doris
Currency
C

Cardinal Newman High School

United States, West Palm Beach

Save school

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $23,500
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 800
Type Co-educational
Opened 1961
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Cardinal Newman High School is a private Catholic, coeducational four-year college-preparatory high school in West Palm Beach, Florida. The campus spans more than 40 acres at 512 Spencer Drive and includes two classroom buildings linked by a breezeway, a gym, a cafeteria, an Alumni Building, athletic facilities, and spaces for science, arts, and student services. The Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building houses science labs, mathematics classrooms, an innovation center, a chapel, and admissions and student-services offices; the New Media Center and Media Center provide library and digital resources. The school offers AP, IB (DP), and American curricula with four years of religious studies and service requirements. Honors courses run across English, Math, Science, Social Studies, foreign languages, Arts, and Religion. There are 13 STEM courses, dual enrollment through St. Thomas University, and the Oxford Scholar four-year pathway. Fine Arts include Band, Ceramics, Chorus, Digital Art, Journalism, and Theater. Athletics span 38 teams across 16 sports; students complete substantial community service each year, supported by campus ministry.

512 Spencer Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33409

The Essentials

Cardinal Newman High School has 800 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location

512 Spencer Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, United States. The school is east of the intersection of Okeechobee Boulevard and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard. From I-95, take Okeechobee Boulevard west about 3/4 mile, then turn right onto Spencer Drive; the school is 1/8 mile on Spencer Drive on the right. Parking for athletic events is via Sequoia Drive, with the CN parking facility as the second entrance on your right.

Stages

9-12, coed

Type

Catholic, coeducational high school

Additional learning support

Cupertino Program provides structured support for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia or language-based learning differences; M. Scott Powell Scholars Program supports academically gifted students.

Country affiliation

United States

Religious affiliation

Roman Catholic
Diving Deeper

Food Options

Lunch is provided through Catering Solutions with online ordering via HotLunch; log in using the school code CN512.

Governance and Ownership

Private Catholic high school founded in 1961 in the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach; located in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Fees

Annual tuition at Cardinal Newman High School ranges from USD 23,500 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Application fee: Non‑refundable USD 100 payable at the end of the online application.
- Registration fee (incoming freshmen): USD 500 to secure a student's seat for the incoming class.

Tuition — 2026–2027 academic year (all grade levels, 9–12)

- Affiliated Catholic families (registered, practicing Catholics in the Diocese of Palm Beach): USD 22,000 per year. Annual payment option: USD 22,000 due in July. Semi‑annual option: two payments of USD 11,000 (due July and December). Monthly option: USD 2,200 per month (payments July through April).

- Non‑Affiliated families (non‑Catholic or not registered in a Diocese parish): USD 23,500 per year. Annual payment option: USD 23,500 due in July. Semi‑annual option: two payments of USD 11,750 (due July and December). Monthly option: USD 2,350 per month (payments July through April).

- Tuition covers book fees, security fees, technology fees, required retreat fees, and athletic fees (with the exception of the registration and optional bus fee).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Enrollment in the FACTS Payment Plan is required for all families. All tuition payments are processed through FACTS. Families may choose Annual, Semi‑Annual or Monthly plans; all FACTS plans begin in July. Annual payments are due in July; Semi‑Annual payments are due in July and December; Monthly payments run from July through April.

- FACTS supports payment by credit card or by electronic withdrawal from a checking or savings account. Families can select a monthly withdrawal date (options include the 5th, 15th, 20th, or last day of the month).

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable; Cardinal Newman serves day students in grades 9–12 and does not publish boarding fees.

