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Purcell Marian High School

United States, Cincinnati

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $14,000
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 404
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual
Stages Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Purcell Marian High School, located in Cincinnati's East Walnut Hills, is a Catholic, co-ed high school rooted in the Marianist tradition. The campus embraces three academic pathways designed to challenge students: the IB Program/Honors, College Preparatory (CP), and the Career Initiatives Program. The IB Diploma pathway offers six IB content courses plus Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service, with possible college credit on qualifying grades. CP emphasizes English/Math credits, sciences, social studies, and electives within a seven-block schedule with A/B days and a flex period. World Language offerings include Spanish and American Sign Language. The school is an IB World School with Center for Student Support Services (CS3) providing individualized accommodations. The vibrant co-curricular life features Academic Team, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Art Club, and Choir, plus an athletics program. Distinctive elements include the Marianist mission, Global Travel, and Career Initiatives Program today.

2935 Hackberry Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206

The Essentials

Purcell Marian High School has 404 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
2935 Hackberry Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206, United States. The Castle on Hackberry Street sits in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati.

Stages
High school; three academic pathways: International Baccalaureate (IB) Program/Honors pathway, College Preparatory (CP) pathway, and Career Initiatives Program.

Type
Catholic, co-ed high school in the Marianist tradition.

Additional learning support
The Center for Student Support Services (CS3) offers specially designed instruction for students with individualized learning needs, providing accommodations and inclusive education. It serves students with IEPs/ISPs and participates in programs including John Peterson and Autism Scholarships.

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Catholic, Marianist

School day structure
The day structure includes A Day and C Day schedules; normal dismissal is around 2:50 pm; some activities extend beyond the regular day.

Bus service
Metro Bus Cards are issued for eligible students within the Cincinnati Public Schools district; eligibility is verified and bus card details are coordinated via buscard@purcellmarian.org.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Board of Limited Jurisdiction. The board oversees the school's strategic direction, financial stability, and alignment with its Catholic identity and Marianist mission.
Fees

Annual tuition at Purcell Marian High School ranges from USD 14,000 for 2026/27.

Application and Admissions Fees
- Registration / enrollment fee: USD 350 (paid at the time of registration/enrollment).
- High School Placement Test (HSPT) registration fee: USD 30 (paid when registering for the HSPT).

Tuition — annual and per-term equivalents (most recent published school year rates)
- 2026–2027: Tuition per student for the school year is USD 14,000. The annual Student Fee is USD 1,500 (covers technology, Chromebook, co-curricular activities, field trips, retreats and other items listed below).
- Per-term equivalents when the annual tuition is divided evenly: USD 7,000 per semester or USD 3,500 per quarter (these per-term figures are an even division of the published annual tuition for budgeting purposes).
- Historical reference (for family planning): 2025–2026 tuition was USD 13,000 with Student Fee USD 1,350; 2024–2025 tuition was USD 12,000 with Student Fee USD 1,300.

Tuition by year group / grade levels
- Tuition is a single published annual rate applied to all high-school grade levels (freshman through senior). The published annual tuition applies uniformly to students in grades 9–12; the Student Fee is charged per student.

Student fees and other mandatory charges
- Student Fee (annual): USD 1,500 for 2026–2027. The Student Fee covers items including a Chromebook (case and charger), technology support, student/parent portals, art and lab supplies, college & career visits, field trips, retreats (including overnight), and most co-curricular activities.
- Senior Fee (senior-year charge): USD 260 (published for recent academic years). This fee covers graduation-related expenses (caps and gowns, diplomas, senior-year events).
- Registration / Enrollment Fee: USD 350 (required to secure a student's spot at enrollment).
- Center for Student Support Services (CS3) / special-education fees: Additional classroom fees and hourly billing may apply for students receiving CS3 services; special-education fees are assessed based on the student's needs. Families participating in state scholarship programs (e.g., John Peterson, Autism Scholarship, EdChoice) remain responsible for any remaining tuition and the Student Fee as applicable.
- Miscellaneous small fees noted in school materials: e.g., bus pass replacement fee USD 10. Other activity- or item-specific fees (athletics, mission trips, some specialty courses or optional programs) may apply and are billed separately when applicable.
- Uniforms: Uniforms are required and are purchased through the school's Spirit Shop; uniform costs are variable and are not listed as a fixed school fee.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Every family must set up and maintain a FACTS Family Portal account for tuition and fee payments. Payments may be processed through FACTS.
- Accepted payment methods for tuition/fees include payment via the FACTS account, credit card, check, or cash as permitted by the Business Office. The school reserves the right to decline personal checks and may assess a fee for any non-sufficient-fund (NSF) transactions.
- Payment-plan cadence: Tuition/fee payment plans are managed through FACTS and are expected to be paid and kept current on a monthly basis. Failure to maintain an up-to-date payment plan may result in restriction of student activities or the student being sent home until financial obligations are met.

