Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Catholic High Schools in Alaska
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Catholic High Schools in Alaska
Direct Answer
Alaska has only a handful of Catholic and Catholic-rooted schools that serve high-school-aged students, so this ranking leads with the state's true Catholic high schools and then includes the Catholic feeder and faith-based schools families realistically consider. The Best Overall Catholic high school in Alaska is Lumen Christi Catholic High School in Anchorage, whose 100% graduation rate, near-universal four-year college matriculation, and small class sizes make it the strongest dedicated Catholic high school in the state.
The Best Value pick is Monroe Catholic High School in Fairbanks, the only Catholic high school in the Diocese of Fairbanks, which delivers Jesuit-rooted college prep and a strong graduation rate at an accessible Interior-Alaska tuition. This list is built for Catholic and faith-seeking families weighing where to enroll across Alaska, with a focus on academics, faith formation, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the schools, the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, the Diocese of Fairbanks, Niche, and Private School Review.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against what Catholic families actually tell admissions offices they care about, drawing on published figures from Niche, Private School Review, GreatSchools, and each school's published profile. The weighting:
- Academic performance and college prep - 25%
- Faith formation and Catholic identity - 20%
- Value, tuition, and aid - 15%
- Teachers and resources - 15%
- Environment and community - 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit - 10%
Because Alaska's Catholic high school options are genuinely few, we are transparent about which schools are full 9-12 Catholic high schools and which are Catholic feeder, K-12, or faith-based schools serving high-school-aged students.
1. Lumen Christi Catholic High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Catholic (Coed, Grades 7-12) | Tuition: Roughly $9,500 | Best for: Anchorage families seeking a dedicated Catholic college-prep high school
Lumen Christi Catholic High School in Anchorage's Sand Lake neighborhood, founded in 1996, enrolls about 130 students in grades 7-12 and is the flagship Catholic high school of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. Lumen Christi posts a 100% graduation rate, an average GPA near 3.45, and average SAT scores around 1180, with roughly 97% of graduates enrolling in four-year colleges.
Its student-teacher ratio near 13:1 supports small, faith-integrated classes, and the school welcomes students of all denominations while maintaining a clear Catholic identity.
Pros:
- 100% graduation rate with ~97% four-year college enrollment
- Small, faith-integrated classes (ratio near 13:1)
- Dedicated Catholic college-prep high school
- Open to students of all denominations
Cons:
- Small enrollment limits athletic and elective breadth
- Anchorage location only
Verdict: Lumen Christi wins on balance - the strongest dedicated Catholic high school in Alaska.
2. Monroe Catholic High School
Type: Catholic (Coed, Grades 9-12, Jesuit-rooted) | Tuition: Roughly $8,000 | Best for: Fairbanks and Interior families seeking accessible Catholic college prep 💎 BEST VALUE
Monroe Catholic High School in Fairbanks, founded in 1955 and part of the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, is the only Catholic high school in the Diocese of Fairbanks. Guided by Jesuit values, Monroe serves grades 9-12 with a strong graduation rate near 95%+, solid college matriculation, and a tight-knit Interior-Alaska community.
Paired with Immaculate Conception Grade School, it anchors a PreK-12 Catholic pipeline. Its accessible tuition and need-based aid make it the value leader for Interior families.
Pros:
- Only Catholic high school in the Diocese of Fairbanks
- Jesuit-rooted college-prep formation
- Accessible tuition with need-based aid
- Part of a PreK-12 Catholic pipeline
Cons:
- Interior-Alaska location is remote for many families
- Smaller school with limited elective breadth
Verdict: The value champion - accessible Jesuit-rooted Catholic college prep for Interior Alaska.
3. Holy Rosary Academy
Type: Catholic (Classical, Coed, K-12) | Tuition: Roughly $8,500 | Best for: Anchorage families seeking a classical Catholic K-12 education
Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage, founded in 1987, is an independent classical Roman Catholic school serving grades K-12. Holy Rosary integrates a classical liberal-arts curriculum with strong Catholic identity, emphasizing Latin, logic, and the great books alongside college preparation.
Its small upper-school cohorts support close mentoring and a deeply formed Catholic community. The school is a strong alternative for families who want a classical model rather than a conventional college-prep track.
Pros:
- Classical Catholic K-12 curriculum
- Strong Catholic identity and faith formation
- Small, close-knit upper-school cohorts
- Distinctive great-books and Latin emphasis
Cons:
- Classical model is a specific fit
- Small high-school enrollment
Verdict: The classical choice - a great-books Catholic education for families who want that model.
4. Immaculate Conception Grade School (Catholic Schools of Fairbanks feeder)
Type: Catholic (Coed, PreK-8 Feeder) | Tuition: Roughly $7,500 | Best for: Fairbanks families building toward Monroe Catholic High School
Immaculate Conception Grade School in Fairbanks is the PreK-8 partner within the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, feeding directly into Monroe Catholic High School. While not a high school itself, it is the essential on-ramp for Interior families who want a continuous PreK-12 Catholic education.
