Cathedral Catholic High School
San Diego's Premier Catholic College-Prep High School - Top Athletics & Academic Excellence
Cathedral Catholic High School (CCHS) is a premier college-preparatory Catholic high school in San Diego, California. Founded in 2005, the school provides rigorous academic education, character development, and lifelong learning skills, preparing students to become responsible global citizens. With 26 AP courses, dual-enrollment programs, and an exceptional 91% four-year college acceptance rate, CCHS consistently sends graduates to top universities including Columbia, Stanford, MIT, Cornell, and UC Davis.
Core Values
"Cathedral Catholic focuses on four core values in the education and formation of its students: Character, Faith, Knowledge and Responsibility.
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Key Information
Grades
Grades 9-12
Language Requirement
TOEFL 71+
Cost of Attendance
$45k - $65k
Accommodation
Homestay
Admission Information
Fall Admission
August Start
•Apply by December-January of previous year
Main admission season with full course selection and most active campus life, recommended choice
Spring Admission
January Start
•Apply by September-October of previous year
Flexible admission option for transfer students (subject to availability)
Requirements
- Application Form
- Letter of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- TOEFL 71+
- Interview
Why Choose Cathedral Catholic High School?
Outstanding University Placement Record
91% of 2024 graduates enrolled in four-year universities. Recent acceptances include Columbia University, Stanford University, MIT, Cornell University, UC Davis, and other top institutions. The school offers comprehensive college counseling with professional guidance throughout the application process.
Exceptional Academic Programs & Apple Distinguished School
Offers 26 AP courses, dual-enrollment programs with MiraCosta College and Arizona State University, and an Engineering Prep program for STEM-focused students. Designated as an Apple Distinguished School (2022-2025) for the fifth time, demonstrating leadership in technology-integrated learning with iPad and Mac.
Championship Athletics Program
The Dons athletics program has won 200 CIF San Diego Section Championships (94 boys, 106 girls) and 22 CIF Open Division Championships. Recent highlights include 2024 girls volleyball winning California Open Division State Championship and ranking #2 nationally, 2021 football CIF State Championship, and 2025 girls beach volleyball four consecutive Open Division championships.
Life at Cathedral Catholic High School
Experience Excellence in San Diego's Premier Community
Cathedral Catholic High School is located in Carmel Valley, a carefully planned suburban community known for being family-friendly, beautiful, and home to high-income residents. The area features top-tier schools, extremely low crime rates, and convenient access to both urban amenities and numerous outdoor recreation areas.
1,700 Student Community
Diverse and inclusive student body fostering academic excellence and Catholic values
Outstanding College Placement
91% of graduates attend four-year universities including Ivy League and top 30 institutions
Championship Athletics
#1 Best High School for Athletes in San Diego and #7 nationally with 200+ CIF championships
Campus Life
Explore our vibrant campus environment, from state-of-the-art facilities to championship athletics and performing arts programs
Main Campus
Modern campus facilities with Apple Distinguished School technology integration
A Focus On Character
Cathedral Catholic shapes students and adults who are beacons of integrity.
A Focus On Faith
Cathedral Catholic forms students and adults as disciples of Christ, empowered to deepen their faith and to share Jesus Christ with others.
A Focus On Knowledge
Cathedral Catholic equips students and adults with the knowledge and skills to inspire lifelong intellectual curiosity.
A Focus On Responsibility
Cathedral Catholic students and adults cultivate a sense of personal accountability as well as a duty to others.
State Title with Win over Folsom
Cathedral Catholic earns state title with win over Folsom.
Open Division at State Girls Volleyball Tournament
Cathedral Catholic earns top seed in Open Division at state girls volleyball tournament.
2025-26 Cheer (Sideline & Competitive) Roster
Cathedral Catholic 2025-26 Cheer (Sideline & Competitive) Roster.
Cathedral Catholic High School By The Numbers
Discover the impressive statistics that make our school exceptional
Academic Excellence Programs
Cathedral Catholic offers comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare students for top universities through rigorous coursework, technology integration, and personalized support.
26 Advanced Placement (AP) courses across all disciplines
Dual-enrollment programs with MiraCosta College and Arizona State University
Engineering Prep Program with Project Lead The Way certification
Apple Distinguished School (2022-2025) - 5th consecutive designation
Average class size of 16 students for personalized attention
Comprehensive college counseling and SAT/ACT preparation
STEAM education integrated throughout curriculum
91% four-year college acceptance rate