Empowered by Gospel values and rooted in the spirit and tradition of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, The Catholic High School of Baltimore, a sponsored institution of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is dedicated to the education of young women in an environment that fosters Christian attitudes of dignity and respect for the human person and all of creation.
Empowered by Gospel values and rooted in the spirit and tradition of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, The Catholic High School of Baltimore, a sponsored institution of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, is dedicated to the education of young women in an environment that fosters Christian attitudes of dignity and respect for the human person and all of creation.
In our mission, we recognize that through education the empowerment of women can effect the transformation of our society. Therefore, we challenge our school community to academic excellence, to responsible leadership, and to Christian community service.
Rooted in Franciscan Values, The Catholic High School of Baltimore is a leader in providing quality educational programs for young women. The school community challenges its students to excellence through innovative academic programs, responsible leadership, Christian community service, and cutting-edge technology. Highly skilled staff ensures that the young women of The Catholic High School of Baltimore are empowered to live and share the Franciscan Values of reverence, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship.
With the permission of the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore from 1921 to 1947, and through the efforts of Mother Mary Generosa McCafferty, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, a new Catholic high school was erected during the period of 1938 to 1939. The property was known as the Raming Estate, located in northeast Baltimore on the west side of Edison Highway. The name of the institution as presented to the Archbishop read: "The Curley High School of Baltimore." Not wishing the school named after himself, Archbishop Curley substituted the word "Catholic" for "Curley," thus the title was incorporated.
Classes began September 6, 1939, with a student body of 254 freshmen. The faculty consisted of the Sisters of St. Francis of Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania. The Class of 1943 had the responsibility and privilege of laying the foundation upon which Catholic High's traditions would rest.
The Catholic High School of Baltimore continues today under the sponsorship of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.
Starting with the first graduating class in 1943, Catholic High alumnae have continued to let their light shine by going on to become doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, mothers, scientists, artists, executives and entrepreneurs, living all over the country and all over the world. More than 12,000 alumnae call Catholic High home, and those women are diverse and dynamic.
Catholic High is the place where I met friends and mentors who are always there for you. I know I’ll still be a part of this amazing family after graduating.
— Sofia Schisler '25
Graduate Profile
As a result of what she learned and experienced at The Catholic High School of Baltimore, it is expected that every graduate is:
spiritually rooted and therefore
maintains a relationship with God-centered on prayer
lives the gospel at all times, using words when necessary
believes in Christian moral convictions and confidently lives a life consistent with them
respects and celebrates the God-given uniqueness of each person
intellectually equipped and therefore
thinks critically and communicates effectively
displays a curiosity about the world in which she lives
possesses the academic and technological skills to support a lifetime of self-directed learning
utilizes logic, experience, and observation to analyze different ways of thinking
socially responsible and therefore
accepts responsibility and consequences of her actions
collaborates with others toward a common goal
advocates for peace, justice, and reconciliation in the global community
serves all of God's people compassionately, justly, and responsibly
maintains a high standard of integrity and serves as a model to others
