What is a Salesian Schools?
Salesian Schools are Catholic schools founded and shaped by the Salesians of Don Bosco, a Catholic religious order. Founded in the tradition of Saint John Bosco (Don Bosco), they focus on educating young people — especially the young and at-risk — with warmth, reason, and faith. Like other Catholic schools, they pair a full college-preparatory education with Catholic faith formation, distinguished by the order's particular charism (spiritual character): joyful education, presence, and care for young people (the preventive system).
History & origins
The Salesians of Don Bosco has a long tradition in education, founding schools that carry its spirituality and mission. Today salesian schools continue that heritage, often led by lay educators who steward the order's charism.
Philosophy & approach
These schools are animated by the Salesians of Don Bosco's charism — joyful education, presence, and care for young people (the preventive system) — 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 Salesian Schools right for your child?
Salesian Schools suit families drawn to a Catholic, college-preparatory education shaped by the Salesians of Don Bosco's particular charism and community — including families of other faiths comfortable with the environment.
How it compares to other schools
Salesian Schools are Catholic schools of a specific order, sharing Catholic identity with parish/diocesan and other order-run schools (Jesuit, Benedictine, Dominican, and more), while each order brings its own distinctive charism.
Finding Salesian Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists salesian schools and other Catholic schools across the country.
Key facts
- TypeCatholic schools of the Salesians of Don Bosco
- CharismJoyful education, presence, and care for young people (the Preventive System)
- 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. Founded in the spirit of St. John Bosco.
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: