Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in York Catholic Middle & High School! Below, we’re sharing some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from prospective students and families, along with answers to help you learn more about the York Catholic experience. Click the links below to access topic-specific questions.
Admissions FAQs
Nearly 23% of YC students do not practice the Catholic faith and 42% come from districts across York County and Northern MD other than our partner Catholic elementary schools. At YC, a culture of acceptance and mutual respect guides our approach to encouraging open dialogues around faith. As part of the integrated curriculum, students participate in Theology classes in support of exploring ideas around integrity, respect for all people, and stewardship and service to the community and our world.
Busing is available from most York County school districts with the exception of York City which is serviced by rabbittransit. Buses arrive at YC by 8:10 am each morning and pickups occur from 3-3:15 pm each afternoon. There is no activity bus service. Students living in Southern and Southeastern School Districts, as well as Maryland, can add busing as part of their tuition package. Bus service for students living in northern Maryland is provided at the state line.
While YC does not offer academic or sports-focused scholarships, we do provide Family Customized Tuition, which personalizes each family’s tuition contribution to their individual financial circumstances.
YC offers Family Customized Tuition, which personalizes each family’s tuition contribution to their individual financial circumstances. The program recognizes a number of factors in families’ incomes and assets, offering a range that is customized to provide the right fit for each unique situation. Your individual tuition contribution is personalized based on your unique means and needs, ensuring it is the right fit for your family.
YC offers a full range of personalized services for children with learning differences through the Academic Achievement Center (AAC). YC’s instructional support teachers help students in all areas of academics as well as supporting growth in organizational skills and providing assistance for stress and anxiety issues. If a parent thinks their child may need support through the AAC, they can request an appointment through the Studies Office. Some of the areas we look at when deciding if a student qualifies for the program are placement tests, standardized test scores, psychological evaluations, IEP’s, teacher and parent recommendations, and any other extenuating circumstances. Visit the instructional support page to learn more.
Each grade averages approximately 85 students. The student/teacher ratio at both the middle school and high school is roughly 14:1 and classes range from 15 to 24 students.
York Catholic takes bullying seriously. Our comprehensive approach to bullying prevention includes education focused on preventing occurrences and educating students on how to deal with issues should they arise. Students are also encouraged to “responsibly report” any bullying they witness to any faculty or staff member at the school. When a report is made, the Assistant Principal assesses the situation to determine if any disciplinary action is necessary. School personnel meets individually with each student involved in the incident and talks about the behaviors in question. Our goal is to try to educate students about what bullying is because many times students don’t realize what they are doing is considered bullying.
At YC, our integrated approach to college preparation affords students a wide variety of opportunities to earn college credit as they work toward their higher education goals. Through a personalized approach to college planning support, YC counselors help students take advantage of a range of college prep options including advanced placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment opportunities and college in the classroom. For additional information on how YC helps students set and achieve their higher education goals, visit our college and career preparation page.
Helping students set and achieve their college and career goals and preparing them to be successful in those next phases of their lives is at the heart of the YC academic experience. On average, over 90% of YC graduates move on to study at a higher education institution and the Class of 2026 received offers of over $14 million in college scholarships. Student success at YC is rooted in a personal approach to college and career counseling that focuses on helping each student map out their goals and set and follow their unique path to achieve them.
YC’s Guaranteed Admissions Program includes relationships with many prestigious colleges and universities who guarantee admission to students who meet the established academic performance criteria. These colleges and universities provide outstanding programs across a variety of subject areas and deliver memorable student experiences fueled by a continued focus on faith. These relationships can alleviate the pressures of the unknowns and the unpredictability that can come from the college search process, providing peace of mind that hard work and strong academic performance are sure to be rewarded.
Students looking to pursue a career upon graduation have the educational opportunity to participate in the FLEX program through York County School of Technology. This program is for juniors and seniors, and allows students to study at YC through the morning and attend a class of interest at York County School of Technology in the afternoon. Students are able to graduate with a York Catholic diploma and benefit from elective offerings at York Tech. Classes currently offered through the FLEX program include Introduction to Techtronics, Construction Technician, Introduction to Welding, and Nail Technology.
