School Profile

Roman Catholic, or simply “Roman”, as it is often called, was founded by Thomas E. Cahill, a 19th century Philadelphia merchant. He saw the need to create a school that offered a free Catholic education for boys past their grammar school years. He died before he saw his vision come to life. However, the wishes that he laid out in his will were followed. Roman Catholic opened its doors in 1890 and offered a free education to its students. As the costs of staff and facilities increased over time, tuition free education at the school ended in the 1960s. The first free Diocesan Catholic high school for boys in the nation, Roman Catholic High School continues its tradition of excellence as it strives to offer a comprehensive academic curriculum within a disciplined Catholic environment. Enriched by its cultural, racial, and religious diversity, Roman Catholic provides a community where each young man can learn to appreciate and respect the uniqueness of others, while becoming a man of personal integrity. Roman Catholic High School strives to bring the Gospel values of Jesus Christ to its students, while forming a Catholic community that embodies the Christian spirit of service to all. Mindful of the Church’s constant teaching on the role of the parents as the primary educators of their children, Roman Catholic High School strives to integrate the parents into its educational mission. This partnership creates a structured environment in which young men can develop their God-given talents as they grow toward Christian adulthood. Attracted by the school’s policy of open enrollment that extends to all parts of the Delaware Valley of Pennsylvania, students who attend Roman Catholic High School become part of and contribute to the rich racial and cultural diversity which is a hallmark of the school. Their choice challenges them to become witnesses to the Christian values of brotherhood and charity which they are taught and encouraged to demonstrate in their lives.