Frequently Asked Questions

The process for selecting a high school for your child can be overwhelming at times. There is so much information and each high school operates differently. To help you understand our process a little better, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

Q: When should I apply for the incoming 9th grade?

A: Fall of your 8th grade year. Applications are due by January of 8th grade year.

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: No, we do not charge an application fee.

Q: How many students apply every year?

A: Annually, we receive more than 300 applications, for a typical class size of 225.

Q: Does my family need to have an alumni relation to be accepted?

A: No. We offer admittance to all students who meet our admission criteria.

Q: What is the admission criteria?

A: There are two main criteria we focus on for admittance to CDH:
1. Academic potential including attendance history.
2. Overall good-standing behavior and student conduct.

Q: How many students are at CDH?

A: We currently have 905 total students in grades 9-12. Each grade has approximately 225-260 students.

Q: What is the average classroom size?

A: Nineteen (19). Most core classes are between 20 and 25; many of the elective classes are between 15 and 20.

Q: What percentage of students are Catholic?

A: Eighty-four percent (84%)

Q: How many different grade schools does CDH attract students from?

A: More than 110.

Q: If my child has a learning disability or plan, does CDH make any accommodations?

A: Yes. We have an academic learning program called Learning Lab. This program provides assistance to students in need of academic support with homework, test taking, and organizational skills. The program also assists teachers in accommodating each person’s need so as to allow students to achieve to their full ability.

Q: How many course level placements does CDH offer?

A: We offer four levels of course placement. College prep is our standard level placement. Advanced is one step further beyond college prep. Honors is one step further beyond advanced. And, Advanced Placement offers students a college course with the opportunity to earn college credit.

Q: What are the school day hours?

A: School hours are 8:15am - 2:45pm.  CDH is on trimesters.

Q: How many of your students graduate and go on to colleges or universities?

A: One hundred (100%) of our students graduate. Ninety-five percent (95%) go on to post-secondary education, with the remaining five percent choosing military, a gap year, or athletic/work opportunities.