Faith and Love 

We instill principles central to the teaching of Jesus to inspire a life of virtue and moral integrity rooted in Catholic values. 

We believe that God is love. 

Community 

We foster a feeling of belonging and connectedness through our shared vision, values, and beliefs. We are a community within the building and well beyond, with deeply connected families and alumni. 

Academic Excellence 

We meet all students where they are when they enter, and develop them as leaders, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. We believe in everyone’s potential to make a lasting impact in the world. 

Diversity 

We mirror the wider world through the richness of our racial, spiritual, neurodiverse, and socioeconomic differences. We support and empower students from all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Compassion 

We speak with kindness, listen without judgment, and accept others for who they are. We act in service to others, especially those in need. 

Integrity 

We believe character matters more than anything. 

We adhere to principles rooted in Catholic social teaching in our thoughts, actions, and decisions. 

Student Outcomes

Central Catholic’s Student Outcomes are the educational expectations students will achieve by the time they graduate. The student outcomes set the direction for the school’s academic and co-curricular programs.

Faithful and Just

All members of the Central Catholic community share the responsibility to foster the spiritual growth of the student body. Students have the opportunity to experience God personally and communally. 

The Central Catholic graduate:

• Understands each individual is loved by God and by others.

• Understands Catholic Christianity through the study of and reflection on Tradition and Scripture.

• Has developed a relationship with God through prayer, reflection, liturgy, retreats, and service.

• Understands their personal faith journey and seeks to deepen their understanding of faith to live it actively.

• Can discern and act with a spirit of justice and an informed Christian conscience.

• Understands and lives the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. 

• Serves as an active witness to the Gospel message and participates in Christ’s mission.

Academic Excellence

Central Catholic students develop intellectual skills that exceed the academic requirements for graduation and college admission. 

The Central Catholic graduate:

• Has learned the skills required by each discipline and has successfully completed the academic courses required for graduation.

• Can employ analytical, logical, critical, and creative thinking skills.

• Can communicate concepts effectively in written, oral, and artistic forms.

• Can critically analyze contemporary issues and concepts.

• Respects and appreciates people of all cultures and nationalities.

• Appreciates the value and aesthetics of fine arts as instruments for self-expression. 

• Utilizes technology and resources respectfully and responsibly to access, interpret, evaluate, and present information.

• Has explored post-secondary education options and future careers.

Relational and Responsible

Central Catholic High School has formed its students to reflect the social and moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Students have developed an awareness and acceptance of self and others.

The Central Catholic graduate:

• Loves and respects all people as Christ loves us.

• Uses active listening skills to listen and respond thoughtfully to others with compassion. 

• Expresses self freely and genuinely.

• Demonstrates empathy toward others.

• Is responsible for and appreciative of personal relationships.

• Takes responsibility for sexuality as it relates to loving others.

• Demonstrates compassion for those enduring injustice and surviving in the margins of society.

• Exhibits leadership reflective of Catholic Social Teaching to make ethical decisions, practice stewardship, serve others, and actively work for justice.

Healthy and Balanced

The whole person's well-being is fundamental to effective learning and healthy living. Students have acquired knowledge of health, wellness, safety, and resilience. They understand the importance of respecting and caring for themselves.

The Central Catholic graduate:

• Understands that their whole being deserves respect and reverence. 

• Has become aware that physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being are interdependent.

• Engages in physical and mental health, emotional intelligence, and spiritual development. 

• Understands the benefits of participating in a variety of healthy activities.

• Recognizes their limitations and can achieve a balanced lifestyle by utilizing resources to support health and well-being.

Oregon Public University (OPU) Standards 

To be considered for admission to an Oregon public university, students must show satisfactory completion of at least15 units of specific Subject Requirements (at a grade of C- or better). This must include four units of English, three units of mathematics (including Algebra II or higher), three units of science, three units of social studies, and two units of a second language. 

