Cathedral Catholic High School
San Diego's Premier Catholic College-Prep High School - Top Athletics & Academic Excellence
Cathedral Catholic High School (CCHS) is a large Catholic college-preparatory day high school in Carmel Valley, San Diego. Founded in 2005 as the successor to University of San Diego High School, Cathedral combines 26 AP courses, dual-enrollment options, championship athletics, service, and a clear Catholic values environment. The school's 91% figure refers to the Class of 2024 attending four-year colleges, not admissions acceptance rate.
Quick answers
Tuition, selectivity, and admissions overview
Cathedral Catholic High School is one of the schools families often compare in the San Diego private high school search. This summary brings together tuition, acceptance-rate context, deadlines, testing, and local guardian considerations before the full profile below.
Data context
Tuition, testing, and application dates follow school-published sources; selectivity is labeled separately when it is a third-party estimate.
Suggested next step
Confirm grade-level availability first, then decide whether to complete materials now or plan for the next cycle.
2026-27 main freshman and international deadlines have passed; transfer inquiries are space-available
As of May 22, 2026, the January 24 freshman/international deadline, February 14 supplemental deadline, February 15 tuition assistance deadline, and March 31 deposit deadline have passed. Cathedral's transfer page states fall transfer applications may be accepted through the end of May 2026 as space permits.
$22,637 (2026-27 day tuition)
Placement test and application materials; English testing should be confirmed with admissions
School does not publish an official admissions acceptance rate
Do not treat the 91% four-year college figure as admissions selectivity. It describes where graduates enroll after Cathedral, not the percentage of applicants admitted.
Day school; no on-campus boarding
Compare with
Schools families often compare with Cathedral Catholic High School
Fit guidance
Who Cathedral Catholic Fits Best
Cathedral is strongest for families who want a resource-rich Catholic day high school with a lower tuition point than the most selective independent schools.
Strong Fit
Large, established high school environment
Families who want a broad 9-12 community, deep athletics, service, clubs, and college-prep resources will find Cathedral's scale useful.
Catholic values and structure
Students who can thrive in a Catholic mission-driven culture may benefit from Cathedral's emphasis on character, faith, knowledge, and responsibility.
Budget-sensitive private school search
The published 2026-27 day tuition is materially lower than Bishop's, Parker, and LJCDS, while still offering a full private high school program.
Review Carefully
Need for school-operated boarding
Cathedral is a day school and does not operate an on-campus dormitory or official boarding program.
Late 2026-27 applicants
The main freshman and international deadlines have passed; only limited transfer inquiries may still be possible near the end of May 2026.
Families seeking official acceptance-rate data
Cathedral does not publish admissions acceptance rate, so fit should be assessed through academic record, grade-level space, and school mission.
The 91% college figure should be discussed as a graduate outcome, not as an admissions acceptance rate.
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
Placement test and application materials; English testing should be confirmed with admissions
Cost of Attendance
$22,637 (2026-27 day tuition)
Accommodation
Day school; no on-campus boarding
Admission Information
Freshman Admission (2026-27)
August Start
•January 24, 2026
Main freshman and international application deadline has passed as of May 22, 2026.
Transfer Admission
Fall Start
•Through May 2026, space permitting
Transfer applications are reviewed by grade-level availability. International students are generally not considered for mid-year transfer.
Requirements
- Application Form
- Letter of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Cathedral placement test for incoming grade 9
- Student questionnaire or interview components
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
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
Data verified on
Academic Excellence Programs
Cathedral Catholic offers a college-preparatory academic program with AP courses, dual-enrollment options, engineering pathways, technology integration, and college counseling. Its four-year college figure should be read as graduate matriculation, not admissions selectivity.
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% of 2024 graduates enrolled in four-year universities
Data sources
The figures below are sourced from each school's official public records, verified periodically: Data verified on
Further reading
If you're considering Cathedral Catholic High School, also read
How Cathedral Catholic compares to Bishop's, Francis Parker, and LJCDS
Side-by-side look at San Diego's top independent and Catholic prep schools — academics, fit, and admissions selectivity.
