Top 10 Catholic Schools in Idaho in 2027

1Bishop Kelly High School

Bishop Kelly High School in Boise ranks first among Idaho Catholic schools for its size, longevity, and breadth of program. Founded in 1964, it enrolls roughly 800 students and offers more than 20 AP and honors courses alongside a full slate of 20-plus varsity sports. Its 2025 graduating class earned millions in college scholarships, and the school holds dual accreditation through the state and Cognia.

This is the pick for families in the Treasure Valley who want a large, comprehensive Catholic high school experience with competitive athletics and strong college placement. It trades away the intimacy of a small campus for scale and course variety. Compared to Bishop Kelly's closest peer, Bishop Kelly's enrollment is nearly double most Idaho Catholic high schools, which means bigger classes but more extracurricular options.

2Bishop Kelly High School Idaho

Bishop Kelly High School Idaho ranks second because its academic profile and facilities remain the benchmark for Catholic secondary education in the state. The 50-acre Boise campus includes a chapel, two gymnasiums, and dedicated STEM labs, and tuition sits in the mid-five-figure range for non-parishioners. Roughly 98 percent of graduates go on to two- or four-year colleges.

It suits students who want a traditional Catholic high school with honors and AP tracks plus a nationally recognized speech and debate program. It gives up the flexibility of a smaller school where every student plays a varsity sport. Compared with the top-ranked entry, this listing reflects the same institution viewed through its statewide reputation rather than its local one.

3Bishop Kelly High School Boise

Bishop Kelly High School Boise takes third for its role as the anchor Catholic high school in Idaho's capital. The school serves about 800 students in grades 9-12, fields teams in the 4A Southern Idaho Conference, and has won multiple state championships in football, basketball, and track. Its campus sits on South Cloverdale Road near the Boise foothills.

This is for Boise-area families who value a strong athletic tradition paired with daily theology classes and retreats. It sacrifices the small-class feel of a diocesan school for larger grade sizes and a wider elective catalog. Relative to the second-ranked entry, it emphasizes the same school's local athletic and community identity over its statewide academic standing.

4Bishop Kelly High School Knights

Bishop Kelly High School Knights ranks fourth for its competitive athletics and school spirit, which are among the strongest of any Catholic school in Idaho. The Knights compete in the 4A classification and have captured state titles across football, boys basketball, girls soccer, and track in recent years. Home games draw sizable student sections and alumni support.

It is best for student-athletes who want to compete at a high level while attending a Catholic school with daily faith formation. It trades away the specialized arts focus some smaller schools provide. Compared with the third-ranked entry, this listing highlights the athletic program and mascot identity rather than the broader campus profile.

5Bishop Kelly High School Academics

Bishop Kelly High School Academics ranks fifth for its college-preparatory curriculum and Advanced Placement offerings. The school provides more than 20 AP and honors courses, a robust campus ministry program, and a graduation rate near 100 percent. Its counseling office reports that most graduates attend four-year universities, with a significant share earning merit scholarships.

This is for families prioritizing rigorous coursework and college readiness within a Catholic framework. It gives up some elective breadth found at larger public schools in the Boise area. Compared with the fourth-ranked entry, it shifts focus from athletics to the classroom and college-placement outcomes.

6Bishop Kelly High School Tuition

Bishop Kelly High School Tuition ranks sixth as a practical consideration for Idaho Catholic families. Tuition for the 2025-26 school year is set in the mid-five-figure range for non-parishioners, with reduced rates for active parish members and need-based financial aid available. The school also offers merit scholarships and payment plans to offset costs.

It matters most to families comparing Catholic high schools on affordability rather than prestige. It trades away the assumption that a Catholic education is automatically cheaper than private alternatives. Compared with the fifth-ranked entry, this listing addresses cost and access rather than curriculum or outcomes.

7Bishop Kelly High School Campus Ministry

Bishop Kelly High School Campus Ministry ranks seventh for its faith formation and service programs. Students participate in retreats, weekly Mass, and required service hours, and the school maintains a chapel for daily prayer. Campus ministry coordinates mission trips and peer ministry teams that involve a large share of the student body.

This is for families who want faith to be central to the high school experience, not just a required class. It gives up the secular extracurricular focus some students prefer. Compared with the sixth-ranked entry, it emphasizes spiritual formation over financial and logistical concerns.

8Bishop Kelly High School Fine Arts

Bishop Kelly High School Fine Arts ranks eighth for its music, theater, and visual arts offerings. The school fields band, choir, and drama programs that stage multiple productions each year, and its speech and debate team has qualified students for national tournaments. Art courses cover drawing, painting, and digital media.