University of California (UC) and California State University Admissions Requirements 

To meet minimum admissions requirements, students must complete 15 college preparatory courses with a letter grade of C or better. Courses must include: two years of history, four years of English, three years of college preparatory math including Algebra II (a fourth year of math is strongly recommended), two years of a laboratory science, two years of language other than English, one year of a college preparatory elective, one year-long course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following disciplines: dance, drama/theater, music, interdisciplinary arts or visual art or two one semester courses from the same discipline is also acceptable. 

Classes at Central Catholic require students to:

• Work independently without detailed instruction. Students are responsible to ask questions and seek help when they don’t fully understand the material. Students must be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on homework. 

• Develop personal commitment and a strong work ethic. Students must participate in discussion and activities, actively engage in the learning process, and commit themselves to doing their best.

• Value learning. Students must learn from mistakes, cope with ambiguity, and think through complex questions.

• Maintain a positive attitude. Discomfort with new tasks and concepts is normal, but students must be willing to take risks and do their best on work they may not like. Students should strive to see the purpose behind the work.

• Be willing to analyze their work in detail. Students must not limit themselves to the assigned material, but continually strive to learn more by engaging in outside reading, attending lectures, doing additional research, etc.

• Be present in class. Excessive absences, regardless of the reason, seriously detract from a student’s ability to master the course material and experience the fullness of the Central Catholic educational experience.

• Act with integrity. When a student puts their name on homework or an assignment, it means it is the student’s own work.

• Master fundamentals. Students should have mastery of the fundamental skills of the academic discipline before entering Honors and AP classes. 

A student who does not pass a required course must establish a plan before the start of the next school year with the Assistant Principal of Curriculum Design and Instruction (Assistant Principal) to retake the class. The student’s counselor is available to help with this process. Depending on the course/situation, the student may repeat the class at Central Catholic or, with the Assistant Principal’s prior approval, take an approved evening school or summer school class. Online courses may be considered for credit. In the case of credit retrieval, the original “NG” will remain on the transcript, along with the grade from the class that was repeated. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the school with an official transcript of all make-up courses. 

If a student receives a “D” in a class needed for advancement, the class may be repeated at Central Catholic or, with prior approval from the Assistant Principal, the course may be taken from another approved institution. The original class and grade will remain on the transcript. The new class will be noted on the transcript, but will have no impact on GPA or credits. If the student is considering attending an Oregon public university and they have received lower than a C- in a core subject area, they may need to retake the course. Students with pre-approval from the Assistant Principal may retake the course from another approved institution or retake it at Central Catholic High School if the student’s schedule allows. 

An “Incomplete” is awarded when a student has not fulfilled course requirements due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., personal illness). In such cases, the student is expected to complete the requirements within six weeks of the date that the Incomplete was awarded. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher with regard to correcting an Incomplete. An Incomplete that is not corrected within the six-week time span becomes an “NG” unless special arrangements are made with the Assistant Principal and the teacher involved. 

Because each person is unique and has special needs in preparing for college and life, Central Catholic High School provides a variety of curricular options. Each spring, students forecast classes for the coming year. Because staffing and course offerings are based on the numbers generated by this process, students and parents are expected to put serious thought into forecasting. 

Basic Points About Schedule Changes 

Schedule changes are strongly discouraged. They are only considered when unique circumstances arise, so students must choose their courses wisely. In the event students are misplaced, they may request a schedule change. There will be no schedule changes based on teacher preference. 

To complete an approved change, a student must:

• Obtain a signed Schedule Change Form from their counselor

• Obtain the signatures of the teachers involved in the change

• Obtain a parent/guardian’s approval signature

• File the Schedule Change Form with the Assistant Principal of Curriculum Design and Instruction for approval and signature 

A schedule change is not effective until the Assistant Principal and the counselor have approved the request and the student receives confirmation of their new schedule. 