Other fees and typical additional costs

- Registration fee (incoming freshmen): USD 500 (see Registration above).
- Bus service (optional): USD 400 per student, per semester (fee is subject to change).
- Student ID card replacement: USD 5 per card.
- Uniforms: Uniforms must be purchased from Harris School Uniforms (store information provided); uniform purchase cost varies by item and is paid directly to the uniform supplier.
- Sibling discount: USD 1,000 sibling discount is available.
- Merit scholarships and awards (examples): Scott Powell Scholars program and Knights of Columbus awards (Knights of Columbus scholarships of USD 3,000 were listed for eligible applicants). Specific scholarship terms and availability vary.
- Incidental and activity fees: Certain fees (such as activity fees, summer program fees, international student I‑20 fees) may apply and are identified as fees separate from tuition.

Refund and withdrawal policy

- A formal, signed notice of transfer/withdrawal is required to initiate any refund. Refunds are calculated according to the published tuition‑abatement schedule; refunds will not be processed until the official notice of transfer/withdrawal has been completed. Participation in at‑home learning does not change, reduce, or suspend tuition. Fees (including Registration, Activity, Bus, International Student I‑20, Summer Remediation, and Summer programs) are non‑refundable.

- Example tuition abatement schedule (amounts shown correspond to the school's published forfeiture table):
- Withdrawal during the first quarter: forfeiture equal to one quarter (Affiliate: USD 4,475; Non‑Affiliated: USD 4,850).
- Withdrawal during the second quarter: forfeiture equal to two quarters (Affiliate: USD 8,950; Non‑Affiliated: USD 9,700).
- Withdrawal during the third quarter: forfeiture equal to three quarters (Affiliate: USD 13,425; Non‑Affiliated: USD 14,550).
- Withdrawal during the fourth quarter: forfeiture equal to four quarters (Affiliate: USD 17,900; Non‑Affiliated: USD 19,400).
All remaining tuition paid in excess of the forfeited amounts is refunded following processing of the official withdrawal paperwork.

Late, returned or missed payment charges and account consequences

- Families on FACTS who miss a monthly payment due to insufficient funds will be charged a missed payment fee (FACTS will automatically charge USD 30 for missed payments); banks may assess additional fees for returned items. The school may also apply a returned‑payment fee (USD 30) for checks or automatic payments returned for insufficient funds. Continued past‑due tuition can result in suspension of online privileges, withholding of grades and transcripts, and possible withdrawal and collection agency placement.

Accepted payment methods and processing

- All tuition payments are processed through FACTS. FACTS accepts credit cards and electronic bank withdrawals (ACH). Families choose their preferred FACTS schedule (Annual, Semi‑Annual, Monthly) and withdrawal date.

Notes on included items and exclusions

- With the exception of the registration fee and the optional bus fee, tuition includes significant book fees and many school‑provided fees such as security, technology, retreat, and athletic fees. Additional optional or incidental charges (uniform purchase, extracurricular event costs, certain program fees) are paid separately.
Academics

Cardinal Newman High School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP), American Curriculum.

Curriculum

Cardinal Newman offers a college-preparatory curriculum with four-year religious studies and service requirements. Honors classes are available in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Performing and Practical Arts, and Religion. There are 13 STEM courses, including Information Technology, Digital Design, Applied Robotics, and AP Computer Science, and AP offerings across many subjects. Fine Arts opportunities include Band, Ceramics, Chorus, Digital Art, Journalism, Theater, and more. Dual Enrollment is available through St. Thomas University. The Oxford Scholar program provides a four-year scholarship pathway with AP, Honors, and Dual Enrollment, supported by a dedicated director and college counseling, culminating in graduation recognition as an Oxford Scholar.

Student Teacher Ratio

12:1 student-teacher ratio.