The school shares Monroe's Jesuit values, strong academics, and tight community, and is included here because the feeder choice is part of the high-school decision for Fairbanks Catholic families.
Pros:
- Direct feeder to Monroe Catholic High School
- Shared Jesuit values and strong academics
- Continuous PreK-12 Catholic pipeline
- Tight-knit Interior-Alaska community
Cons:
- PreK-8 only, not a standalone high school
- Interior-Alaska location
Verdict: The Fairbanks on-ramp - the feeder that completes a PreK-12 Catholic path to Monroe.
5. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School
Type: Catholic (Coed, PreK-8 Feeder) | Tuition: Roughly $7,000 | Best for: Anchorage families building toward Lumen Christi
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Anchorage is a Catholic PreK-8 parish school that prepares students for Catholic high school, including Lumen Christi. With strong Catholic identity, solid academics, and a supportive parish community, it serves as a key feeder for Anchorage families who want continuous faith-based education.
It is included here as part of the realistic Catholic high-school decision pathway in Anchorage.
Pros:
- Strong feeder to Anchorage Catholic high schools
- Solid academics and Catholic identity
- Supportive parish community
- Continuous faith-based pathway
Cons:
- PreK-8 only, not a standalone high school
- Limited to the Anchorage area
Verdict: An Anchorage feeder - a strong PreK-8 on-ramp toward Lumen Christi.
6. Anchorage Christian Schools
Type: Private Christian (Coed, PreK-12) | Tuition: Roughly $9,000 | Best for: Anchorage families open to a broader Christian high school
Anchorage Christian Schools (ACS) is a PreK-12 private Christian school in Anchorage with a full high-school program. While non-denominational Christian rather than Catholic, it is a realistic faith-based alternative for families who cannot access a Catholic high school seat.
ACS offers college-prep academics, athletics, and a strong faith community across grades K-12, with a complete 9-12 program that Catholic-leaning families sometimes consider.
Pros:
- Full PreK-12 with a complete high-school program
- College-prep academics and athletics
- Established Christian faith community
- Realistic faith-based alternative in Anchorage
Cons:
- Non-denominational Christian, not Catholic
- Faith formation differs from Catholic catechesis
Verdict: A faith-based alternative - a full Christian high school for families without a Catholic seat.
7. Grace Christian School
Type: Private Christian (Coed, K-12) | Tuition: Roughly $9,500 | Best for: Anchorage families wanting a college-prep Christian high school
Grace Christian School in Anchorage is a K-12 private Christian school with a strong college-prep high school and competitive athletics. Like ACS, it is non-denominational Christian rather than Catholic, but it is a well-regarded faith-based option in the Anchorage market.
Families who prioritize a structured Christian environment and four-year college outcomes over specifically Catholic catechesis often weigh Grace alongside Lumen Christi.
Pros:
- Strong college-prep Christian high school
- Competitive athletics program
- Established K-12 faith community
- Well-regarded Anchorage option
Cons:
- Non-denominational Christian, not Catholic
- Catholic sacramental formation not offered
Verdict: A college-prep Christian option - a strong faith-based choice outside the Catholic system.
8. St. Mary's School (Kodiak)
Type: Catholic (Coed, PreK-8 Feeder) | Tuition: Roughly $6,500 | Best for: Kodiak-area Catholic families seeking faith-based elementary education
St. Mary's School in Kodiak is a Catholic PreK-8 parish school serving one of Alaska's coastal communities. While it is not a high school, it is the primary Catholic education option for Kodiak families and a feeder toward Catholic or faith-based high school choices, often via relocation or distance options.
It is included to map the realistic Catholic education pathway outside Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Pros:
- Primary Catholic school in the Kodiak area
- Strong Catholic identity and community
- Accessible coastal-Alaska tuition
- Feeder toward Catholic high school pathways
Cons:
- PreK-8 only, not a high school
- Remote coastal location limits high-school continuity
Verdict: A coastal Catholic anchor - the Kodiak-area on-ramp to faith-based education.
9. Holy Family Cathedral School (Anchorage)
Type: Catholic (Coed, PreK-8 Feeder) | Tuition: Roughly $7,000 | Best for: Downtown Anchorage families seeking a parish Catholic education
Holy Family Cathedral School in downtown Anchorage is a Catholic PreK-8 parish school tied to the cathedral parish of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. With a strong Catholic identity and central location, it serves downtown families and feeds toward Lumen Christi for high school.
It is included as part of the realistic Anchorage Catholic education pathway for families planning a continuous faith-based route.
