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Grades 9-12

High School

A High School Experience with Purpose

Families often ask throughout the admissions season why they should choose a Catholic high school for their child’s education, and in particular, why choose Arlington Catholic. An Arlington Catholic education provides students with the skills to develop into a well-rounded, successful, and confident young adult, fully prepared to meet the challenges today’s world presents.

The high school years are a special experience for each student, so choosing the right school can be a daunting task for families navigating through the many options available across the Greater Boston area. We believe that a Catholic education gives students an advantage for life, for it is within a Catholic high school that students receive an education rooted in faith, values, and character development. At Arlington Catholic, our welcoming family atmosphere allows students to feel at home as part of our special AC Community.

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High School Curriculum

At Arlington Catholic High School, we believe in higher learning. We believe we’re not just preparing students to reach their academic potential, but also to become responsible, caring adults. So along with science, history and math, we teach compassion, honesty and charity. And that takes education to the highest level. Students must take:
  • 4 years of English
  • ​4 years of Theology
  • 4 years of Math
  • 3 years of Science
  • 3 years of Social Studies
  • 2 consecutive years of the same World Language
  • 2 years of Physical Education
  • 1 credit Fine Arts/Humanities
  • Additionally, students must complete required hours of Christian Service throughout their 4 years at AC. 
At Arlington Catholic, students must study for at least two consecutive years in a classical language (Latin) or a world language (French, Italian, or Spanish). Many colleges favor three to four years of language study, so we strongly advise students to exceed this minimum requirement.

The spiral symbolizes Arlington Catholic’s Art Department, representing growth, learning, and the journey from outer consciousness to inner soul. Found in diverse cultures and spiritual contexts, the spiral reflects the arts’ intrinsic value.

Our classes start with foundational principles of design and color theory, progressing to advanced techniques and meaningful self-expression. Students apply their skills in creative problem-solving, communication, and time management across disciplines. Like the infinite spiral, our goal is to inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong passion for creativity.

The infinity symbol reflects AC’s math curriculum goal: to create confident, lifelong learners. The program prepares students for standardized tests, college, and beyond while developing analytical and problem-solving skills applicable across disciplines.

From mastering geometric proofs to tackling complex concepts, students learn “how to learn,” equipping them for careers that demand adaptability and critical thinking. Success depends on their intellectual ability, work ethic, and motivation.

The unbalanced scale symbolizes AC’s hands-on approach to science education. Students develop data collection and analytical skills, learning to question and think critically when results challenge their assumptions. They apply their findings to global issues, exploring the role of science in addressing environmental, resource, medical, and ethical challenges.

The Social Studies Department at AC aims to prepare students for lifelong learning and positive contributions to the world, guided by knowledge and faith.

Students explore global cultures in grades 9-10, gain insights into U.S. history and citizenship in grade 11, and choose senior electives to deepen their understanding of economics, law, and psychology. The department emphasizes critical thinking, discussion, writing, and technology integration, encouraging students to apply their learning through civic engagement and service.

Theology at AC offers a transformative experience, symbolized by the Mobius strip, reflecting the interplay of mind, body, and soul. Rooted in Catholic-Christian teaching, the curriculum challenges minds, nurtures hearts, and inspires spirits.

Students are called to think critically, understand societal issues through theology, value introspection, affirm human dignity, advocate for the marginalized, and live out the values of respect, compassion, justice, and integrity.

The AP Capstone™ program, comprising AP® Seminar and AP Research, builds critical skills like independent thinking, effective writing, research, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning.

Students who score 3 or higher in both courses and four additional AP Exams earn the AP Capstone Diploma™, showcasing their achievement to colleges. Those who score 3 or higher in only the two courses receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.

The English curriculum at AC guides students on a journey of intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual discovery, encouraging active engagement in their education. Through close reading, analysis, discussion, and writing, students explore the power of language to shape ideas, understand diverse perspectives, and develop their own voice. Like a compass guiding travelers, the curriculum equips graduates with the tools to make thoughtful choices and become critical, compassionate thinkers curious about themselves and the world.

Arlington Catholic partners with VHS Learning, a nonprofit offering world-class online courses to students worldwide.

How it Works:

  • Classes average 21 students, fostering interaction with peers and teachers.
  • Weekly assignments, group work, and discussions keep courses paced and structured.
  • Students can access coursework anytime with internet access—no set login times.
  • Classes include group projects and interactive lessons, ensuring every student participates.
  • Credit is granted for successfully completed courses, offering options beyond AC’s curriculum or schedule.

To register, contact your Guidance Counselor during spring course selection.

The world with its flags symbolizes our goal of creating global citizens by building language skills in Italian, French, or Spanish and fostering cultural appreciation.

Courses offered:
Italian: College Prep, Honors, and AP. Upper-level students can take the National Italian Exam and join the Italian Honor Society.

French and Spanish: College Prep, Honors, and AP. Levels 3 and 4 students can take the National French or Spanish Exams and join their respective honor societies.

The World Language Club enhances cultural exploration through trips and celebrations. For Latin courses, fulfilling the language requirement, see the Classics section.