Full cost of US private high school for a Chinese family
Tuition, guardianship, fees, transportation — the total cost picture beyond Cathedral's published day-school tuition.
San Diego private high school application timeline
What families applying mid-year should know about Cathedral's rolling-style admissions and grade-level availability.
Legal guardianship for international students at San Diego day schools
Cathedral is a day school. Families without local relatives need to plan guardianship before applying.
Living in San Diego's Carmel Valley for Chinese families
Housing, community, and daily life around Cathedral's Carmel Valley campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cathedral Catholic High School's admissions acceptance rate?
Cathedral Catholic does not make its admissions acceptance rate public. California does not require private K-12 schools to publish this figure number, and Cathedral Catholic has not made it public. The 91% figure sometimes cited online refers to college matriculation (graduating seniors enrolling in four-year universities) — not admissions selectivity.
How much does Cathedral Catholic cost for 2026-27?
Cathedral's official 2026-27 day tuition is $22,637 on the annual plan ($500 deposit plus $22,137 tuition). Other payment plans total $22,737 semi-annually or $22,837 monthly. Any international total cost estimate should be confirmed directly with the school because the current official page does not publish a separate all-in international boarding cost.
How many students attend Cathedral Catholic High School?
Approximately 1,600-1,700 students across grades 9-12, making it the largest Catholic high school in the Diocese of San Diego. NCES 2023-24 data reports 1,669 students and 99.0 FTE teachers.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cathedral Catholic?
Approximately 16.9:1 based on NCES 2023-24 data (1,669 students and 99.0 FTE teachers). The school reports an average class size around 16 students.
When is the application deadline for Cathedral Catholic 2026-27?
For 2026-27, the grade 9 and international application deadline was January 24, 2026, and that date has already passed as of May 22, 2026. Cathedral uses its own on-campus placement test (math + English, about two hours), replacing the HSPT. Transfer applicants may inquire through the end of May 2026 as space permits.
Does Cathedral Catholic offer financial aid?
Yes. Apply by February 15, 2026 for 2026-27 tuition assistance. Specific financial aid statistics (percentage of students receiving aid, average grant amounts) are not publicly disclosed on the school's website.
Is Cathedral Catholic open to non-Catholic students?
Yes. Cathedral Catholic is a Catholic college-preparatory school in the Diocese of San Diego, but admits students of all faiths. Catholic religion classes are part of the curriculum, and Mass and Catholic identity are integrated into campus life. Non-Catholic families should be comfortable with this character even if their student is not Catholic.
Does Cathedral Catholic accept international students?
Yes. The 2026-27 grade 9 and international application deadline was January 24, 2026. International students need to demonstrate English proficiency. Cathedral does not specifically require TOEFL but uses its own on-campus placement test. Important: Cathedral is a day school, so international students need to organize housing and a local legal guardian independently.
What standardized tests does Cathedral Catholic require for admissions?
Cathedral uses its own on-campus placement test (math and English, about two hours), replacing the HSPT used historically. Students testing from abroad who cannot test on campus should contact admissions for alternate arrangements. The school supports both SAT and ACT preparation through its college counseling program but does not publish average admitted-student test scores.
How does Cathedral Catholic compare to other San Diego private high schools?
Cathedral Catholic is the biggest Catholic high school in the San Diego diocese (~1,669 students), substantially larger than independent peers like Pacific Ridge (~661), The Bishop's School (~800), and Francis Parker. 2026-27 tuition of $22,637 is significantly lower than independent peers at $47,250-$52,500. The Catholic college-preparatory program emphasizes AP and dual-enrollment academics, championship-level athletics, and Catholic faith formation. Independent schools offer smaller classes and different pedagogical approaches at higher cost.