Pros:
- Cathedral-parish Catholic identity
- Central downtown Anchorage location
- Feeder toward Lumen Christi
- Strong parish community
Cons:
- PreK-8 only, not a high school
- Smaller school footprint
Verdict: A downtown Catholic feeder - a parish on-ramp toward Anchorage Catholic high school.
10. Juneau-area Catholic education (St. Paul / parish options)
Type: Catholic (Coed, Parish-Based, Elementary Feeder) | Tuition: Varies | Best for: Southeast Alaska Catholic families mapping faith-based options
Catholic parish education in Juneau and Southeast Alaska, historically anchored by parish schools and faith-formation programs, rounds out the realistic statewide Catholic pathway. Southeast Alaska does not currently have a dedicated Catholic high school, so families there typically combine parish faith formation with public or other private high schools, or look to Anchorage and Fairbanks Catholic high schools via relocation or boarding.
This entry maps the honest options for the region rather than overstating a high-school presence.
Pros:
- Parish-based Catholic faith formation in Southeast Alaska
- Community-rooted catechesis
- Pathway awareness for relocating families
- Honest mapping of regional options
Cons:
- No dedicated Catholic high school in Southeast Alaska
- Families must combine options or relocate
Verdict: The honest Southeast option - parish formation plus a route toward Anchorage or Fairbanks high schools.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Catholic High School in Alaska
- True high school vs. Feeder - Alaska has only a few full 9-12 Catholic high schools (Lumen Christi and Monroe Catholic); confirm whether a school is a high school or a PreK-8 feeder before planning.
- Diocese and region - The Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau and the Diocese of Fairbanks anchor different regions; your location largely determines your realistic options.
- Catholic identity and sacramental life - If specifically Catholic formation matters, prioritize Catholic schools over non-denominational Christian alternatives like ACS or Grace.
- Tuition and aid - Alaska Catholic tuition is moderate by national standards; ask about need-based aid, which most schools offer.
- Continuity - Families who want PreK-12 continuity should plan the feeder-to-high-school path (for example, Immaculate Conception into Monroe).
- Program fit - A classical model (Holy Rosary), a conventional college-prep track (Lumen Christi), or a Jesuit-rooted school (Monroe) each serves different students.
What matters less than marketing implies: a single test-score average or a building's age. In a state with few Catholic high schools, region, faith fit, and continuity drive the decision far more than a ranking number.
FAQ
How many true Catholic high schools are in Alaska? There are essentially two dedicated Catholic high schools: Lumen Christi Catholic High School in Anchorage and Monroe Catholic High School in Fairbanks, plus the classical Catholic Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage that serves K-12.
Which is the best overall Catholic high school in Alaska? Lumen Christi Catholic High School in Anchorage earns the top spot for its 100% graduation rate, roughly 97% four-year college enrollment, and small, faith-integrated classes.
What is the best value Catholic high school in Alaska? Monroe Catholic High School in Fairbanks is our best value - it offers Jesuit-rooted college prep and a strong graduation rate at an accessible Interior-Alaska tuition with need-based aid.
Is there a Catholic high school in Juneau or Southeast Alaska? No - Southeast Alaska does not currently have a dedicated Catholic high school. Families there typically combine parish faith formation with other schools or look to Anchorage and Fairbanks Catholic high schools.
Are Alaska Catholic schools open to non-Catholic students? Yes - schools like Lumen Christi welcome students of all denominations while maintaining a clear Catholic identity and faith-formation program.
What if I cannot access a Catholic high school seat in Alaska? Families sometimes consider non-denominational Christian high schools such as Anchorage Christian Schools or Grace Christian School, which offer faith-based college prep but not Catholic sacramental formation.
Bottom Line
For Alaska Catholic families, Lumen Christi Catholic High School is our Best Overall pick - a dedicated Anchorage Catholic high school with a 100% graduation rate and strong college outcomes. Monroe Catholic High School in Fairbanks is our Best Value, delivering Jesuit-rooted college prep at an accessible Interior tuition.
Because Alaska genuinely has only a few Catholic high schools, your region and faith priorities matter most: use the decision tree above to map the right Catholic high school, classical option, feeder, or faith-based alternative for your family. Choose on fit, continuity, and Catholic identity - not a single ranking number - and your student will be well served.
Sources
- Private School Review - Best Catholic Private High Schools in Alaska
- Niche - Lumen Christi Catholic High School, Anchorage
- Lumen Christi Catholic High School - official site
- Catholic Schools of Fairbanks - Monroe Catholic and Immaculate Conception
- Wikipedia - Monroe Catholic High School, Fairbanks
- Wikipedia - Holy Rosary Academy (Alaska))
- Jesuits West - Catholic Schools of Fairbanks ministry
- Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau - Catholic schools
*Catholic high schools in Alaska review - best Catholic high schools Alaska, rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top faith-based picks for families.*