Scheduling Process 

Students are encouraged to talk to teachers and their counselor to gain an understanding of the courses available, their ability to handle the coursework and their standing in relation to graduation requirements. Students and parents should discuss future goals, a balanced and healthy course load, and the classes they think would be most beneficial in meeting these goals. Student worksheets with parent signatures and online forecasting must be turned in by the designated return date. Students who fail to complete their online forecasting will jeopardize their chance to receive their first choice course requests. Counselors will give presentations to each grade level in the spring with detailed instructions. Once forecasting is complete and the schedule has been built, students and parents will be able to view the student’s schedule for the upcoming year on PowerSchool. Students and parents should make sure that the courses selected are appropriate and meet the student’s particular curricular needs. 

If an insufficient number of students forecast for an elective course, the course will be dropped or when classes are full, counselors will look to the alternate courses to complete a student’s schedule. 

Course changes may only occur during the first week of each semester. Level changes supported by the teacher can occur up to four weeks in the first semester. A student’s transcript will reflect one of the following marks:

• If the withdrawal occurs within the first week of the semester, no mark is recorded on the transcript

• If the withdrawal occurs after the first week of the semester, a mark of W (withdrawal) is recorded on the transcript. 

Any changes to a student’s schedule must be due to compelling circumstances. An example of a compelling circumstance would be a medical issue that would necessitate a change to a student’s schedule in the interest of their personal health and well-being. In this example, documentation from the student’s physician would be required prior to adjusting a student’s schedule. 

A change of mind, lack of motivation, failure to obtain in-school or outside tutorial support, unsatisfactory academic performance, desiring an easier second semester schedule, request for a different faculty member, and/or requests for a different class period are not compelling circumstances. 

Seniors: It is imperative that any level changes or dropped classes for an approved elective be communicated with colleges you have been admitted to, or are still in the process of applying to. If this is not done, a college or university may deem an application inaccurate, which could negatively affect the admission process. 

All AP courses follow a college-level curriculum prescribed by the College Board. Since these courses move at an accelerated pace that is demanding and will require additional hours of study, Central Catholic recommends that students consider carefully and limit their enrollment of AP courses to a manageable workload in order to stay balanced and minimize stress. Advanced Placement classes culminate in a national exam given by the College Board. Scores on the exam may qualify students for college credit or advanced course placement as determined by individual colleges. All AP students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam. There is an additional fee for each AP exam. Students will be awarded a greater weighting in their GPA based on the increased expectations of these courses. Sign-ups for exams occur in October. 

What is the difference between an AP and a regular college prep class? 

AP courses are accelerated classes for self-motivated students that teach a greater depth and breadth of material than is covered in the regular college prep classes. Enrichment topics are added. Standards in reading, writing, calculation, and critical thinking are higher. More independent learning takes place. Students should expect more homework in these courses and will be awarded a greater weighting in their GPA based on the increased expectations. 

What should I consider before choosing to forecast for an AP class?

• Do I have a high level of interest in this matter?

• Do I want to explore this content in more depth?

• Am I willing to engage more time, do more work, and strive to meet the higher standards?

• Do I have the time to commit to this class and still meet my obligations to family, church, friends, activities, sports, and work?

• Can I balance the stress this class may cause?

• Is it OK if I don’t earn an “A” in this class?

• What other honors/AP classes am I planning to take? 

Qualities of an AP Student

• Is a self-starter

• Is persistent in learning

• Has a positive attitude

• Has strong time-management skills

• Is curious and investigates ideas at length

• Offers insights and alternative explanations

• Develops unique associations

• Has the desire and ability to work at a higher level

• Is able to work and learn independently

• Pays close attention to detail

• Works well with others to reach a goal

• Accepts responsibility and is accountable for their own actions

• Exhibits creativity 

What is the approval process to take more than three AP/Honors Courses? 

