FAQs

The mission of the school is to further the spiritual growth and development of high school students in the Roman Catholic tradition in an environment where prayer and devotion to God can be freely expressed and students can reach their full human potential. John Paul II Catholic High School immerses young adults in a Catholic college preparatory high school community where scholarship is highly valued, faith is lived concretely, and the moral life is honored.

A deeper illustration of our school’s successful lifestyle of learning approach and the values that define it can be found on our Missions and Curriculum pages.

JPII is a regional diocesan high school and attracts students from across eastern North Carolina from Farmville, Havelock, New Bern, Vanceboro, and Washington. Our inclusive atmosphere, accessibility, and emphasis on exploration makes us a true representation of our region’s diversity.

There are more than 250 students enrolled at JPII in the 2024-2025 school year with around 60 in each grade. We eventually aspire to have 100 students per grade.

JPII includes and exceeds North Carolina high school academic standards. Not only do we conduct academic rigor in this classroom, but as an alternative to public school we provide a lifestyle of learning that extends to student life, athletics, and spiritual life. JPII prides itself on the education of each aspect of the student, of the mind, body, and spirit. This is an effective practice of college preparation that cannot be found solely in a traditional classroom setting, and provides a multi-faceted college preparation experience. We also offer unique collegiate preparation courses that teach effective academic skills, like study habits, writing, researching, and presentation. Our curriculum is designed for students to attain acceptance and achieve success at the college of his/her choice.

Theology classes are taught each of the four (4) years at JPII. In addition, weekly Mass service is celebrated together as a school. We seek to live the liturgical calendar. JPII is an inclusive environment that prides itself as a diverse representation of its region. Students of all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome at JPII, and may participate in confession and weekly Mass. Our theology courses study a multitude of worldwide religions and their beliefs in order for the student to explore and strengthen their own perspective of faith.

A cost-based tuition fee schedule is used to fund day to day school operations.  This is supplemented by an energetic fundraising program.

Currently, tuition is $11,300/year with additional annual student fee of $1,200. Complete details can be found on the Tuition/Fees/Aid page.

To help reduce a family’s financial responsibility, we encourage applying for the NC Opportunity Scholarship. We also offer a financial aid program for families who demonstrate financial need by submitting a FACTS Grant & Aid application.

Within the limits of our funding, we try to make a Catholic high school education available to all who desire this opportunity. Financing options are also available from Your Tuition Solution.

Students enrolled at JPII have the guidance of Dr. Tara Parker, a specially-trained college admissions consultant from Premier College Prep Consulting, LLC, to help them plan and prepare for college admissions. Assistance is provided in the areas of:

• course selection
• standardized testing
• building a student résumé
• interview preparation
• building a college list
• essay development and revision
• scholarships
• college visits
• financial aid
• final college selection
• transition to college
• selecting extracurriculars and summer activities

Additionally, students have access to ACT test prep and participate in the following standardized testing:

• freshmen: PreACT 8/9
• sophomores: PreACT
• juniors: ACT

Yes. Academic and college counseling services are offered. Individual faculty advising begins in the 9th grade. Each student receives personalized guidance through high school in order to explore their opportunities and attend the college of their choice.

Electives are determined by student demand. Some current electives include:

• 21st century skills
• advanced PE
• anatomy and physiology
• art
• business and entrepreneurship
• ceramics
• environmental science
• music
• performing arts
• photography
• political theory
• sculpting and welding
• STEM
• weight training
• woodworking

JPII currently fields teams in:

• baseball (B)
• basketball (B&G)
• cheerleading (B&G)
• cross country (B&G)
• football (B)
• golf (B&G)
• lacrosse (B&G)
• soccer (B&G)
• softball (G)
• swimming (B&G)
• tennis (B&G)
• track & field (B&G)
• volleyball (G)
• wrestling (B)

Our student-athletes practice and compete at a sports complex that includes:

• a 600-seat gymnasium
• baseball field
• softball field
• a 900-seat turf-field stadium for football, lacrosse, and soccer
• field house with indoor and outdoor batting cages and weight room
• beach volleyball courts

All students are encouraged to participate in one or more sports programs.