Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, AR
Founded in 1930, Catholic High School for Boys has dedicated itself to providing a Catholic college-preparatory education for young men in Little Rock, Arkansas. Our mission centers on teaching as Jesus did, integrating faith, integrity, and duty into both academic and personal development. We challenge students academically while fostering spiritual growth, ensuring they are equipped to thrive as leaders in their communities. Our unique culture emphasizes earned achievement, rigorous academics, and strict discipline, creating a brotherhood rooted in shared experiences like all-school Masses, athletic events, and traditions. With over 9,000 alumni worldwide, we maintain affordability to serve a diverse socio-economic population. Our faculty, many of whom are recognized leaders in education, guide students through a curriculum designed to prepare them for college and life beyond.Extracurricular opportunities span 10 sports, 17 clubs, and programs like JROTC, fostering holistic development. Accredited by the Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association, we uphold a legacy of excellence grounded in Catholic values. Our graduates consistently achieve a 94% college acceptance rate, with 23% attending out-of-state institutions. Through structured study halls, college counseling, and faith-based guidance, we ensure students receive personalized support. Our commitment to inclusivity welcomes families from all faiths and backgrounds, reflecting our belief in diverse perspectives. As stewards of this tradition, we prepare young men not just for academic success, but for lives of purpose and service.
Services
College Prep
Catholic Education
Brotherhood Programs
JROTC
Athletics
Summer School
Academic Support
Structured Study Hall
College Counseling
ROTC Program
Details
- Year established: 1930
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1930, we offer nearly a century of expertise in Catholic education for boys.
- Our college-preparatory curriculum ensures 94% college acceptance rates with personalized guidance.
- A unique brotherhood culture fosters lifelong bonds through shared academic and extracurricular challenges.
- Accredited by the Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association, ensuring academic excellence.
- Diverse programs include 10 sports, 17 clubs, and JROTC to develop well-rounded leaders.
Associations and certifications
- Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association, Inc.
Services
College Prep
Our college-preparatory curriculum challenges students academically while integrating faith-based values. With a 94% college acceptance rate, we provide personalized counseling, AP courses, and structured study halls to ensure students excel in higher education. Faculty emphasize critical thinking, writing, and STEM subjects, preparing graduates for competitive universities.
JROTC Program
The JROTC program develops leadership, discipline, and teamwork through military science education. Students engage in physical training, community service, and leadership roles, fostering character and responsibility. The program emphasizes citizenship, academic excellence, and lifelong skills for personal and professional success.
Athletics
We offer 10 varsity sports, including football, basketball, and baseball, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Competitive programs like the 2008 state-champion basketball team build school pride and resilience. Coaches prioritize skill development, ethical conduct, and community engagement through athletic excellence.
Summer School
Summer programs provide credit recovery, advanced coursework, and skill-building in core subjects. Structured sessions help students stay academically engaged, with options for ACT preparation, driver's education, and enrichment activities to support continuous learning and growth.
Structured Study Hall
Daily structured study halls offer supervised environments for homework completion and academic reinforcement. Certified teachers provide individualized assistance in core subjects, ensuring students master material and develop effective study habits. This program supports academic accountability and peer collaboration.
People
Steve Straessle
Head of School
A 1988 graduate of Catholic High, Steve Straessle has taught since 1992 and served as principal since 2005. He earned degrees from the University of Arkansas and St. Johns University, and has received multiple educational awards.
Matt Dempsey
Principal
Matt Dempsey, a 1996 graduate, joined the faculty in 2010 after legal and educational roles. He holds degrees in computer science, law, and teaching, and has led curriculum development and college counseling since 2023.
Father Fred
Rector
Monsignor Lawrence Frederick, known as Father Fred, has taught physics and religion at Catholic High since 1966. He holds advanced degrees in science and theology and has served as Rector since 2001.
Dr. Jennifer Gilley
Chair of Science Department
Dr. Jennifer Gilley, with a Ph.D. in Genetics, leads the science department. She brings 10 years of collegiate teaching experience and specializes in biology, anatomy, and marine biology club leadership.
Rodney Quillen
Mental Health Clinician
Licensed social worker Rodney Quillen joined in 2023, offering counseling services. A veteran with expertise in behavioral health, he provides clinical support and crisis intervention for students.
Questions
What grades does Catholic High School for Boys serve?
Catholic High serves grades 9 through 12, providing a college-preparatory education for young men.
Is financial aid available for students?
Yes, we offer tuition assistance and financial aid programs to ensure accessibility for qualified students.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
We provide 10 varsity sports, 17 clubs, JROTC, and programs like broadcast journalism and drama.
Is Catholic High only for Catholic students?
No, we welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive, values-based community.
What college readiness support is available?
Our college counseling office offers ACT prep, application guidance, and personalized advising for all students.
How does the brotherhood culture benefit students?
The brotherhood fosters lifelong friendships, accountability, and leadership through shared academic and extracurricular challenges.
Videos
