Central To ACADEMICS
Andrea Biederman
Assistant Principal, Dean of Academics
Head of Intervention
(419) 255-2280 - x1170
abiederman@centralcatholic.org
Curriculum
Central Catholic offers 3 curriculum options in order to effectively serve the needs of our students. All students must meet the State of Ohio and Central Catholic graduation requirements, and the resulting diploma depends on which curriculum option the student follows.
College Prep Plus - requires an intensive course of study to prepare the student for acceptance into college programs
Honors College Prep - requires the most demanding courses in order to challenge highly motivated students and is designed to assist the student in securing acceptance into selective universities
College Prep - requires coursework in an approved course of study in order to earn a diploma, which meets the state standards
CCHS provides a comprehensive, college preparatory curriculum designed to challenge students academically while supporting their individual growth and interests. Class offerings include College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) levels of study, allowing each student to learn at a pace and depth that matches their abilities and goals. Honors and AP courses are available in nearly every subject area — including theology, music, and art — giving students the opportunity to explore their strengths and passions across disciplines.
In addition to required courses in Theology, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, and Fine Arts, students have the freedom to choose from a wide range of elective courses. These electives not only fulfill diploma requirements but also allow students to explore areas of personal interest, develop new skills, and gain valuable insights into potential college majors or career paths. Through this flexibility, students experience a more engaging and well-rounded education that connects classroom learning with real-world application.
Central Catholic’s elective options are as diverse as the students themselves. Examples include Creative Writing, Drama, Forensic Science, Zoology, Weightlifting & Nutrition, Robotics, Broadcasting, Beginning Guitar, Dance, Graphic Design, and 3D Modeling & Animation. Whether a student is interested in the arts, sciences, technology, or personal wellness, these courses provide opportunities to grow creatively, think critically, and discover new passions.
At Central Catholic, we believe education extends far beyond textbooks — it’s about inspiring curiosity, encouraging exploration, and preparing students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.
Summer Success Classes
Freshman Success
Our Freshman Success program has prepared Irish students for success for the past 10+ years. CCHS takes great pride in building bridges for students from the minute they begin their high school career. This program is a tool that provides insight into: grades, time management, test prep, goal setting, student involvement, and many other topics that freshman will encounter when entering high school. Taught by teachers and current students, Freshman Success allows students to truly understand what it means to be a part of the Irish community, while also having the opportunity to meet their teachers and fellow classmates!
The cost is $20 per student for the entire session and will run from 9 a.m.-Noon each day. Please note, freshmen MUST attend 1 of the 2 sessions.
Freshman Success - Session 1: June 16-19 (9 a.m.-Noon)
OR
Freshman Success - Session 2: July 14-17 (9 a.m.-Noon)
Both sessions will be held at Central Catholic High School. Questions about Freshman Success should be directed to: Academic Administrator Angie Bihn at abihn@centralcatholic.org or by calling (419) 255-2280.
Post-Grad Game Plan
Our Post-Grad Game Plan will be done on a more personalized basis this summer, with opportunities for students to sign up, during core classes this spring, for individual and small group sessions. Information about available time blocks and details for this process will be shared between March and June with students and families. Students may reach out to College & Career Advisor Simone Green (sgreen@centralcatholic.org) or Academic Administrator Angie Bihn (abihn@centralcatholic.org) for more information on this personalized plan. Families are encouraged to use the summer to explore post-grad options, and please note we are here to assist with that.
ACT Booster
Our ACT Booster program is offered to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The cost to attend this 4-day program is $20, and it is open to any student desiring an improved ACT score for college admission and college scholarships. A large focus will be placed on the math section.
ACT Booster - Session 1: June 9-12 (Noon-2 p.m.)
OR
ACT Booster - Session 2: July 7-10 (Noon-2 p.m.)
For more information, please contact Academic Administrator Angie Bihn (abihn@centralcatholic.org) or by calling (419) 255-2280.
Honor Roll
At the end of each quarter, academic honors are awarded to students who have performed superior work. Students are acknowledged as summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude.
Academic Letters
Academic letters are a visible way of recognizing outstanding academic achievement. Students earn an academic letter by appearing on Central Catholic’s summa and magna cum laude honor roll a total of 7 times. For each additional 3 appearances on the honor roll, students receive a lamp of learning pin for their academic letter.
National Honor Society
Sophomores and juniors become candidates for the Raymond G. Kirsch Chapter of the National Honor Society by attaining a cumulative grade-point average of 3.75 or higher. The faculty then votes on membership according to 4 criteria: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Students elected to the NHS are inducted annually in March.
Insignis Society
Each year, Central Catholic awards gold pens to the outstanding scholars in the senior and junior classes. These awards are based on the current class rank. The Insignis Society consists of the Top 12 seniors, the Top 11 juniors, and Top 10 sophomores.
Advanced Placement (AP)
We had 89 students pass the Advanced Placement tests for college credit this past year, and we plan to increase the number this school year. We had 2 teachers paid as readers (graders) of the test this summer, and we had 3 others attend AP training and professional development this summer. We are increasing our AP offerings this school year. Our AP classes for 2025-26:
AP Biology (H)
AP Calculus (H)
AP Chemistry (H)
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Environmental Science (H)
AP Language/Composition (H)
AP Literature/Composition (H)
AP Physics (H)
AP Psychology (H)
AP Seminar (H)
AP Studio Art (H)
AP U.S. Government (H)
AP U.S. History (H)
Student Success Program
Central Catholic’s Student Success Program is designed to assist every student in achieving his or her highest academic performance beginning in their freshman year. The program focuses on teachers and students working together during the regular school day as well as after school.
The Student Success Program includes:
Reading
Testing
Homework Help
Central Source
Reading
Statistics show that students’ reading ability directly correlates to their ability to perform well on standardized tests. Therefore, the focus for all students is to improve reading ability, resulting in stronger test outcomes. With improved test scores, students have a much better chance for a successful future. The Student Success reading program is led by a reading specialist who focuses on the individual needs of each student.
Testing
The testing component of the Student Success Program encompasses everything from weekly classroom tests to standardized tests such as the ACT. Central Catholic has a dedicated testing room fully equipped with resources to assist students. Test preparation classes for the ACT are held monthly.
Homework Help
Central Catholic makes it a priority to assist students in their pursuit of academic excellence, which results in college admission and college scholarships. Our Student Success Program offers Homework Help, designed to provide students with professional assistance with their homework.
Homework Help takes place Monday through Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Students enrolled in Homework Help are expected to be on time and to commit to doing a minimum of one hour of homework each day in the program. Their grades are checked weekly by the program director, and intervention meetings will occur if deemed necessary.
Central Source
The Central Source component of the Student Success Program provides all students with a place to study, tutoring opportunities, and instructional oversight. Central Source is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Student Success Program Director - Angie Bihn, abihn@centralcatholic.org