Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to a rich tradition of Catholic high schools that combine rigorous academics with faith-based education and character development. From prestigious Jesuit institutions and all-boys Lasallian schools to all-girls academies and coeducational campuses, these schools have a long history of preparing students for college and lives of leadership and service.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles oversees 19 high schools across the region, each with a distinct identity and commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. This guide highlights ten of the best Catholic high schools in Los Angeles, based on academic reputation, student outcomes, and community impact.
Top 10 Catholic High Schools in Los Angeles
1. Loyola High School of Los Angeles
Founded in 1865, Loyola High School is the oldest continuously run educational institution in Southern California and a premier Jesuit college preparatory school for boys. It has been ranked the No. 1 Catholic High School in Southern California and the No. 17 Catholic High School in the United States, earning an A+ overall Niche grade.
The school’s Jesuit philosophy of “Cura Personalis” emphasizes care for the whole person through rigorous academics, spiritual development, and community service . With over 1,275 students representing 190+ zip codes, Loyola boasts a 99% college attendance rate, passionate faculty, and a strong brotherhood among students that fosters lifelong friendships.
2. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is a prestigious all-girls Catholic boarding and day school located on a hilltop campus in the San Gabriel Valley. It has been ranked the No. 2 Best Catholic High School in Los Angeles County, No. 5 in California, and No. 19 nationally among 1,146 Catholic high schools.
The school is known for its deep commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and an empowering sisterhood that defines life “on the Hill”. Students benefit from a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, a supportive residential community, and a focus on developing young women of faith, intellect, and compassion. The school also ranks highly for its boarding program and all-girls education.
3. Cathedral High School
Established in 1925 as the first Archdiocesan high school for boys in Los Angeles, Cathedral High School is a Lasallian institution sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers . The school serves approximately 700 students, with 70% receiving financial aid, and boasts a remarkable 99-100% college attendance rate. Cathedral celebrated its centennial in 2025 and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, including honors, AP courses, and dual enrollment options.
The school emphasizes social justice, personal growth, and the Lasallian tradition of providing education to economically disadvantaged youth. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and strong athletic programs, Cathedral prepares young men for lives of service and leadership.
4. Immaculate Heart Middle and High School
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Immaculate Heart is a Catholic all-girls school serving grades 6 through 12. With 687 students and an average class size of 16, the school provides a nurturing environment that emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the development of young women as compassionate leaders.
Students benefit from a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, 14 sports teams, and a wide range of extracurricular activities that foster talent and character. The school is recognized among the top Catholic private high schools in California and is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to social justice.
5. Verbum Dei High School
Verbum Dei High School is a Jesuit-sponsored Catholic college preparatory school for young men in South Central Los Angeles, founded in 1962. The school is distinguished by its innovative Corporate Work Study Program, which provides students with real-world work experience while earning tuition credits. With an enrollment of 319 students, an average class size of 13, and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, Verbum Dei offers personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
The school ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for affordability and has a 100% acceptance rate, reflecting its mission to serve the economically disadvantaged. Tuition is remarkably affordable at approximately $1,200 per year.
6. Bishop Montgomery High School
Bishop Montgomery High School is a coeducational Catholic college preparatory school located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. The school is known for its strong academic programs, including a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, and its commitment to developing the whole student through faith, service, and extracurricular involvement.
Students benefit from modern facilities, a supportive faculty, and a vibrant school community that emphasizes Catholic values and academic achievement. The school offers a variety of athletic, arts, and leadership opportunities that prepare graduates for success in college and beyond.
7. St. Monica Catholic High School
Located in Santa Monica, St. Monica Catholic High School is a coeducational college preparatory school that serves a diverse student body from the Westside of Los Angeles. The school is known for its rigorous academics, strong athletic programs, and commitment to Catholic social teaching. St. Monica offers a comprehensive curriculum including honors and AP courses, along with a wide range of extracurricular activities in the arts, athletics, and service. Graduates are well-prepared for college and careers, with a strong foundation in faith and character that distinguishes them in the broader community.
