Archbishop Alter High School
General Information
Overview – Archbishop Alter High School
Archbishop Alter High School is a Roman Catholic, coeducational, college-preparatory school located in Kettering, Ohio. Founded in 1962, the school is part of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and named after Archbishop Karl Joseph Alter. It provides a faith-centered educational environment that emphasizes academic excellence, servant leadership, and spiritual growth. With a mission to challenge students to reach their fullest potential in a Christ-centered atmosphere, Alter offers rigorous courses, spiritual formation, and a wide array of extracurricular opportunities. The campus has undergone significant development over the years, adding new science and arts facilities to enrich the student experience. Students benefit from close-knit relationships with faculty, a robust STEM curriculum, strong arts programming, and opportunities for service and leadership. Alter’s holistic approach to education nurtures intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual development, preparing graduates to succeed in college and beyond while contributing positively to their communities.
Contact Informations
Address: 940 East David Road, Kettering, Ohio, 45429
Phone Number: (937) 434-4434
Email Address: admissions@alterhs.org
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1962 |
| Founder / Named After | Archbishop Karl Joseph Alter |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Type | Private, Coeducational, College-Preparatory |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | About 505 students (2023–24 profile) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 11:1 |
| Mascot / Team Name | Knights |
| School Colors | Brown and Gold |
Archbishop Alter High School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| Local / Regional (Dayton Area) | Well-regarded Catholic college-preparatory school |
| State (Ohio) | Known for strong STEM and arts; athletic success in state tournaments |
| National | Not ranked in national university tables, as a private high school; reputation built on academics, faith, and community |
Archbishop Alter High School Academics
Archbishop Alter High School Departments
- Theology / Religious Studies
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies / History
- World Languages
- Fine Arts (Music, Visual Art, Drama)
- Technology / STEM
- Physical Education
- Guidance / Counseling
Archbishop Alter High School Courses and Programs
- College-preparatory core curriculum
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses: Biology, Calculus AB & BC, Chemistry, English Language & Literature, Psychology, U.S. Government, U.S. History (based on the course catalog)
- Honors courses across English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Languages
- STEM-focused curriculum through a Project Lead the Way partnership
- Conservatory of the Arts program for visual and performing arts
- Service-learning and Christian leadership programs
- Dual-enrollment opportunities through a college lab on campus
Online Learning
Archbishop Alter High School primarily emphasizes in-person learning, but integrates digital tools, online resources, and blended instruction to support student learning. While there is no full virtual diploma program, technology is leveraged for assignments, research, and supplemental learning, and students may use laptops to access course materials and communicate with teachers.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score / Mean |
|---|---|
| ACT (Composite) | 23 |
| ACT Math | 22.4 |
| ACT Science | 22.9 |
| ACT English | 22.7 |
| ACT Reading | 23.5 |
| AP Exam Mean Score | ~3.0 (based on 2023 data) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Archbishop Alter High School maintains strong retention due to its close community relationships, faith-centered support, and academic guidance. Graduation requirements include a minimum of 24 credits across theology, English, math, science, social studies, fine arts, technology, and electives. Nearly all students graduate on time and are prepared for higher education, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic rigor and personal development.
Archbishop Alter High School Admissions
GPA Range and Test Range
While Archbishop Alter does not publish a strict minimum GPA for admission, its academic offerings and competitive college-prep curriculum suggest that incoming students should demonstrate strong academic performance in middle school and a readiness for a challenging high school program.
Archbishop Alter High School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed; admission is selective, considering academic, spiritual, and community fit |
Archbishop Alter High School Application Requirements
Applicants to Archbishop Alter High School are evaluated through a holistic process that includes submission of previous school transcripts, recommendations, and possibly a placement test. Families are encouraged to engage in a shadow day experience, attend admissions events, and meet with staff to learn about academics, faith formation, and student life. The school seeks students who will contribute academically, spiritually, and socially to its community.
