Catholic Central High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Troy, New York. It is located within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.

Background

Catholic Central High School is a coeducational, college preparatory school, which, while grounded in tradition, prepares its students for their future. The school promotes academic achievement within the context of Catholic/Christian values. Through its program of Character/Peace Education, Catholic Central High School supports the development of the whole person and the unique gifts of the individual, and the formation of caring relationships, all based on the example of Jesus.
Catholic Central High School was founded in September, 1923 by His Excellency, our most Reverend Bishop Edmund F. Gibbons, D.D., at the request of the Pastors from the parishes in Troy, Watervliet and Green Island. The school was located on Eighth Street in Troy before moving to its present location at 116th Street and Seventh Avenue in North Troy. The original Catholic Central High School has now become part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The first principal was the Reverend Father Burns, A.M. The student body numbered 525 students. The first class graduated in June, 1924 and numbered thirty-two. When the doors reopened in September, 1924, there were 1,046 students registered in the high school.

In 1953, Catholic Central purchased the Cluett & Peabody building. It was used for experimental purposes in the field of textile research. What once existed as a miniature textile mill, would soon house the new Catholic Central High School. The house of science was becoming the house of learning.

Beginning September, 1954, Catholic Central High School was relocated to its present day campus in North Troy. In 1957, where once lay a vacant lot, soon became the Monsignor Burns Gymnasium. The basketball team no longer had to play its “home” games “away”. Today, the gymnasium houses not only the gym but cafeteria, stage for dramatic productions, a 3,500 square foot weight room and band room.

Catholic Central High School educates students in grades 7-12 and offers a college preparatory/Regents curriculum along with the University at the High School program under the direction of The State University of New York at Albany. Advanced Placement courses are also offered in several disciplines.

Christopher Merriwhether Bott, the most recent principle of the institution has brought about many positive changes to the school atmosphere, including a new practice field, more coaching staff, and upgrades to the building infrastructure. Frequently walking around the school, Bott makes constructive criticism of teachers while they are in class teaching, stirring much controversy as many students complain has made them feel awkward.

Catholic Values

A climate where theological and gospel principles are articulatedAn atmosphere where respect and concern for persons are stressedA center for shared faith and experience lived out in serviceAn environment where moral development and personal decision making are enhancedAn experience open to students of all denominations

Transportation/Information

Located in Troy, New York at 116th Street and 7th Avenue, central to the Capital District and servicing students from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties

Easily accessible via # 787, Alt. # 7, # 4, # 40 and/or # 32

Busing is provided by the resident public school district for families within a fifteen mile radius. Buses come from vicinities in Clifton Park, Niskayuna, Colonie, North Greenbush, Brunswick , Averill Park and Hoosick Falls.

Middle School tuition is $4,550 and High School tuition is $5,350 for the 2007-08 school year. Tuition payment plans are available.

Tuition assistance available, including a summer work study program

Quality and Excellence

Largest coeducational Catholic secondary school in the New York dioceses of Albany existing for over 83 years with approximately 500 students in grades 7 through 12.

Small enough to provide individual attention for each student: average class size 16-18.

Fully accredited curriculum in accordance with NYS Education Department and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Many challenging levels of learning: Regents level courses, Honors level courses, University at the High School through the State University of New York at Albany, and Advanced Placement courses.

Professional, warm, friendly teachers eager to help students develop their individual giftedness.

Approximately 97% of the students graduate with a New York State Regents diploma.

Approximately 70% of the graduates receive a scholarship and/or grant.

SAT scores above the state and national average.

Approximately 98% of the graduates go on to pursue higher education, well prepared for success at the college level.

Famous Alumni

Maureen Stapleton - Academy Award-winning American actress in film, theater and television, who also won an Emmy Award, two Tony Awards and was elected to the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

Athletic Programs

A strong program for boys and girls; including: baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, indoor track, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

Under the leadership of star quarterback Pat Janssen, the Crusaders went for a record of 5 - 2 for the 2009-2010 season. Janssen passed for over 200 yards, and ran for another 300 often keeping the ball while running a triple-option offense. Janssen also shines on the defensive side of the football. "I play free safety too" said Janssen.

CCHS participates in the prestigious Big Ten Conference.

Modified participation in the High School sports program for Middle School students.

External links

• School Website

Notes and references