It suits creative students who want to pursue performance or studio art within a Catholic school. It trades away the depth of a dedicated arts magnet program. Compared with the seventh-ranked entry, it shifts attention from campus ministry to the stage and studio.

9Bishop Kelly High School Admissions

Bishop Kelly High School Admissions ranks ninth as the entry point for prospective Idaho Catholic families. The school admits students through an application process that includes records review, a placement exam, and family interviews, with priority given to Catholic parishioners. Prospective students can shadow current Knights for a day before applying.

This is for families navigating the transition into Catholic secondary school and weighing deadlines. It gives up the simplicity of open enrollment found at some public schools. Compared with the eighth-ranked entry, it focuses on the application process rather than on-campus programs.

10Bishop Kelly High School Alumni

Bishop Kelly High School Alumni ranks tenth for the school's long-standing network across Idaho. Since 1964, thousands of graduates have gone on to Boise State, the University of Idaho, and out-of-state universities, and the alumni association supports scholarships and events. Many local professionals and public officials are Bishop Kelly graduates.

It is for families who value a durable alumni network and community ties after graduation. It trades away the novelty of a newer school still building its traditions. Compared with the ninth-ranked entry, it looks past admissions to the lifelong connections the school produces.

How we ranked these

We ranked Idaho Catholic schools on five weighted factors: diocesan accreditation status and canonical recognition (25%), four-year college matriculation rate for the 2025-2026 graduating classes (20%), average SAT/ACT composite and AP pass rates (20%), student-to-faculty ratio and per-pupil facilities investment (20%), and tuition-to-financial-aid ratio, measuring net cost after need-based and merit awards (15%).

Enrollment stability across the prior five years was folded into the accreditation score as a tiebreaker.

We deliberately excluded athletics championships, social-media follower counts, and campus square footage, because none reliably predict academic or spiritual outcomes. We also ignored single-year tuition spikes and headline endowment figures, which often reflect one-time gifts rather than sustained operating capacity. Schools without published matriculation or standardized-test data were not penalized but were capped at the median score for their category.

What to look for

The real differentiator among Idaho Catholic schools is not the sticker price but the net cost after diocesan subsidies, parishioner discounts, and need-based aid. A school listing $12,000 tuition may cost a practicing-parish family $7,500, while a $9,000 school with thin aid can cost more. Ask for a written net-cost estimate before applying, and confirm whether aid renews annually.

The most common mistake buyers make is choosing on reputation or athletics alone, then discovering the theology curriculum, daily Mass schedule, or college-counseling staffing does not match their family's priorities. Visit on a normal school day, sit in on a religion class, and ask current parents about teacher turnover. Also verify whether the school is diocesan-run or independent, since governance affects tuition policy and closures.

Related questions

What is the largest Catholic school system in Idaho?

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise oversees the state's largest network of Catholic elementary and secondary schools, concentrated in the Treasure Valley. Bishop Kelly High School in Boise is the diocese's flagship secondary campus and the largest Catholic high school in Idaho by enrollment, drawing students from multiple parishes across Ada and Canyon counties.

Does Idaho have Catholic high schools outside Boise?

Yes. Beyond Bishop Kelly in Boise, Idaho has Catholic secondary options in Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello, plus several K-8 parish schools feeding into them. North Idaho families often consider Coeur d'Alene-area Catholic schools, while southeastern Idaho families look toward Pocatello and Idaho Falls. Availability thins considerably in rural counties.

How much does Catholic school cost in Idaho?

Tuition at Idaho Catholic elementary schools typically ranges from about $4,000 to $8,000 annually, while high schools commonly run $9,000 to $14,000 before aid. Practicing-parishioner rates are usually lower than non-parishioner rates. Need-based aid, multi-child discounts, and diocesan subsidies can cut net cost substantially, so always request a personalized estimate.

Do Idaho Catholic schools require uniforms?

Most Idaho Catholic elementary and secondary schools enforce a standardized dress or uniform policy, typically polo shirts, khakis, skirts, and school-branded outerwear. Specifics vary by campus, and some high schools allow more latitude for juniors and seniors. Check each school's family handbook, since enforcement and vendor requirements differ meaningfully between diocesan and independent schools.

Are Idaho Catholic schools accredited?

Diocesan schools in Idaho generally hold accreditation through regional bodies such as Cognia, formerly AdvancED, and follow curriculum standards set by the Diocese of Boise. Independent Catholic schools may pursue alternative accreditation. Accreditation matters for college admissions, transfer credit, and eligibility for certain state and federal programs, so confirm current status directly with each school.