Application Process
- Submit the application during the admissions window
- Provide middle school transcripts and academic records
- Write or verbally share about faith, service, and future goals
- Attend a shadow day or admissions event to experience campus life
- Complete placement testing, if required
- Receive admissions decision and enroll for the upcoming school year
Archbishop Alter High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date / Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Window Begins | Typically in early fall |
| Shadow Day / Admissions Event | Scheduled before application deadline |
| Application Deadline | Varies by year; check with admissions office |
| Enrollment Confirmation | Conducted after acceptance notification |
Essay Prompt
While there is no uniform essay requirement, applicants may be asked to reflect on their faith journey, personal values, leadership experience, or how they hope to contribute to the Alter community.
Archbishop Alter High School Scholarships
The school offers named scholarships (over 40 available) that recognize both need-based and merit-based achievements in academics, leadership, service, and the arts. These scholarships help families manage tuition costs and reward student excellence.
Archbishop Alter High School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Tuition Category | Cost (2023–24) |
|---|---|
| Parish Rate | $11,075 per year |
| Non-Parish Rate | $12,000 per year |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Students at Archbishop Alter High School come from across the Dayton-Kettering area, and the school serves a diverse geographic community. The typical student is aged between 14 and 18, in grades 9 through 12, and participates in both academic and faith-based formation. While detailed racial breakdowns are not published in all sources, the school values inclusion and expresses a commitment to a diverse community drawn from many zip codes.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Archbishop Alter supports students from a variety of economic backgrounds through its named scholarship programs. The school also provides academic accommodations and differentiated instruction to support students with special learning needs, ensuring they can thrive in its college-preparatory environment.
Student Body
| Metric | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 505 students (2023–24) |
| Faculty Size | Around 45 professional teaching staff |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 11:1 (as of 2023–24) |
University Diversity
Though not a university, Archbishop Alter High School fosters a diverse and inclusive community reflective of its Catholic mission. The student population is drawn from a broad region including over 50 zip codes, contributing to a range of cultural and socioeconomic perspectives on campus. Alter values the dignity of each person and encourages servant leadership, empathy, and cooperation among students. Through its service programs, faith formation, and extracurricular ministries, the school builds a community in which students of many backgrounds come together to support one another and grow in their faith and character. This diversity enriches classroom discussions, encourages cross-cultural understanding, and strengthens the school’s mission of forming compassionate community leaders.
Average Earnings
As a high school, Archbishop Alter does not track post-graduation earnings. However, its rigorous academic curriculum, STEM emphasis, and college-preparatory courses position graduates for competitive college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and successful careers. Many students go on to four-year institutions, carry dual-enrollment credits, and benefit from the strong academic foundation they’ve built at Alter — all of which contribute to long-term professional and financial success.
Archbishop Alter High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Archbishop Alter High School employs a dedicated team of approximately 45 professional educators, many of whom hold advanced degrees. Faculty specialize in a wide range of academic subjects as well as theology and fine arts, and they are supported by administrators, campus ministry leaders, and guidance counselors committed to student growth.
Faculty Profiles
The faculty combines long-term experience with visionary teaching. Teachers are deeply grounded in Catholic values and participate in continuous professional development. Many are involved in leading signature programs such as the Conservatory of the Arts, STEM labs, and retreat ministries. This leadership fosters a collaborative and faith-infused learning environment where students are challenged academically and nurtured spiritually.
Archbishop Alter High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life
Alter’s campus in Kettering features modern academic buildings, dedicated science labs, a Conservatory for the Arts, a prayer chapel, athletic fields, and a fieldhouse with multiple courts. Student life is vibrant, with robust offerings in athletics, theater, visual arts, clubs, faith formation, and service. The school emphasizes community, organizing mission trips, retreats, “God Squads,” and leadership opportunities so students can both serve others and deepen their understanding of their faith.
Transportation
Students access campus through family drop-off, carpooling, and private transportation. The school’s location in Kettering is accessible via local roads, and many families reside within a reasonable commuting distance. While there is no on-campus housing, the transportation system supports daily attendance and ensures students arrive safely and punctually.