Gifted and Talented

The Oxford Scholar program is a four-year scholarship pathway for selected freshmen, with a college-preparatory curriculum that includes AP, Dual Enrollment, and Honors courses. A full-time program director and dedicated staff mentor students, with resume-building, test-taking skills, essay writing, and college-admission guidance. Freshmen may begin AP coursework with a second course for sophomores. The program culminates in a capstone presentation and graduation recognition as an Oxford Scholar.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school fosters a faith-centered community that supports students' social and emotional growth. Freshman Retreat builds faith, friendship, and community, and there are ongoing class retreats and Emmaus experiences. Morning liturgy is provided daily in the chapel at 7:00 a.m., and student-led prayers and class-led prayer services occur throughout the year. Clubs such as Life Club, Liturgical Club, and Catholic Youth Group offer opportunities to connect with peers and practice faith-based leadership. All students complete community service hours as part of graduation requirements; 25 hours of service are expected each school year and 75 hours by senior year may affect Florida Bright Futures eligibility, with service hours logged through the Mobile Serve app. The school emphasizes service and faith-based activities as a channel for personal growth and community belonging.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The admissions process asks applicants to submit any documented educational learning plan, or pertinent psychological or educational evaluation. A Dean of Students and a Director of Student Affairs coordinate student support. The roles listed in campus leadership indicate a formal structure to assist students with needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Foreign Language Department develops each student's language and cultural proficiency to prepare for a global society. Our courses emphasize using the target language and culture to communicate through speaking, reading, writing and listening. We offer Spanish I Regular and Honors, Spanish IV Honors, Spanish 5 Honors, AP Spanish Language, and AP Spanish Literature. Students can earn up to 2 years of college credit in Foreign Language through the Dual Enrollment Program with St. Thomas University. The department aims to educate students to become linguistically proficient global citizens.

Mental Wellbeing

The school supports students' mental and spiritual wellbeing through daily liturgy and faith-based activities. Freshman Retreats, Emmaus retreats, and class retreats provide spaces for reflection and community. Campus Ministry coordinates faith formation and service opportunities, including liturgical ministries and prayer services. Students can participate in clubs such as Life Club, Liturgical Club, and Catholic Youth Group that foster community and peer support. Morning liturgy in the chapel at 7:00 a.m. and scheduled prayers contribute to daily routines that support wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History

Cardinal Newman High School is a private Catholic, college-preparatory high school in West Palm Beach, Florida. It traces its roots to St. Ann's Catholic School, which opened in 1925 to serve parishes in central Palm Beach County. Cardinal Newman High School opened on the current campus in 1961, with Adrian Dominican Sisters moving from St. Ann's and Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate serving on campus. The campus has expanded over the years with major facilities such as a cafeteria and gym (1973) and subsequent additions to athletic facilities and classrooms, culminating in spaces for science, performing arts, and other programs. The President is appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach and oversees the school in accordance with the Catholic mission, including four-year religious studies and service requirements alongside an AP, Dual Enrollment, and Honors curriculum.

Community

Campus Life is a core part of Cardinal Newman High School, with Campus Ministry, Clubs & Activities, Media Center, and the School Store shaping daily life. The Theology Department fosters faith and reason within the Catholic tradition and supports a curriculum that includes four-year religious studies and service requirements. The Home and School Association builds community by coordinating parent involvement, volunteer opportunities, and social programs for families. The school maintains an events calendar for campus life and hosts events such as Newman Night and other school-wide gatherings.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

All parents of Cardinal Newman students are automatic members of the Home & School Association, with no dues. The HSA organizes services and social programs for parents that support educational activities and foster lasting friendships among Cardinal Newman families. Parents can sign up to volunteer through the Volunteer Interest Form, and the HSA promotes fundraising and events such as Newman Night Gala; the Gala Committee meets regularly. The HSA is led by officers including a President, Vice Presidents (by class), Secretary, and Treasurer, and supports committees such as Christmas Luncheon, End of Year Luncheon, Scrip, and Senior & Friends Fashion Show & Luncheon. Mary Martens is the Director of Development and can be contacted at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or 561-619-7280."
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus spans more than 40 acres at 512 Spencer Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409. It includes two classroom buildings connected by a breezeway, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, an Alumni Building, athletic fields and additional facilities. The Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building houses science labs, mathematics classrooms, an innovation center, and offices for admissions and student services, and includes a chapel and campus ministry space. The Media Center provides library and multimedia resources and is open from 7:15 AM to 5:00 PM on regular school days and until 2:30 PM on early dismissal days. Fine Arts spaces and programs include Band, Ceramics, Chorus, Digital Art, Imaging, Journalism, Painting, Percussion, Photography, Sculpture, Speech & Debate, and Theater. The athletics program spans 38 teams across 16 sports and utilizes on-site athletic facilities.