Refunds and withdrawal policy
- Fees are non-refundable. Families are charged required fees at registration and for the school year; these fees are stated as non-refundable in school policy.
- Withdrawal tuition responsibility: If a student withdraws during the school year, the family is responsible for tuition through the quarter during which the withdrawal occurs. Example provided in school policy: withdrawal during the second quarter results in responsibility for all fees and one-half of the annual tuition. Records and transcripts will not be forwarded to another school until all financial obligations are satisfied.

Boarding / residential arrangements
- Purcell Marian operates as a day high school; there are no boarding/residential boarding fees.

Other common costs and how they are handled
- School-provided technology: Chromebook included in the Student Fee for 2026–2027; replacement or damage costs for devices are handled according to the school's technology policies and may incur additional charges. The Student Fee covers initial Chromebook issuance and routine technology support.
- Lunch accounts and meal payments: Meal accounts are managed through the school's meal portal; the online lunch portal accepts credit cards for meal payments. Separate lunch account deposits and vending/cafeteria charges are handled through that portal or by direct payment in the cafeteria.
- Optional program fees (summer programs, some trips, athletics tournaments, special workshops): These are billed separately when applicable; families should expect variable, program-specific charges.

Payment channels and practical notes for families
- Primary payment channel: FACTS Family Portal (required).
- Other accepted channels: credit card, check, cash (per Business Office policies). For specific event or test registrations (for example the HSPT), credit/debit card payment is commonly required online; alternate payment arrangements may be available by contacting the Business Office or the listed admissions contact.

Summary of key figures (for quick reference)
- Tuition (2026–2027): USD 14,000 per year.
- Student Fee (2026–2027): USD 1,500 per year.
- Registration / Enrollment Fee: USD 350.
- Senior Fee: USD 260 (senior-year charge).
- HSPT (test) registration: USD 30.

If any line-item amounts need to be presented in another currency or broken down into an alternate installment schedule for display in your database, those conversions or calculations should be derived from the figures above and your desired currency/exchange-rate and installment logic.
Academics

Purcell Marian High School teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
Purcell Marian has three academic pathways to challenge students, including IB Program/Honors and College Preparatory (CP). The IB Program/Honors is an accelerated, rigorous track; freshman and sophomore years include pre-IB Honors courses to prepare for IB, and juniors and seniors may take IB courses by teacher recommendation and student interest. If students are IB Diploma Programme candidates, they take six IB content courses plus the core components: Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay; and Creativity, Activity, and Service; there is potential to earn college credit with qualifying grades. CP requires four English and Math credits (including Algebra II) and 3-4 credits in Science and Social Studies, plus electives. Freshman placement is determined by grades, teacher recommendations, placement tests, and participation in orientation; the academic team reviews progress annually. The seven-block schedule with A/B days and a flex period supports varied course patterns, and World Language offerings include Spanish and American Sign Language.

Gifted and Talented
IB Program/Honors is designed for academically capable students and emphasizes critical thinking and cross-disciplinary connections. IB Diploma Programme candidates complete six IB content courses plus Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service, with potential college credit for qualifying grades. Support is provided through the Center for Student Support Services (CS3) and the Career Initiatives Program.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes open-mindedness, risk-taking, and engaged global citizenship as part of Student Life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Center for Student Support Services (CS3) offers specially designed instruction for students with individualized learning needs and provides inclusive education supported by a team of specialists; the program is licensed to participate in Ohio's Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarship Programs.

Mental Wellbeing
CS3 and Marianist values underpin a supportive framework aimed at independence, self-advocacy, and life-long learning for students with special needs.

Safeguarding
The school operates within Marianist educational traditions that emphasize community, faith, and service, and maintains student support and safety through CS3 and Campus Ministry initiatives.
Parent Experience

History
The Castle on Hackberry Street in East Walnut Hills has been the keeper of Purcell Marian milestones since 1928. Purcell Marian was formed in 1981 by merging Marian High School and Purcell High School, beginning the 1981-1982 school year at the Purcell site. The Purcell Marian family of schools includes St. Mary High School (1908-1963), Marian High School (1963-1981), Regina High School (1928-1977), Purcell High School (1928-1981), and Purcell Marian High School (1981–present). The school is rooted in Marianist charism and offers the Career Initiatives Program and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The mascot is the Cavalier, the colors are crimson, blue, and gold, and the school seal depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child with the motto Praestans Inter Omnes (Outstanding Among All).

