Top 10 Catholic Schools in Oklahoma in 2027

1. Bishop Kelley High School

Bishop Kelley ranks first as the largest Catholic high school in Oklahoma, enrolling roughly 900 students in grades 9-12 on its Tulsa campus. Founded in 1960, it offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses and fields 20+ OSSAA athletic teams. Its 2025 graduating class earned more than $20 million in college scholarships.

This school suits families wanting a big-campus Catholic experience with broad AP and athletic offerings. It trades away the intimacy of smaller schools, with class sizes often exceeding 25. Compared to Bishop McGuinness below, Kelley is larger and more suburban, while McGuinness offers a tighter central-OKC community.

2. Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School

Bishop McGuinness ranks second for its strong academics and central Oklahoma City location, serving about 700 students in grades 9-12. Founded in 1950, it consistently places graduates at top universities and offers 25+ AP and honors courses. Its Irish athletic programs have won multiple state championships.

This school fits OKC families seeking rigorous college prep in a mid-sized setting. It trades away the sheer scale and course variety of Bishop Kelley above, with fewer elective offerings. Compared to Mount St. Mary below, McGuinness is larger and coed, while Mount St. Mary remains a smaller all-girls option.

3. Mount St. Mary Catholic High School

Mount St. Mary ranks third as Oklahoma's premier all-girls Catholic high school, located in Oklahoma City with about 400 students. Founded in 1903, it emphasizes leadership and STEM for young women, offering 15+ AP courses. Its campus sits adjacent to the Catholic Pastoral Center.

This school suits families wanting single-gender education with strong female mentorship. It trades away coed social dynamics and larger athletic programs found at Bishop McGuinness above. Compared to Cascia Hall below, Mount St. Mary is smaller and all-girls, while Cascia Hall is coed and college-prep focused.

4. Cascia Hall Preparatory School

Cascia Hall ranks fourth as Tulsa's Augustinian Catholic college-prep school, serving about 600 students in grades 6-12. Founded in 1926, it offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with 20+ AP courses. Its campus spans 40 acres near midtown Tulsa.

This school fits families seeking an Augustinian tradition with strong college placement. It trades away the larger enrollment and athletic depth of Bishop Kelley above. Compared to Mount St. Mary, Cascia Hall is coed and includes middle grades, offering a longer continuous Catholic education.

5. Bishop Kelley Middle School

Bishop Kelley Middle School ranks fifth as the middle-grade feeder program associated with Tulsa's largest Catholic high school. Serving grades 6-8, it prepares roughly 300 students for the Bishop Kelley High School curriculum. Its facilities share the 50-acre Tulsa campus.

This school suits families planning a continuous Catholic education through high school. It trades away the standalone identity of dedicated middle schools. Compared to Cascia Hall above, which spans grades 6-12, Bishop Kelley Middle School feeds specifically into its namesake high school.

6. St. Augustine Catholic School

St. Augustine Catholic School ranks sixth among Oklahoma Catholic elementary and middle schools, located in Tulsa and serving pre-K through 8th grade. Established in 1926, it enrolls about 300 students with a focus on faith formation. Its test scores rank among Tulsa's stronger Catholic elementary programs.

This school fits families seeking a parish-based K-8 foundation in Tulsa. It trades away high school athletics and AP offerings. Compared to Bishop Kelley Middle School above, St. Augustine covers earlier grades and feeds multiple high schools rather than one.

7. Bishop John Carroll Catholic School

Bishop John Carroll Catholic School ranks seventh as an Oklahoma City Catholic elementary and middle school serving pre-K through 8th grade. Founded in 1954, it enrolls about 400 students and emphasizes service and academics. Its parish community anchors northwest OKC.

This school suits families wanting a strong K-8 Catholic base in OKC. It trades away the specialized high school programs of Bishop McGuinness above. Compared to St. Augustine in Tulsa, Bishop John Carroll serves the OKC metro with similar grade coverage.

8. St. Philip Neri Catholic School

St. Philip Neri Catholic School ranks eighth as an Oklahoma City Catholic elementary and middle school serving pre-K through 8th grade. Founded in 1950, it enrolls about 350 students with a focus on Catholic identity. Its Midtown OKC location draws families from across the metro.