Students looking to take more than three Honors/AP courses concurrently in one semester must request approval from the Appeals Committee. To request approval a student must:

• Write a short explanation of how each Honors/AP course fits into their goals for post high school plans. Additionally, please speak to how you will cope with the increase of academic rigor and time required for these courses and what resources will you rely upon to be successful.

• Complete the Healthy and Balanced Worksheet

• Have parent permission. All of the above materials must be submitted to the Assistant Principal before the close of forecasting via email pmordhorst@ centralcatholichigh.org. 

The Community Service Program develops relational and responsible students, committed to equity and justice. Students intentionally engage the needs of our community and respond with compassionate action in pursuit of change. 

Qualifying Service All Community Service for Central Catholic credit must:

• Be completed in-person with a registered nonprofit organization* whose mission and work aligns with Catholic social teaching.

• Take place outside of school hours.

• Not be affiliated directly or indirectly with any political campaigns or groups.

• Not provide the student any financial gain or fulfillment of other school-affiliated requirements (i.e. Student Council or Rambassador events, National Honor Society service hours, etc.). * Before serving with an unregistered organization, students must seek pre-approval from the Christian Service Office. 

Program Requirements 

• Students will complete a minimum of 80 hours of Christian Service by graduation, not including service specific to the annual Central State of Mind Human Dignity Summit. 

• Students will complete their service hours by the corresponding semester due date(s). Service hours are typically due two weeks prior to the start of semester exams and fall on a Tuesday. Due dates are confirmed and set before the current academic year by the Christian Service Office.

• During the summer recess, students can complete all or part of their Christian Service requirement

  • Students who choose to complete service hours during the summer recess will submit their service hours no later than the third Tuesday of the fall semester for grading and processing.

• Students completing at least 20 service hours above the minimum requirement by graduation will earn Christian Service Honors Recognition.

• Once students complete their required service hours, they are strongly encouraged to volunteer above and beyond what is required of them.

• Extra hours completed in one year do not roll over to satisfy subsequent years’ service requirements. 

Program Sequence

• Students will complete a minimum of seven hours of Christian Service in each of our four Areas of Engagement, over their first two years.

  • Freshman and sophomore students will confirm their completed service experiences by submitting an online Christian Service Report (CSR). CSRs include project details, an adult supervisor’s verification, hour totals, and a written or video reflection (two minute maximum). Accurate and authentic details are expected.

  • Students will complete a unique CSR for each different service experience in a semester and are encouraged to submit their CSRs immediately following the completion of any service experience.

  • All CSRs need to be submitted within one week of the completed service for credit.

  • CSRs are accessed via Canvas (Christian Service course homepage) and the school’s website (Student Life>Christian Service>CSR).

• Students will complete a minimum of three hours of solidarity or awareness-raising in each of their first four semesters.

  • Freshmen and sophomore students will confirm their completed Solidarity and Awareness Raising experiences by submitting an online Solidarity/Awareness Report (SAR). SARs include experience details, hour totals, and a written or video reflection (two minute maximum). Accurate and authentic details are expected.

  • Students will complete a unique SAR for each different solidarity or awareness-raising experience in a semester.

  • All SARs need to be submitted within one week of the completed experience for credit.

  • SARs are accessed via Canvas (Christian Service course homepage). 

• Within students’ junior year and first half of senior year (three semesters), students will complete a 30-hour direct service experience with one nonprofit agency that works with people on constructed margins of society.

  • Students will reflect on their direct-service experiences in a guided journal, submitted to Canvas prior to starting service and incrementally throughout the 30 hours.

  • Students will also verify service with their selected agency via a Service Contract and signed Service Hour Records, also submitted incrementally on Canvas.

• For information on students’ second-semester Senior service work and culminating essay, please see the Theology curriculum.

• Students will complete a service plan for each new semester of service. These plans will be submitted in their Theology class as well as to their Service Canvas page.

• Students will be given assignments in their Theology courses that integrate their service experiences with their Religion curriculum. These assignments will be graded in their Theology courses and be reflected in their semester Religion grade. 

