New · 2026–27 This year's theme is here: The Blueprint of Excellence, plus our new STEM space, The House of Innovation.

Downtown Raleigh · Est. 1909

This is what Catholic looks like.

A Pre-K–8 Catholic school established in 1909 in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Forming kids not for the next grade, but for life.

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What we believe

Excellence is not a test score.

At Cathedral, our students define excellence in their own words: standing up for others. Facing your fears. Pushing yourself even when it is hard. And right next to it, joy. Kids get to be kids here.

Character

Grit, kindness, and the courage to stand up for each other.

Joy

Happy and joyful. The reason kids run to the door each morning.

Faith

We love God, learning, and each other. Faith woven through it all.

170
Students
April 2025
254
Students
Today
117 yrs
Of forming kids
Since 1909

Families are choosing Cathedral. In a little over a year, enrollment grew from 170 to 254, as a school in the heart of downtown Raleigh rises with the city around it.

A day at Cathedral

What your child does here.

A student examining a plant specimen up close in science class

Academics

Hands-on science, chess, world languages, and real engagement Pre-K through 8th. Kids caught mid-discovery, every day.

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Six students in navy blazers and gold ties smiling together at a school celebration

Character & Leadership

A leadership and character curriculum, and the sport coats that signal it: the navy blazer and gold tie, worn with easy confidence.

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Students at Mass in the cathedral, the priest at the altar beyond

Faith & Service

Faith, learning, and service forming the next generation, from morning prayer in the chapel onward.

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Students laughing together on the sidewalk outside school

Athletics & Community

Teams, traditions, and a school that is a beacon in this city, with downtown Raleigh as its backdrop.

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In their own words

Don't take our word for it.

Facing your fears and overcoming them, that's excellence.
— A student
Excellence means pushing yourself, even when something is really hard.
— A student
Being kind and being brave and being there for each other.
— A student
When I go to school, I feel happy and joyful.
— A student
We're not preparing our students for the next grade level. We're preparing them for life.
— Principal Witherspoon
We love God, learning, and each other.
— Cathedral students
Cathedral School crest, established 1909

Since 1909

Mind, heart, and spirit.

For generations, Cathedral School has helped form young people in mind, in heart, and in spirit. The building is historic. The mission is the same as it ever was. What is new is the confidence to say it out loud.

The vision

A Cathedral education, within reach for every family.

Our vision is to raise $1.6 million in sponsorships so that families can receive a year of tuition, free. It is a lofty goal. We believe it is achievable, and that it will change this city.

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The whole Cathedral School student body gathered together

Every child, the whole school.

254 strong · Downtown Raleigh

Admissions · Now enrolling

The best way to understand Cathedral is to walk through the door.

Pre-K through 8th grade · Downtown Raleigh

Tours with Mrs. Debra Weston, Head of Admissions · (919) 832-4711 · weston@cathedral-school.net

204 Hillsborough St, Raleigh

The Excellence Anthem