What is a Christian Brothers Schools?
Christian Brothers Schools are Catholic schools founded and shaped by the Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice), a Catholic religious order. Founded in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Congregation of Christian Brothers (the Edmund Rice / "Irish Christian Brothers" tradition — distinct from the De La Salle Christian Brothers behind Lasallian schools), they emphasize educating young people, including those with fewer means. Like other Catholic schools, they pair a full college-preparatory education with Catholic faith formation, distinguished by the order's particular charism (spiritual character): faith, evangelization, and education — especially of the poor.
History & origins
The Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice) has a long tradition in education, founding schools that carry its spirituality and mission. Today christian brothers schools continue that heritage, often led by lay educators who steward the order's charism.
Philosophy & approach
These schools are animated by the Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice)'s charism — faith, evangelization, and education — especially of the poor — 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 Christian Brothers Schools right for your child?
Christian Brothers Schools suit families drawn to a Catholic, college-preparatory education shaped by the Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice)'s particular charism and community — including families of other faiths comfortable with the environment.
How it compares to other schools
Christian Brothers Schools are Catholic schools of a specific order, sharing Catholic identity with parish/diocesan and other order-run schools (Jesuit, Benedictine, Lasallian, and more), while each order brings its own distinctive charism.
Finding Christian Brothers Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists christian brothers schools and other Catholic schools across the country.
Key facts
- TypeCatholic schools of the Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice)
- CharismFaith, evangelization, and education — especially of the poor
- 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. Edmund Rice tradition — distinct from the De La Salle (Lasallian) Christian Brothers.
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: