Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Catholic College Prep School in Sarasota, FL
Since 1959, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School has served Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties as the region's only Catholic high school. Our institution embraces the whole person by nurturing spiritual growth, cultivating individual talents, and challenging students to pursue academic excellence through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. With a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and 99% college acceptance rate, we combine faith-based education with personalized support to develop servant leaders. Our students annually complete over 30,000 community service hours while maintaining a 100% graduation rate. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, we offer 28 athletic teams, award-winning arts programs, and specialized AP Capstone Diploma opportunities.The school's commitment to Catholic values creates a safe, welcoming environment where students excel academically, spiritually, and socially. Our faculty combines advanced educational credentials with deep industry experience to deliver a curriculum that integrates faith with modern learning. With 60+ years of operational history, we continue expanding our programs while maintaining our founding mission of preparing students to serve and lead in their communities.
Services
College Preparatory Curriculum
Athletics Programs
Arts Education
Spiritual Development
Community Service
Academic Counseling
Advanced Placement Courses
Campus Ministry
Student Leadership
Extracurricular Activities
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- 100% college acceptance rate with $14 million+ in annual scholarships
- 60+ years as the region's only Catholic high school
- 28 athletic teams with recent state championship wins
- AP Capstone Diploma program for advanced academic achievement
- Over 30,000 annual community service hours through required programs
Associations and certifications
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Catholic Educational Association
What people say
Best years of my life
Teachers cared and inspired
Strong sense of community
Faith grew tremendously
Academic excellence
Services
College Preparatory Curriculum
Our college preparatory curriculum combines rigorous academics with faith-based learning. Students access full honors, Advanced Placement, and learning strategies programs, including the AP Capstone Diploma. With a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, our qualified faculty delivers personalized instruction that prepares 100% of graduates for college success while integrating Catholic values throughout all subjects.
Athletics Programs
Cardinal Mooney fields 28 teams across 14 sports, including recent state championship football and volleyball programs. Our athletics department emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence while offering opportunities from freshman to varsity levels. Certified coaches and athletic trainers support student-athletes in balancing academic and athletic commitments through structured practice schedules and academic monitoring programs.
Spiritual Development
Daily prayer, faith integration, liturgies, and student-led retreats create an environment of spiritual growth. Our campus ministry program develops servant leaders through weekly Mass, sacramental preparation, and faith-sharing groups. Students engage in regular reflection activities and service projects that connect classroom learning with Catholic social teachings and community needs.
Community Service
All students participate in mandatory community service programs totaling over 30,000 annual hours. Our service learning initiatives connect classroom curriculum with real-world applications through local partnerships. Students develop empathy and social responsibility while fulfilling graduation requirements through structured service projects and reflection-based learning experiences.
Arts Education
The arts curriculum fosters creativity through musical theatre, music instruction, band programs, visual arts, and digital graphics. Students showcase talents in annual productions and exhibitions while developing technical skills and artistic expression. Our programs emphasize both individual growth and collaborative projects that contribute to school culture and community engagement.
People
Mr. Ben Hopper
Principal
Principal Ben Hopper holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida. With extensive educational leadership experience, he guides Cardinal Mooney's academic vision while maintaining its Catholic identity.
Dr. Matthew Ittig
Assistant Principal for Curriculum
Dr. Matthew Ittig brings a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State University to his role. His expertise in educational leadership from Notre Dame and University of Michigan enhances our academic programs and instructional quality.
Ms. Carol Cassidy
Assistant Principal for Student Life
Ms. Carol Cassidy, with dual master's degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University, oversees student life and campus ministry. Her background in educational leadership and school counseling supports student development and faith-based programming.
Stephanie Bishop
Director of Enrollment Management
Director of Enrollment Stephanie Bishop, a Cardinal Mooney alumna, manages admissions with educational leadership expertise from the University of Tennessee. Her experience ensures prospective families receive comprehensive guidance through the enrollment process.
Questions
Is Cardinal Mooney only for Catholic students?
Cardinal Mooney welcomes students of all faith backgrounds while maintaining its Catholic identity and values.
What college preparatory programs are offered?
We offer full honors, Advanced Placement, and AP Capstone Diploma programs with a 99% college acceptance rate.
How does the school support student athletes?
28 teams across 14 sports with recent state championships, supported by certified coaches and athletic trainers.
What community service requirements exist?
All students complete mandatory service projects totaling over 30,000 annual hours through structured programs.
Are campus tours available?
Private tours are available on most school days by appointment through the admissions office.
What accreditation does the school hold?
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools with memberships in national Catholic education associations.
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