What is a Holy Cross Schools?
Holy Cross Schools are Catholic schools founded or run in the tradition of the Congregation of Holy Cross (founded by Blessed Basil Moreau). They share the Catholic mission of educating the whole person — mind, heart, and spirit — shaped by the order's distinctive charism: educating the mind and the heart, with hope as a hallmark. Holy Cross schools are known for educating “the mind and the heart.”
History & origins
The Congregation of Holy Cross established schools as part of its mission, carrying its founder's vision into education. Its schools in the US continue that heritage, forming students in faith, academics, and service in the order's tradition.
Philosophy & approach
These schools are animated by the order's charism — educating the mind and the heart, with hope as a hallmark — combined with the Catholic commitment to faith, rigorous academics, character, and service. They form students as scholars and people of faith and service, in the tradition that founded the University of Notre Dame.
Curriculum & academics
Academics are typically college-preparatory, taught within a Catholic worldview, with religious education, worship, service, and formation woven through school life. The order's charism shapes the culture, priorities, and traditions.
The classroom & school day
School life reflects the Congregation of Holy Cross's spirit and traditions — faith, community, and service — alongside academics, activities, and (often) athletics.
Grade levels & structure
Most serve high school (grades 9–12); some are K–12 or include middle school. Day and (in some cases) boarding.
Admissions & enrollment
Admission is by application; most welcome students of various backgrounds who respect the Catholic mission. Selectivity varies by school.
Costs & financial aid
They charge tuition (varies), typically with financial aid, and (in some states) access via vouchers or scholarship programs.
Accreditation & governance
They are Catholic schools (often sponsored by or affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross) and are typically accredited, meeting state and diocesan requirements. Look at the charism, academics, and outcomes.
Is a Holy Cross Schools right for your child?
Holy Cross Schools suit families who want a Catholic, college-preparatory education shaped by the Congregation of Holy Cross's charism — educating the mind and the heart, with hope as a hallmark — including families of other backgrounds comfortable with the mission.
How it compares to other schools
Holy Cross Schools are Catholic schools with the specific charism of the Congregation of Holy Cross, sharing Catholic identity with other Catholic schools while reflecting this order's distinctive spirit, priorities, and traditions.
Finding Holy Cross Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists Catholic and other schools across the country.
Key facts
- TraditionCongregation of Holy Cross
- Charismeducating the mind and the heart, with hope as a hallmark
- EmphasisFaith, college-prep academics, character, and service
- LevelsOften high school (some K–12); day and some boarding
- CostTuition, with financial aid
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: