What is a Benedictine Schools?
Benedictine Schools are Catholic schools founded and shaped by the Order of Saint Benedict, a Catholic religious order. Founded in the tradition of Saint Benedict and often connected to monasteries or abbeys, they are known for stability, order, and a balanced rhythm of learning, prayer, and community. Like other Catholic schools, they pair a full college-preparatory education with Catholic faith formation, distinguished by the order's particular charism (spiritual character): prayer, work, community, and hospitality (ora et labora).
History & origins
The Order of Saint Benedict has a long tradition in education, founding schools that carry its spirituality and mission. Today benedictine schools continue that heritage, often led by lay educators who steward the order's charism.
Philosophy & approach
These schools are animated by the Order of Saint Benedict's charism — prayer, work, community, and hospitality (ora et labora) — shaping their culture, values, and approach to forming students intellectually, spiritually, and morally.
Curriculum & academics
Academics are typically rigorous and college-preparatory, combining the core curriculum with religious studies and formation. Offerings (honors, AP, IB) vary by school.
The classroom & school day
School life reflects the order's values and traditions — with worship, service, and community central — alongside strong academics and, often, athletics and the arts.
Grade levels & structure
Most are high schools (grades 9–12), some single-sex; the order may also sponsor elementary or PreK–12 schools.
Admissions & enrollment
Admission is by application (records, sometimes placement testing), generally open to students of all faiths who respect the school's mission. Selectivity varies.
Costs & financial aid
These schools charge tuition (often moderate for Catholic schools), with financial aid and, in some states, vouchers or ESAs.
Accreditation & governance
They are Catholic schools overseen by the order and/or diocese, typically accredited and meeting state private-school requirements.
Is a Benedictine Schools right for your child?
Benedictine Schools suit families drawn to a Catholic, college-preparatory education shaped by the Order of Saint Benedict's particular charism and community — including families of other faiths comfortable with the environment.
How it compares to other schools
Benedictine Schools are Catholic schools of a specific order. They share Catholic identity with parish/diocesan and other order-run schools (Jesuit, Benedictine, Dominican, and more), while each order brings its own distinctive charism.
Finding Benedictine Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists benedictine schools and other Catholic schools across the country.
Key facts
- TypeCatholic schools of the Order of Saint Benedict
- CharismPrayer, work, community, and hospitality (ora et labora)
- LevelsOften high school (9–12); some elementary/PreK–12
- WelcomesStudents of all faiths who respect the mission
- CostTuition, with aid and (in some states) vouchers/ESAs. Many are connected to Benedictine monasteries or abbeys.
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: