About Catholic Schools

At the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools, each of our schools are led by highly skilled professionals and staff to provide our students with skills they can use in and outside the classroom.

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools has earned invitations from around the country to share best practices in curriculum development.

Discover the difference a Catholic education can make. Visit our Schools page to learn more about our schools, schedule a visit, or begin the enrollment process. We look forward to welcoming your family to our community.

Over A Century of Transforming Lives

In the 1850s the first Catholic schools were established in Fairfield County. They were all small and taught by the laity. Saint James in Bridgeport, Saint Mary in Norwalk and Saint Peter in Danbury opened in private homes. By 1876 Sisters of Mercy were invited to by the rector of Saint John’s in Stamford to establish a mission in the parish school. By the turn of the century, the Sisters of Mercy were joined with other teaching congregations. With immigration on the rise in the early 1900s, 21 parish schools had been established.

By 1953 there were 279 parishes in the state that comprised the Diocese of Hartford which had the largest Catholic population of any diocese in the United States outside of Brooklyn, NY. It was decided by the Vatican to split the state into three dioceses. The first bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport was Lawrence Joseph Shehan who opened 3 diocesan high schools, 15 parochial elementary schools and started construction on an additional five. Notre Dame High School opened accommodating 2,200 students and was the largest Catholic high school in New England and the largest secondary school in the country. Soon after, Norwalk Central Catholic High School was built teaching over 1,000 students by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The school is now the site for All Saints Elementary School.

Today there is a renaissance in Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport. 9,000 students attend our 19 elementary schools, 4 high schools, and 1 special education school, St. Catherine’s Academy.

We Are Committed to Academic Excellence

Our academic program, faith-filled learning communities, and safe and secure classroom environments, help us educate the whole student. We promote our students successful journey to higher education and throughout their lives.

50% of our elementary schools achieved the Blue Ribbon of National Recognition.
99% of graduating high school seniors go on to college.
College financial aid awards to our graduating seniors total six million dollars in federal, state, and local scholarships and grants.
Nationally recognized curriculum mapping process exceeds Connecticut state standards.
Faculty participate in highest caliber professional development.

Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools is dedicated to providing quality Catholic school education throughout Fairfield County CT. Our schools are located in Bethel, Bridgeport, Danbury, Fairfield, Greenwich, Newtown, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Stratford, and Trumbull. Each school is committed to fostering academic excellence, faith formation, character development, and a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.

Visit our Schools page to explore our locations and connect with a school’s admissions office.

Students learn the value of Catholic service, to be responsible for helping others which begins with our youngest and continues through high school. Within our Catholic school system, students work with students from other schools to nurture learning and living.

Our school communities live the faith we teach and strive to instill a solid moral foundation rooted in Gospel values.
Students, teachers and staff come together to celebrate and pray for each other, our communities, and for the world around us.
We mark the Church seasons and holy days with Eucharistic liturgies, prayer services and other activities.
Students learn the value of Catholic service – to be responsible for helping others – which begins with our youngest and continues through high school.
Our Catholic school education allows students to work with students from other schools to nurture learning and living.
Our Catholic school education ensures that our faith is taught as a core subject in every year of study, and every facet of the Catholic faith is kindled in the hearts of our students.
Our learning communities are small and personal where each child is known by name.
Students are secure in our safe school communities.
• Values and faith that are taught at home are reinforced throughout our Catholic school education programs.

Catholic School Mission

The warm and welcoming community of students, teachers and staff has brought me closer to my faith and provided me unwavering support and encouragement along my academic journey. Immaculate offers such strong academic programs that have brought me closer to my long-term goals. I always feel at home with my Mustang family!

Lyla W.

Immaculate High School - Class of '28

“Even before walking through the doors, I smile because Saint Catherine is a place of joy. I look forward to seeing everyone always smiling right back at me, and I feel honored and humbled to be a part of an extraordinary, very dedicated community. I am very proud to tell people I am a volunteer.”

Chris Woods

St. Catherine Academy - Volunteer & Supporter

Learning that Anna would be a member of the SJ Class of 2026 was particularly meaningful to our family. Joining such a vibrant, engaging community steeped in tradition and strong in its mission to instill the values of responsibility, service, and faith has been an amazing educational journey that will continue to benefit Anna as she begins college.

Sara Campolettano

St. Joseph High School - P '26

When our family moved from Miami to Greenwich eight years ago, we searched for a school that offered academic excellence grounded in faith. Greenwich Catholic School exceeded our expectations. The GCS community welcomed us warmly and inspired us to get involved. We have seen our children grow into compassionate, curious, and responsible individuals with a strong Catholic identity. GCS has enriched our family’s life with lasting friendships and a deep sense of belonging.

Melissa & Jorge Redhead

Greenwich Catholic School Parents

My son Joe had such a great experience going to CAS! The teachers and faculty held Joe accountable and were an extension of the values we instill in him. With the increase in students, it’s great to see the community recognizing the terrific additions to CAS, like the new Saint Carlo Acutis Education Wing. We were blessed to have Joe be a part of the CAS team.

Doug Romano

The Catholic Academy of Stamford - P'26

I enrolled my Grandson into St. Gregory’s and in the past two years, it has been such an honor and blessing to experience the teachings this 6 year old instills daily upon me. Ashton is such a giving child, always thinking of others and wanting to bless others. We were truly blessed to have him be part of the St. Gregory’s family.