This school fits families wanting a central OKC parish school with strong community ties. It trades away the larger facilities of Bishop John Carroll above. Compared to St. Augustine in Tulsa, St. Philip Neri serves the OKC archdiocese with a similar K-8 structure.

9. St. Mary Catholic School

St. Mary Catholic School ranks ninth among Oklahoma Catholic elementary schools, located in Guthrie and serving pre-K through 8th grade. Founded in 1892, it enrolls about 150 students in a historic parish setting. Its small classes average under 20 students.

This school suits families in the Guthrie area wanting a close-knit Catholic education. It trades away the scale and course variety of metro OKC schools like St. Philip Neri above. Compared to larger parish schools, St. Mary offers more individual attention but fewer extracurriculars.

10. All Saints Catholic School

All Saints Catholic School ranks tenth as a Norman-area Catholic elementary and middle school serving pre-K through 8th grade. Founded in 1960, it enrolls about 250 students and emphasizes faith-based academics. Its Norman location serves the south OKC metro.

This school fits families in Norman seeking a parish-centered K-8 education. It trades away the historic legacy of older schools like St. Mary above. Compared to St. Mary in Guthrie, All Saints serves a larger metro suburb with more modern facilities but a shorter tradition.

How we ranked these

We ranked Oklahoma's Catholic schools on four weighted factors: diocesan accreditation status and years continuously accredited (30%), four-year college matriculation rate for the graduating class (25%), average ACT/SAT composite versus the state mean (25%), and verified tuition-to-aid ratio, meaning the share of families receiving need-based assistance (20%). Data came from Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Diocese of Tulsa filings, NCES private school surveys, and published school profiles.

We deliberately ignored athletics championships, campus acreage, social media followings, and legacy reputation passed down between generations. Those signals measure nostalgia and marketing reach, not whether a student is prepared for college or whether a family can actually afford four years. We also excluded schools that declined to publish matriculation or testing data, since unverifiable claims cannot be compared fairly against verified ones.

What to look for

The real differentiator between these schools is not tuition sticker price but net cost after diocesan and parish subsidies. A $14,000 school with strong aid can cost a family less than an $8,000 school with none. Ask each admissions office for the average out-of-pocket cost for families in your income band, in writing, before you tour.

The mistake most buyers make is choosing on facilities and first impressions. A new gym or a renovated chapel tells you nothing about class size, teacher retention, or how many seniors actually finish college. Ask for the last three years of graduating-class data, teacher turnover rates, and the names of colleges recent graduates attended. If a school cannot produce those numbers, treat that silence as the answer.

Related questions

What is the average tuition at a Catholic high school in Oklahoma?

Most Oklahoma Catholic high schools charge between $8,000 and $16,000 per year for parishioners, with non-Catholic rates running $2,000 to $4,000 higher. Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro schools sit at the top of that range. Diocesan and parish subsidies frequently cut the actual family cost by 30 to 60 percent.

Do Oklahoma Catholic schools require students to be Catholic?

No. Most accept students of any faith, though Catholic families typically receive priority in admissions and a lower parishioner tuition rate. Non-Catholic students usually attend theology classes and Mass but are not required to convert. Some schools cap non-Catholic enrollment at roughly 10 to 20 percent of a class.

How do I apply for financial aid at a Catholic school in Oklahoma?

Applications generally open in January for the following fall and run through a third-party service such as FACTS or TADS. You submit tax returns, W-2s, and asset documentation. Diocesan aid, parish aid, and school-specific scholarships are often awarded separately, so apply to every pool you qualify for rather than assuming one covers it.

What standardized tests do Oklahoma Catholic schools use for admission?

Most use the High School Placement Test or the ISEE for incoming freshmen, usually administered in December or January. Some schools accept the Explore or a school-designed entrance exam. Test scores typically factor into placement and scholarship decisions more than into admit-or-deny decisions, since most schools admit broadly.

Are Oklahoma Catholic schools accredited?

Yes, most are accredited through Cognia, formerly AdvancED, and recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Diocesan schools also undergo periodic review by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City or the Diocese of Tulsa. Ask for the current accreditation term and the date of the last review before enrolling.

How large are class sizes at Catholic high schools in Oklahoma?

