors are experienced and the cirriculum challenging. Parents tend to be more clickish than students. At the middle school level, the 6th grade was a nightmare with most new and inexperienced teachers. Communication was nill to none with parents. Middle scool needs a revamp!
—Submitted by Neva Long, a parent

CCHS is an excellent college preparatory school. The student environment, academics and core values of the school are outstanding. The college admission rates (usually 100%) and scholarship rates of graduates are phenomenal.
—Submitted by John Moore, a parent