Sports Facilities

The athletics program includes 38 teams across 16 sports. Sports offered include basketball, volleyball, swimming, cheerleading, wrestling, football, baseball, golf, and cross country. The campus features a gymnasium, practice fields, a softball diamond, and a track and field complex. A weight room is available for training. Renovations and expansions over the years have enhanced the athletic facilities to support a comprehensive program.

Academic Facilities

The campus includes two classroom buildings and the Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building. The Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building houses science labs, mathematics classrooms, and an innovation center. The building also includes a chapel and campus ministry center, a welcome center, and admissions and college advising offices. The New Media Center provides library and digital resources for student learning, and the Media Center offers library and multimedia resources. Fine Arts spaces support Band, Ceramics, Chorus, Digital Art, Imaging, Journalism, Painting, Percussion, Photography, Sculpture, Speech & Debate, and Theater. The school offers Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses, including college-credit opportunities through St. Thomas University, with a range of STEM, language, and humanities options.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers a broad range of clubs and activities, including Art Club, Chess Club, Drama Club, Yearbook, National Honor Society, Newspaper, Fashion Club, Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, Green Club, Debate Club, Literary Club, Pep Club, Emmaus Club, Robotics Club, Young Entrepreneurs, Student Government, and more. Campus Ministry provides retreats, Eucharistic Adoration, Stations of the Cross and daily prayer experiences, with opportunities to serve as liturgical ministers and leaders on school retreats. Students participate in faith-based activities and service hours; community service hours total 40,000+ annually. Current clubs and activities include 3:16 Club, Best Buddies Club, Marketing & Social Media Club, and others; performing arts and journalism opportunities are also available.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, and Honors coursework prepare students for postsecondary study. AP classes include Microeconomics, Physics, U.S. Government, U.S. History, World History, Spanish Language, Statistics, and Precalculus, with additional AP courses available online. STEM options include Information Technology, Digital Design, Applied Robotics, and AP Computer Science. The school also offers dual enrollment opportunities with St. Thomas University.

Arts & Creative

Fine Arts opportunities include Band, Ceramics/Pottery, Chorus, Digital Art, Imaging, Journalism, Painting, Percussion, Photography, Sculpture, Speech & Debate, and Theater. The arts program supports student creativity through coursework and performance opportunities. Fine arts offerings are integrated as part of the school's college-preparatory curriculum.

Cultural & Language

The school offers Spanish Language courses and has a Spanish Honor Society. The Spanish Honor Society recognizes high achievement in Spanish and promotes continued interest in Hispanic studies. A Multicultural Club explores and celebrates diverse cultures.

Social & Hobbies

The school offers a broad array of clubs and activities, including Marketing & Social Media Club, Mass Ensemble, Mind Matters Club, Multicultural Club, Multimedia & Broadcast Club, National Forensic League/Debate Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Student Government Association, and the Young Entrepreneurs Club. Clubs are student-driven and evolve with interests. The page notes that new activities may be added based on student interest.

Community & Service

The school partners with Approved Organizations for community service, and many clubs sponsor service activities during the year. Students may volunteer with organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida. Students are required to complete a minimum of 25 hours of community service each school year. The school reports more than 40,000 hours of community service completed by students.