8. Bishop Amat Memorial High School
Bishop Amat Memorial High School is a coeducational Catholic high school located in La Puente, serving the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles regions. With an enrollment of over 1,100 students, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, a strong athletic program, and a wide range of clubs and activities. Bishop Amat is known for its commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and community service, preparing students for success in college and life. The school’s diverse student body and vibrant campus life create a dynamic learning environment rooted in Catholic tradition.
9. Serra High School
Serra High School is a coeducational Catholic college preparatory school located in Gardena, serving the South Bay area of Los Angeles. The school is known for its strong academic programs, including a range of honors and AP courses, and its commitment to developing students of faith, character, and leadership. Serra offers a comprehensive athletic program, fine arts opportunities, and service-learning experiences that prepare graduates for success in college and beyond. The school’s supportive community and dedicated faculty ensure that every student receives the attention and guidance needed to thrive.
10. St. Bernard High School
St. Bernard High School is a coeducational Catholic school located in Playa del Rey, serving the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles. The school is known for its college-preparatory curriculum, strong athletic traditions, and commitment to Catholic values and service. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, modern facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities that foster talent and character. St. Bernard’s emphasis on academic excellence and personal growth prepares graduates for success in higher education and meaningful careers.
Comparison Table
| School | Type | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola High School | All-boys | Los Angeles | No. 1 Catholic HS in SoCal, A+ Niche grade |
| Flintridge Sacred Heart | All-girls | San Gabriel Valley | No. 2 in LA County, boarding program |
| Cathedral High School | All-boys | Los Angeles | Since 1925, 99% college attendance |
| Immaculate Heart | All-girls | Los Angeles | Grades 6–12, 14 sports teams |
| Verbum Dei High School | All-boys | South Central LA | Corporate Work Study Program, $1,200 tuition |
| Bishop Montgomery | Coeducational | South Bay | Strong AP programs, modern facilities |
| St. Monica | Coeducational | Santa Monica | Westside, rigorous academics |
| Bishop Amat | Coeducational | La Puente | Over 1,100 students, strong athletics |
| Serra High School | Coeducational | Gardena | South Bay, honors and AP courses |
| St. Bernard | Coeducational | Playa del Rey | Westside/South Bay, college prep |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Single-Gender vs. Coeducational: Los Angeles offers both types of Catholic high schools. Loyola, Cathedral, and Verbum Dei are all-boys schools with strong brotherhood traditions, while Flintridge Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart are all-girls schools known for empowering young women. Bishop Montgomery, St. Monica, Bishop Amat, Serra, and St. Bernard offer coeducational environments.
College Preparation: Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese have an impressive record of college acceptances, with many schools boasting 99-100% college attendance rates . Loyola, Cathedral, and Flintridge Sacred Heart are particularly noted for their college-preparatory rigor and strong placement records.
Tuition and Financial Aid: Tuition varies widely, from Verbum Dei’s remarkably affordable $1,200 annual tuition to premium institutions with higher costs. Most schools offer need-based financial aid and scholarships. Cathedral provides over $4 million in annual aid, with 70% of students receiving assistance.
Application Process: Eighth-grade students applying to Catholic high schools are generally required to take an entrance exam; each school has its specific testing process. Open Houses and shadow days are offered to prospective students and their families.
Diversity and Inclusion: Many Catholic high schools in Los Angeles serve diverse populations. Loyola’s student body represents over 190 zip codes with nearly half Latino, Asian-Pacific, or African-American students. Verbum Dei has a 100% students of color population and a 100% acceptance rate, reflecting its mission to serve the economically disadvantaged.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a wealth of exceptional Catholic high schools that combine academic excellence with faith-based values and character development. From the prestigious Jesuit education at Loyola High School and the empowering all-girls community at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy to the Lasallian tradition of Cathedral High School and the innovative Corporate Work Study Program at Verbum Dei, these institutions provide students with a strong foundation for college and life.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles oversees these schools, ensuring a commitment to academic rigor, spiritual growth, and service to the community. Whether you are seeking a single-gender or coeducational environment, a traditional college-preparatory curriculum, or a school with a strong focus on social justice and affordability, Los Angeles’ Catholic high schools offer an education that prepares young people to become compassionate, global thinkers who make a positive difference in the world.