Catholic Boarding Schools with the Best Extracurricular Programs

The best Catholic boarding schools in the U.S. offer world-class extracurricular educations that encourage students to grow in ways that supplement their academic development.

Isn’t that great? For many students, extra-curricular activities offer them an opportunity to discover hidden talents and build lifelong friendships with their teammates. Whether your child is an aspiring professional dancer, a varsity athlete, or an emerging student-leader, extra-curricular activities help students build community with one another and contribute to the vibrant, well-rounded, student experience.

In this article, we break down the top 4 extracurricular categories families should look for in their school search and spotlight the best Catholic boarding schools in each.

Athletics

• Georgetown Preparatory School (MD): Georgetown Prep boasts a storied athletics program with multiple championship titles across sports like football, lacrosse, and golf. The Hoyas offer 32 team sports, with different 16 sports, including a water polo club team and have won 61 Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) Championships from 2012-2024.
• Portsmouth Abbey School (RI): Portsmouth Abbey offers a comprehensive athletics program that emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship. With 25 varsity sports and 45 teams to choose from, every student experiences the thrill of competition and wins more than a game. In fact, according to Portsmouth Abbey, their percentage of high school to college athletes is six times the national average.  
• Canterbury School (CT): Canterbury School features a robust athletics program and encourages students to engage in multiple competitive sports while also promoting discipline and teamwork. The school’s goal is to provide students with the broadest, deepest athletic experience possible, whether they are new to it or looking to compete in college.

The Arts

• Santa Catalina School (CA): With professional instructors, state-of-the-art performance and rehearsal facilities, and extensive course offerings, including theater, dance, and music, Santa Catalina students have the opportunity to achieve local and national recognition through performances, exhibitions, and competitions. Students can participate in multiple productions each year, with opportunities to explore various dance styles and musical disciplines. 
• Woodside Priory School (CA): Woodside Priory School provides a dynamic arts program, encouraging students to engage in visual and performing arts. Having opened a state of the art performing arts center in 2007, Priory offers a professional, supportive and trusting environment where students are given skills to unlock their talents and encouraged to stretch themselves.
• Portsmouth Abbey School (RI): Portsmouth Abbey’s vibrant theater program offers students a platform to shine both on stage and behind the scenes. More than 80 students participate annually in multiple productions, providing numerous opportunities for actors and stage crew members alike.

‍STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

• Canterbury School (CT): Canterbury’s Digital Communication, Design, and Innovation program delves into computer science and communication technologies. The curriculum includes programming, robotics, digital animation, photography, audio, and video, preparing students for roles as developers and digital content managers. 
• Woodside Priory School (CA): Woodside Priory offers a robust STEM curriculum with two distinct tracks: software development and design. Students begin with Python programming or introductory computer science courses and have the opportunity to develop strong programming skills in the Java programming language which can then be applied when learning to develop and analyze algorithms.
• Gilmour Academy (OH): Gilmour Academy emphasizes hands-on STEM learning, starting with LEGO Robotics in the fourth grade and progressing to a competitive Upper School robotics team. Their Catalyst program immerses students in specific scientific fields, fostering critical thinking and independent research skills. 

‍Student Leadership and Service

• St. Benedict’s Preparatory School (NJ): St. Benedict’s empowers students to lead core school operations through its student-led Group System. From daily convocation to peer accountability, students take on real leadership roles that build confidence, responsibility, and initiative.
• Santa Catalina School (CA): Santa Catalina integrates community service into student life, offering opportunities like volunteering to serve food to the homeless, tending a community garden, and building friendships with at-risk girls. The school regularly participates in Catholic Relief Services initiatives, raising awareness about poverty and contributing to global causes.  
• Georgetown Preparatory School (MD): Georgetown Prep exemplifies a robust commitment to community service, deeply rooted in its Jesuit mission of forming “Men for and with Others.” Underclassmen engage in direct service with marginalized communities, while seniors complete a minimum of 40 hours of immersive service, often through programs like Habitat for Humanity and international immersion trips.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a boarding school isn’t just about the academics – it’s about finding a community where your child can develop as a whole person. Trust me, as an experienced Catholic school educator, administrator, and student, I can tell you this from personal experience. Finding a school community where your child can thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally – is a gift that keeps on giving, as it opens up doors for them to excel at elite colleges and universities down the line.

As you’re considering your options, we encourage you to check out some of our blog posts on these topics. Here, you’ll find expert-level advice on everything from how to apply to the best college-prep schools in the country to how to prepare for a private school interview. 

Want to chat with one of our advisors? Book a free consultation with us. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your child’s future!