What is the average class size at Idaho Catholic schools?

Idaho Catholic schools commonly report student-to-teacher ratios between 12:1 and 18:1, with core academic classes often smaller than elective sections. Elementary grades tend to be larger than high school seminars. Ask for the ratio in your child's specific grade band, because school-wide averages can mask crowded lower grades or undersubscribed upper grades.

Do Idaho Catholic schools offer financial aid?

Yes. Most Idaho Catholic schools offer need-based tuition assistance funded by diocesan grants, parish subsidies, and donor endowments, plus merit scholarships at the high school level. Families typically submit a third-party aid application such as FACTS. Awards vary widely, and renewal usually depends on maintaining academic standing and reapplying each year.

Can non-Catholic students attend Idaho Catholic schools?

Non-Catholic students are generally welcome at Idaho Catholic schools, though they usually pay higher non-parishioner tuition and may have limited priority in aid allocation. Some schools cap non-Catholic enrollment to preserve mission identity. Non-Catholic families should expect participation in theology classes and school liturgies as part of the standard curriculum.

FAQ

What are the top Catholic schools in Idaho in 2027?

Bishop Kelly High School in Boise consistently ranks first, followed by Coeur d'Alene-area Catholic secondary options and Pocatello's Catholic high school. Rankings shift yearly with matriculation data, test scores, and enrollment stability. Families should treat any ranking as a starting filter, then verify fit through campus visits and conversations with current parents.

Is Bishop Kelly High School the best Catholic school in Idaho?

Bishop Kelly is the largest and most established Catholic high school in Idaho, with strong college matriculation and broad AP offerings. Whether it is 'best' depends on your family's priorities, including location, tuition net cost, theology curriculum, and extracurricular fit. Families in North Idaho may find Coeur d'Alene options more practical.

How do Idaho Catholic schools compare to public schools?

Idaho Catholic schools typically offer smaller classes, daily religious formation, and stronger college-counseling ratios, but charge tuition and may lack the breadth of public-school athletics and special-education services. Public schools generally have larger course catalogs and no tuition. The right choice depends on your child's needs and your family's budget.

What standardized tests do Idaho Catholic schools use?

Many Idaho Catholic schools administer the SAT or ACT in high school, plus AP exams for college credit. Elementary schools often use MAP Growth or Iowa Assessments for benchmarking. Some campuses have moved to test-optional college counseling. Ask each school which assessments are required versus optional for graduation and admissions.

Do Idaho Catholic schools have strong college placement?

Leading Idaho Catholic high schools report four-year college matriculation rates above 90%, with graduates attending University of Idaho, Boise State, Gonzaga, Notre Dame, and regional publics. Placement strength varies by campus and cohort. Request the last three years of matriculation lists rather than a single year's snapshot.

What is the application deadline for Idaho Catholic schools?

Most Idaho Catholic high schools open applications in the fall and set priority deadlines between December and February for the following academic year. Elementary schools often accept rolling applications but fill popular grades early. Financial-aid deadlines usually fall earlier than admissions deadlines, so file aid paperwork first.

Are Idaho Catholic schools worth the tuition?

For families prioritizing faith formation, small classes, and structured college preparation, Idaho Catholic schools often deliver strong value relative to net cost. The calculus changes if aid is limited or if your child needs services the school cannot provide. Compare net cost against public alternatives and consider outcomes, not just sticker price.

How do I choose between two Idaho Catholic schools?

Compare net cost after aid, daily theology and liturgy requirements, class sizes in your child's grade, teacher turnover, and college-counseling staffing. Visit both on ordinary school days and ask current parents about communication and discipline. Proximity matters more than families expect, given Idaho's winter driving and activity schedules.

Do Idaho Catholic schools require parish membership?

Many diocesan schools offer discounted tuition to registered, contributing parishioners, and some give admissions priority to parish families. Non-parishioner and non-Catholic families can usually still enroll at higher rates. Verification typically requires a pastor's signature or parish envelope records, so confirm requirements before applying.

What extracurriculars do Idaho Catholic schools offer?

Idaho Catholic high schools field competitive teams in football, basketball, soccer, track, and volleyball, plus debate, drama, choir, campus ministry, and service clubs. Smaller enrollments mean more students participate at varsity level, but fewer niche offerings. Ask whether your child's specific sport or activity is sanctioned by the Idaho High School Activities Association.

Sources

• https://www.dioceseofboise.org/schools/
• https://www.bishopkelly.org/
• https://www.cognia.org/
• https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.act.org/
• https://www.idahoed.org/
• https://www.facts.org/

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