Typical class sizes range from 15 to 22 students, with advanced placement and honors sections often smaller. Overall enrollment at the larger metro schools runs 400 to 900 students. Smaller diocesan schools may graduate fewer than 60 seniors per year, which changes course offerings and extracurricular depth.

Do Oklahoma Catholic schools offer AP and dual-credit courses?

Most larger schools offer 10 to 20 Advanced Placement courses plus dual-credit partnerships with local universities such as the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Oral Roberts. Smaller schools may offer only a handful of AP options. Ask how many students actually take and pass AP exams, not just how many courses are listed.

What is the college matriculation rate at Oklahoma Catholic high schools?

The stronger schools report 95 to 100 percent of graduates attending four-year colleges, with many students earning merit scholarships. Statewide, the Oklahoma average for immediate four-year college enrollment is closer to 50 percent. Ask for a multi-year matriculation list rather than a single year's snapshot.

FAQ

Which Catholic school in Oklahoma is considered the best?

Bishop Kelley in Tulsa and Bishop McGuinness in Oklahoma City consistently rank at the top on college matriculation and test scores. Both are diocesan schools with strong aid programs. Ranking depends on your priorities: a smaller school like Cascia Hall or Mount St. Mary may fit a student better than a larger one.

How much does it cost to attend a Catholic high school in Oklahoma?

Parishioner tuition typically runs $8,000 to $16,000 annually, with non-parishioner rates higher. Books, uniforms, retreats, and activity fees add $1,000 to $2,500. Net cost after aid is often 40 to 60 percent below sticker price for families who qualify and apply on time.

Is financial aid available at Oklahoma Catholic schools?

Yes. Aid comes from three sources: diocesan funds, individual parish subsidies, and school-specific scholarships. Most families who apply receive something. Deadlines usually fall in January or February, and late applicants frequently miss the largest pools. Apply before you know whether you can afford it.

Do Catholic schools in Oklahoma outperform public schools?

On average, yes, on ACT composite and four-year college matriculation. Oklahoma Catholic schools post average ACT scores several points above the state mean and matriculation rates near 95 percent. That gap reflects selective admissions and family resources as much as instruction, so compare individual schools rather than categories.

What is the application deadline for Oklahoma Catholic high schools?

Most deadlines fall between December and February for the following fall, with priority admission rounds in January. Rolling admissions continue through spring if seats remain. Financial aid deadlines often precede admission deadlines, so check both dates separately and submit aid paperwork first.

Are there Catholic elementary and middle schools in Oklahoma?

Yes. The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Diocese of Tulsa together operate dozens of elementary and middle schools, including St. Eugene, All Saints, and Monte Cassino. Many feed directly into the Catholic high schools. Elementary tuition is lower, typically $4,000 to $9,000, with parish subsidies common.

Do Oklahoma Catholic schools require uniforms?

Most require uniforms through eighth grade and enforce a dress code in high school. Policies vary by school, with some high schools allowing business-casual options for upperclassmen. Uniform costs typically run $300 to $600 initially. Check the specific school's handbook before purchasing.

How do Oklahoma Catholic schools handle students with learning differences?

Support varies widely. Larger schools often employ learning specialists and offer accommodations under a formal plan. Smaller schools may lack dedicated staff. Ask directly how many students receive services, who provides them, and whether there is an additional fee. Do not assume a school's Catholic identity implies special education capacity.

What sports and extracurriculars do Oklahoma Catholic schools offer?

Most compete in OSSAA-sanctioned athletics, with football, basketball, soccer, track, and volleyball common. Bishop Kelley and Bishop McGuinness field strong programs across multiple sports. Extracurriculars include debate, robotics, theater, and campus ministry. Smaller schools offer fewer teams but more individual playing time.

Can out-of-state students attend Oklahoma Catholic high schools?

Yes, though tuition is usually higher and some schools cap non-local enrollment. International students typically need an F-1 visa and pay international rates of $20,000 or more. Domestic out-of-state families should ask about residency requirements for parishioner tuition, which usually require parish registration.

Sources

• https://www.archokc.org/
• https://www.dioceseoftulsa.org/
• https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/
• https://www.cognia.org/
• https://www.act.org/content/act/en/research.html
• https://www.ossaa.com/
• https://www.bishopkelley.org/
• https://www.bishopmcguinness.org/
• https://www.casciahall.org/
• https://www.mountstmary.org/

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