Leadership & Professional

The Student Government Association serves as a liaison between students and the administration. National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society recognize scholarship, leadership, and service. Pre-Law Club and Young Entrepreneurs Club provide opportunities to explore leadership and career interests.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Athletics program includes 28 sports across Fall, Winter, and Spring, including Football, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Swimming, Track & Field, and more. Mind Matters Club focuses on psychology and mental wellness and meets monthly. Daily Prayer, Communion Services, school-wide liturgies, a 4-year retreat program, reconciliation, and service opportunities form the school's spiritual life. The CNHS Student-Athlete Handbook outlines eligibility rules and emphasizes developing the whole student.
Languages

Language Provision

The Foreign Language Department develops language and cultural proficiency to prepare students for a global society. Courses emphasize using the target language and culture to communicate through speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Spanish I Regular and Honors through Spanish IV Honors, Spanish 5 Honors, AP Spanish Language, and AP Spanish Literature are offered. Students may earn up to two years of college credit in Foreign Language through the Dual Enrollment Program with St. Thomas University, and the school strives to educate each student to become linguistically, proficient global citizens.
Reputation

Accreditations

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Admissions

Admissions

Getting Started: Visit the campus or call to begin the Admissions Process. The school envisions the student as a whole person blessed with gifts and talents from God and commits to cultivating these talents in a Catholic environment, providing experiences in academics, spiritual formation, social awareness and athletic development to prepare graduates for leadership in society and the community. Getting started is encouraged as the first step in understanding Cardinal Newman High School.

Complete an Application: Complete the online application and pay the application fee. The base application fee is $125; after November 30, 2026 the fee increases to $175. If there is a current student, log into Renweb to create a new application.

Submit the Following Documents: Freshman applicants provide middle school documents, upload 6th–8th grade report cards/transcripts and IEP/504 if applicable (no screenshots) and have them filled out by the current school counselor and emailed to the Admissions Office. Transfer applicants provide unofficial transcripts, the most recent standardized test scores, IEP/EP/504 if applicable, birth certificate and immunization form, with a reference from the current school. All applicants must provide a Florida Certificate of Immunization (Form D680).

Complete Entrance Testing: All freshman applicants must take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). Test registration is part of the online application process and the testing fee is $30 paid to the testing service. The current test dates are November 14, 2026 and December 5, 2026, hosted at Cardinal Newman High School.

Decision: Decision letters are mailed on February 5, 2027.

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships: Need-based financial aid is offered through FACTS. Catholic parish members may receive a tuition discount. Tuition for 2026–2027 is listed as $23,500 (standard) and $22,000 (Catholic family discount); 33% of families received need-based tuition assistance and 89% received aid from Step Up For Students. Total tuition assistance offered for 2026–2027 is $1,120,571, with $285,625 allotted for merit awards and a $1,000 sibling discount. Tuition covers books, security, technology, retreat, and athletic fees, and the school supports ongoing fundraising to supplement costs.

Enrollment: After acceptance, register the student as soon as possible. Pay the $500 non-refundable enrollment fee to secure admission into the incoming class and complete the enrollment packet (paid online through FACTS). The enrollment deadline to secure a spot is March 5, 2027; if not completed by then, the spot will be offered to a student in the waiting pool.

Enrollment Checklist: The process includes submitting the online application, two letters of recommendation (one from an administrator and one from a teacher), up-to-date high school transcripts, any educational plans or evaluations, and an interview with an administrator as part of the process.

Enrollment Procedure for 9th Grade and 10th–12th Grade: 9th grade applicants use the online application with a $100 non-refundable fee; 10th–12th grade applicants follow the outlined enrollment steps and may require additional documents as part of the enrollment checklist.

Scholarships

Scholarships and financial support include need-based aid through FACTS, a Catholic parish discount, and merit awards. In 2026–2027, 89% of families received assistance from Step Up For Students, and merit awards totaled $285,625. The school lists a total tuition assistance amount of $1,120,571 for 2026–2027, with a $1,000 sibling discount. High-achieving merit awards are part of the available scholarships, and Catholic family discounts reduce tuition for eligible families.

Waitlist

There is a waiting pool for applicants. If the enrollment deadline passes without completing the enrollment packet and related steps, the spot may be offered to students in the waiting pool.
School Events
The school has not added events