Areas of Engagement 

Houselessness and Hunger

• We intentionally engage people living without shelter and experiencing food scarcity to change their circumstances and restore their dignity as fellow humans. This area is reserved for service addressing housing and hunger needs. 

Health, Education, and Faith Formation

• We intentionally engage people living with unsatisfied physical, cognitive, or spiritual needs to support their desires and accompany them in their development. This area is reserved for service addressing health, education, and faith formation needs.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Liberation

• We intentionally engage people living in unjust and inhumane realities to understand and change the systems of inequity and oppression that unjustly limit their human potential and freedom. This area is reserved for service addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and liberation needs.

Environmental Stewardship

• We intentionally engage our planet to understand its needs and take actions that sustain life in all its unique and varied forms. This area is reserved for service addressing environmental needs. 

Service Grading

• Students will receive a Pass (P) on their Semester Report Card when they meet the Christian Service requirement.

• Late service hour reporting in any semester will disqualify a student from receiving Christian Service Honors recognition at graduation and will be noted in the student’s permanent Christian Service record.

• Students will receive an Incomplete (I) if they fail to meet their semester Christian Service requirement. An Incomplete (I) will remain on the student’s transcript until they meet their semester requirement. The student must complete the past due requirement in order to receive a diploma. 

• Incomplete service will require a student to complete a Service Completion Plan (SCP) in collaboration with the Christian Service Office. If an SCP is not completed within the same week as the semester Christian Service due date, the student will forfeit their eligibility to participate in any school-sponsored, co-curricular activity (i.e., athletics, theater, clubs, etc.) effective the following school day. Participation in these activities will be forfeited until an SCP is completed. 

Service Immersion 

Service Immersion experiences are offered to students each year via community partnerships. Central Catholic does not directly host, plan, or organize our own Service Immersion experiences. 

Credit Status refers to the course designation as either an elective or a required course for graduation. Definitions of the terms used are as follows: 

Requirement: This specific course is needed to graduate from Central Catholic High School. 

Selective: One of several courses that will fulfill a graduation requirement. 

Elective: Course that contributes to the credits necessary for the student to graduate, but is not required for graduation. 

Dual Credit 

Central Catholic, together with Portland Community College (PCC), offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through the PCC Dual Credit program. Courses identified as Dual Credit courses are eligible for college credit and have been matched by content and outcomes to a particular PCC course. 

Although taught in the high school by high school teachers, the course materials, content, and instructional quality are consistent with (or “articulated” with) courses offered by PCC. Students become eligible to receive the credit by completing a registration form for the course and by successfully completing the curriculum as approved by the college. Admissions to PCC and registering for the articulated course are made available through the high school instructor of the articulated course. 

Benefits to students:

• Courses are taught by high school instructors who have been pre-qualified by PCC academic departments and meet faculty hiring requirements.

• Enhanced ability and skills to do college level work.

• Saves money by receiving free college credit.

• Shortens the amount of time required to complete a college degree by developing a college transcript while in high school.

• Provides a smooth transition from high school to college in a non-duplicative program.

• PCC credits are transferable to all Oregon public universities and many other institutions in Oregon and elsewhere. 

OPU (Oregon Public University) 

Courses with this designation will meet core course requirements from Oregon public universities (University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Western Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University, Southern Oregon University and Oregon Institute of Technology). Please check individual websites for further information. 

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) 

To be eligible to compete in NCAA athletics at the Division I or II level, students must meet core course requirements. Courses with this designation will count towards these core requirements. 

Dual Credit Courses Offered at Central Catholic: 

Theology IV A: World Religions • 1140 

English IV • 2142

AP English IV • 2144

Spanish IVB: Short Stories and Film • 6340 

American Sign Language IV • 6530 

Honors Jazz Band • 7230 

Band • 7243 

Electronic Music I • 7244 

Statistics • 4451