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

Pre-K–8 Catholic · 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
243
Students
May 2026
117 yrs
Of forming kids
Since 1909

Families are choosing Cathedral. In a little over a year, enrollment grew from 170 to 243, 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

Hands-on academics

A fourth grader at the microscope, caught mid-discovery.

Academics

Hands-on science, chess, world languages, and real engagement Pre-K through 8th.

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Students in navy blazers and gold ties standing together outside

Character & grit

The navy blazer and gold tie, worn with easy confidence.

Character & Leadership

A leadership and character curriculum, and the sport coats that signal it.

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The gold cross on the historic Cathedral School church building

Faith moments

Morning prayer in the chapel, hands folded, light coming in.

Faith & Service

Faith, learning, and service forming the next generation.

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Students laughing together on the sidewalk outside school

Teams & traditions

Students on Hillsborough Street, the city as their backdrop.

Athletics & Community

Teams, traditions, and a school that is a beacon in this city.

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In their own words

Don't take our word for it.

A Cathedral student
Facing your fears and overcoming them, that's excellence.
— A student
A Cathedral student working at the whiteboard
Pushing yourself even when something is really hard.
— A student
A Cathedral student
Being kind and being brave and being there for each other.
— A student
Cathedral students smiling together in class
Kids get to be kids here. Happy and joyful.
— A student
A Cathedral teacher working with students
We're preparing them for life, through faith, academics, and character.
— A teacher
A Cathedral teacher leading music class
We love God, learning, and each other.
— A teacher
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.

243 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

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204 Hillsborough St, Raleigh · (919) 832-4711

The Excellence Anthem