We understand the decision to make a change can be difficult and the process is unique for every student and family. At YC, we believe firsthand experience is powerful and we welcome all prospective students to participate in a personal experience day at YC where they can connect with fellow students, participate in classes and check out the many amenities available on campus. We encourage students and families to ask questions often and are here to offer answers and guide you through the process. We can also connect you with other families who have made the transition and can share their story. Change can be difficult at any age, but can feel particularly overwhelming at the middle and high school levels. We recommend making your student an active part of the decision-making process and reassuring and helping them understand all of the many opportunities that await at York Catholic.
There are so many ways to get involved at YC. From athletics, arts, music, faith and writing, photography, chess, science, student leadership and so much more, there are countless opportunities for students to explore their passions and try new things at York Catholic. Students can choose from over 45 sports teams, 60+ clubs and activities, a range of opportunities in the arts, and be active in supporting their community through service. Many students participate in multiple activities and all experience levels are welcome.
Family Customized Tuition FAQs
Family Customized Tuition at York Catholic Middle and High School reflects YC’s commitment to providing access to excellent private Catholic education for families of all income levels. The program provides families with personalized tuition based on their unique financial circumstances.
There is no fee to complete the Financial Questionnaire on the Simple Tuition Solutions (STS) platform.
YC partners with Simple Tuition Solutions (STS), a confidential third-party financial evaluation resource for independent schools across the country. Similar to the FAFSA process for colleges and universities, the STS Financial Questionnaire takes into account each family’s unique financial picture, which is used to calculate the Family Customized Tuition contribution.
Yes, applying for admission to York Catholic is your first step through the Focus platform. You then complete the Simple Tuition Solutions Financial Questionnaire to request your Family Customized Tuition.
Yes. Families may opt out of Family Customized Tuition and choose to participate in the Special Purpose Entity (SPE) Pennsylvania tax credit program instead (offered to PA residents only). If families choose to opt out of both programs, they will be choosing the regular tuition contribution as an alternative.
The Simple Tuition Solution STS Financial Questionnaire asks for some of the following information:
- Social security numbers
- All taxable income
- IRS Federal Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040-EZ Individual Tax Return
- W-2 Wage and Tax Statements
- Supporting Tax Schedules
- Business – Schedule C or C-EZ and Form 4562 Depreciation & Amortization
- Farm – Schedule F and Form 4562 Depreciation & Amortization
- Rental Property – Schedule E (page 1)
- S-Corporation – Schedule E (page 2), Form 1120S (4 pages), Schedule K-1, and Form 8825
- Partnership – Schedule E (page 2), Form 1065 (5 pages), Schedule K-1, and Form 8825
- Estates & Trusts – Schedule E (page 2), Form 1041, and Schedule K-1
- Non-taxable income – child support, Social Security, worker’s compensation, TANF, welfare, etc.
- Residential expenses
- Vehicle expenses
- Credit cards and other loans
- Health insurance premiums
- Annual expenses – vehicle, medical
- College expenses
- Daycare expenses
- Elder expenses
- Assets and Liabilities
Yes. The number of children enrolled or seeking enrollment within a family is included when determining each family’s Family Customized Tuition contribution.
For those interested in beginning with YC or continuing with YC at the start of the school year:
- Families who complete the application or re-enrollment process (including the STS Financial Questionnaire) by March 1 will receive their Family Customized Tuition contribution information by June 15.
- Families who complete the application or re-enrollment process including the STS Financial Questionnaire after March 1 will receive their Family Customized Tuition contribution information within twelve (12) weeks of the submission date.
- Families who submit applications or re-enrollment requests (including the STS Financial Questionnaire) after June 15 should expect to receive their Family Customized Tuition contribution information within approximately two (2) weeks from the submission date.
No, Family Customized Tuition is not a loan program, and the amount of the reduced tuition contribution will never need to be repaid.
We understand circumstances can change from year to year which is why Family Customized Tuition is re-evaluated and determined annually. In the event of a change or hardship mid-year, families may reach out to YC President Ms. Katie Doyle at kdoyle@yorkcatholic.org.
Connect with Admissions
We are here to offer personal support and answer any questions you have as you get to know York Catholic.