Community
The Purcell Marian community emphasizes inclusiveness and builds friendships across socioeconomics, gender, abilities, race, and religion. The school is rooted in Marianist tradition and guided by the Marianist pillars of Community, Inclusivity, Faith, Mary, and Leaders in Mission. The Global Program gives students opportunities to engage with diverse cultures through service-learning, including trips to the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador. Campus life features Campus Ministry, clubs, and service opportunities that connect students, families, and staff.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Purcell Marian has a Parent Club that coordinates parent involvement in school events and activities. The Parent Club is led by Carla Horne '96, who has served as President. Parents volunteer at games and other school events and attend Parent Club meetings. Parent Club activities and leadership are highlighted in school news and alumni features. The Parent Club strengthens ties between families and the Purcell Marian community.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
The school is an International Baccalaureate World School. The school offers three academic pathways: IB Program/Honors, College Preparatory (CP), and the Career Initiatives Program. The IB Program/Honors pathway is accelerated and rigorous; during freshman and sophomore years students take pre-IB Honors courses, and in junior and senior years they may take IB courses based on teacher recommendations and student interest. If students pursue the IB Diploma, they complete six IB content classes plus the core components: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service. IB Diploma candidates may earn college credit with qualifying grades. The CP pathway requires 4 credits in English and Math (including Algebra II), 3-4 credits in Science and Social Studies, and elective credits. World Language is integrated into the pathways with offerings in Spanish and American Sign Language, including courses from Honors Spanish I through IB Spanish Year 2 and Spanish IV, as well as ASL I–III. The Center for Student Support Services (CS3) provides specially designed instruction and accommodations to meet individualized learning needs. Purcell Marian is an International Baccalaureate World School, and language offerings include Spanish and American Sign Language.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers a broad range of sports including Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track, Volleyball, and Wrestling. Co-curriculars include Academic Team, Adventure Club, Art Club, Book Club, Campus Ministry Service Hours, Choir, Global Travel, L.I.F.E Team, Men Creating Change, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, and Student Ambassadors. The school adds student groups based on student interest.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic Team, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, and Student Ambassadors are offered. These co-curricular clubs are part of Purcell Marian's student activities. Purcell Marian adds student groups based on student interest.

Arts & Creative
Art Club and Choir are offered. They provide opportunities for creative expression beyond class time. Art Club and Choir are listed among co-curricular offerings.

Cultural & Language
Global Travel is offered as a co-curricular. Global Travel is listed among co-curriculars. Purcell Marian adds student groups based on student interest.

Social & Hobbies
Adventure Club, Book Club, and Campus Ministry Service Hours are co-curricular options. LIFE Team and Men Creating Change are also offered. Choir and Global Travel round out social and hobbies opportunities.

Community & Service
Campus Ministry Service Hours is offered as a co-curricular option. Campus Ministry Service Hours is listed among co-curriculars on the Get Involved page. Purcell Marian provides opportunities to engage in service through these activities.

Leadership & Professional
LIFE Team is a co-curricular option. Men Creating Change is a co-curricular option. National Honor Society and Student Ambassadors are listed among co-curriculars. These groups provide student leadership opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track, Volleyball, and Wrestling are offered. The athletics program includes a broad range of sports. Purcell Marian's sports offerings support physical activity and teamwork.
Languages

Language Provision
Purcell Marian offers world languages including Spanish and American Sign Language. A minimum of 2 credits in a world language is required for certain academic pathways. Spanish is offered across honors, ACP, and IB tracks (Honors Spanish I–IV, ACP Spanish I–II, IB Spanish Year 1–2); American Sign Language is offered (ASL I–III).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit the Admission Interest Form to begin the admissions process. This records your family's interest and prompts next steps. The Admission Interest Form is available on the Admissions page. 2. Schedule a Shadow Visit to observe classes and meet the Purcell Marian community. This helps families experience the school firsthand. Shadow Visit options are accessible by selecting Schedule a Shadow Visit. 3. Apply by submitting an application. Guidance on the application process is available via the Apply link. 4. Check the Admissions Calendar for deadlines and events. The calendar includes key dates such as Open House and HSPT registration. 5. Attend Open House and register for HSPT. Open House provides a broader view of the school, and HSPT registration is part of the process. 6. Financial Aid/Scholarships and Transfer Process. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships; a Transfer Process is available for students transferring from other schools. Purcell Marian is an IB World School.

Scholarships
Scholarships are renewable yearly if the student maintains a 2.0 minimum GPA, satisfactory behavior and attendance, and participates in at least one co-curricular activity. The Baccalaureate Scholarship covers full tuition for four years and requires a student essay and two letters of recommendation. The Principal Scholarship is awarded to a select freshman; two letters of recommendation are required. The Ball of Humanity/Jack Toomb Memorial Scholarship provides 50% toward tuition and requires a student essay and two letters of recommendation. The Dennis Johnson Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a first-year student with financial need and requires two letters of recommendation. The Marianist Excel Program Scholarship supports high-potential students from urban elementary schools and requires completing the scholarship form. Scholarship applications for the 2027-2028 school year must be submitted by December 4, 2026. For questions, contact scholarships@purcellmarian.org.
School Events
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