We do STREAM here! Students at Arlington Catholic have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of STREAM courses, in all grades and at a variety of academic levels, college prep through Advanced Placement. Our faith is at the core of all that we do and teach, with critical thinking and problem solving happening each day. Hands-on and experiential learning is integral to our courses, beginning in the ninth grade. Arlington Catholic offers these experiences to all students across the curriculum. AC students do not need to go to Biogen or Genzyme to do biotech labs, we have the major equipment that their labs offer to students. We can and do, the labs they offer schools. There is no need to go elsewhere to learn about PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, and proteomics.
Program of Studies
Where potential becomes purpose

Discover a place where your child can thrive


From their first steps in the classroom to graduation day, students are supported, challenged, and inspired to become the best version of themselves.
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Naughton, Nate

Nathaniel Naughton
AC ’90
Associate Principal for Academics, 6-12, Social Studies Teacher

Nate is a 1990 graduate of Arlington Catholic and has worked at our school since 1995. He has served as a Social Studies teacher, Department Chair, Associate Principal, and now Associate Head of School. He is happy to support our students, faculty, and staff each day and feels truly privileged to have spent his entire career on Medford St.
Barrett, Steve

Steve Barrett
Associate Principal: Operations & Management, 6-12

Steve serves as the Associate Principal of Operations at Arlington Catholic High School, where he is dedicated to supporting students’ growth in faith, academics, and community. He also serves as the Coordinator of International Students.

Upon graduating from Boston College with a BS in Political Science in 1986, Steve began teaching History at Matignon High School, and has been a Catholic educator and administrator in several schools for the past 39 years. He also holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from American International College. Steve joined Arlington Catholic in 2008 as the Dean of Students and served as Director of Admissions for a decade before his appointment to his current role.

Steve and his wife Erin are proud parents of two AC alums- Stephen Class of 2010, and William Class of 2014.

Sullivan, Laurie

Dr. Laurie Sullivan
Associate Principal, K0-8

Dr. Laurie A. Sullivan is a dedicated Catholic school leader with extensive experience as a principal, associate principal, and instructional consultant across PreK–12 settings. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Boston College and has led initiatives in school improvement, faculty mentorship, and faith-based formation. Dr. Sullivan is passionate about advancing academic excellence and nurturing the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit through inclusive, mission-driven leadership.

John Graeffa
Principal/Head of School

John Graceffa has devoted the past fourteen years of his professional life to Saint Agnes School/Arlington Catholic High School, serving in key leadership roles including Dean of Students, Vice Principal, Principal, and most recently, Acting Head of School. A proud graduate of Springfield College, he holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Education.

Before joining the SAS/AC community, Mr. Graceffa spent the early part of his career in public education as a high school history teacher at Waltham High School, where he also coached soccer, basketball, and tennis. He went on to serve as Principal of Waltham High School for 23 years, earning widespread respect for his dedication to student success and academic excellence. In addition, he served for eight years as an elected member of the Waltham School Committee and participated actively in several educational organizations throughout his career.

Reflecting on his transition into Catholic education, Mr. Graceffa shared:

“As my decision to retire from public education came to fruition, I aggressively sought to work in Catholic education for the opportunity to encourage the awareness of God in daily life, embrace the culture of service and giving back to those in need, instill values of caring for each other and empathy for others, develop young leaders, and place an emphasis on moral and character development. I was fortunate to have this opportunity at Saint Agnes School / Arlington Catholic High School. I have embraced the opportunity to have Catholic values interwoven and embedded in the spiritual, academic, social, and physical life of our students and faculty.”

Mr. Graceffa’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the SAS/AC community, where his passion for faith-based education and holistic student development continues to shape the school’s mission and future.

Fr. Marc Bishop

Very Reverend Marc J. Bishop, V.F.
Pastor
St. Camillus Parish and St. Agnes Parish, Arlington, MA

Fr. Marc, a native of Billerica, MA, was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 26, 2001, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston, MA. Father graduated from Austin Preparatory School in the Spring of 1991 and graduated from Seton Hall University in May 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

He entered St. John’s Seminary in the Fall of 1995. After graduating from seminary with a Bachelor of Philosophy and Master of Divinity degrees, he was ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on May 26, 2001. His first assignment was St. Mary Parish (Chelmsford). Fr. Marc happily served there for four and a half years before being called to service in the active-duty military. Fr. Marc, then a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve, was on active duty with First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines from January 2006 to December 2006. He served the religious needs of the Marines and Sailors in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, from March 2006 to October 2006. In February of 2007, Fr. Marc received the Vincent Capadano Reserve Officer Association’s Chaplain of the Year Award. Fr. Marc was also honored by the Massachusetts District, Bishop Healy Province, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus with the Father Joseph T. O’Callahan 2007 Memorial Award, “… for outstanding and significant contributions to the principles of patriotism, brotherly love and love of country…”

Fr. Marc was a member of Team Ministry at Holy Family Parish (Amesbury), from February 15, 2007 to June 30, 2008; he served as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish (Methuen/Lawrence) from July 2008 to June 2010. July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014, Fr. Marc was Pastor of both St. Rita Parish (Lowell) and Ste. Marguerite Parish (Dracut). He served as the Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish (Marlborough) from July 2014 through May 2018. He also served as the Vicar Forane of Vicariate One of the West Region of the Archdiocese of Boston, ending May 31, 2018.

He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic School Foundation. Father Marc enjoys athletics and served as an assistant coach for the Lowell Catholic Varsity Boys Ice Hockey Team for eight seasons, most notably assisting the team to a 2017 Division II State Championship. Fr. Marc is Pastor of St. Camillus Parish (Arlington/Belmont) and St. Agnes Parish (Arlington), appointed by His Eminence Sean P. Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, on June 1, 2018. Fr. Marc is currently the Vicar Forane for Vicariate IV of the North Region.