What Archbishop Murphy High School does

Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS) is a private Catholic college preparatory high school serving grades 9-12, located in Everett, Washington. Originally founded in 1988 as Holy Cross High School and renamed in 1999 in honor of Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy, the school enrolls 435 students for the 2024-25 academic year drawn from nearly 40 zip codes across Snohomish, King, and Skagit counties, supplemented by a small cohort of international F1 visa students recruited through the Cambridge Network agency. The school markets itself as the only college preparatory Catholic high school serving students from North Seattle to Canada, with a 35+ year operating history and a 6,000+ member alumni network. Academic offerings include AP courses in 16 subjects, dual enrollment via the Matteo Ricci program with Seattle University (up to 15 transferable college credits) and the University of Washington College in the High School program, plus specialized four-year pathway programs in Business (launched 2020) and Health Studies (partnered with Providence Health and Services).

The school's product surface extends well beyond core academics to athletics (over 85% participation, 20+ sports, 2016 and 2025 WIAA State Football Championships, multiple WIAA titles in baseball, soccer, swim/dive, lacrosse, and cheer), fine arts, 25+ co-curricular clubs with 90%+ participation, a nine District Championship Mock Trial program with 20 consecutive state meet appearances (second longest streak in state history), and faith formation via Campus Ministry, retreat programs (Kairos, Freshman, Sophomore), and the SPIN community service requirement (25 hours/year). Support infrastructure includes an Academic Resource Center for students with learning differences, the Experiential Learning Center (multimedia/innovation space funded through 2021 Fund a Need), comprehensive counseling via Naviance, three regional bus routes, summer youth camps, and a BSN Sports / Nike sideline store. The faculty profile is a credentialed one: 70%+ hold advanced degrees, including five with doctorates. The campus comprises Holy Cross Hall, Grace Hall (2003), Heath Hall (2007), St. Thomas Chapel (2017), Terry Ennis Stadium, and athletic fields.

AMHS operates as a nonprofit under the Archdiocese of Seattle and runs on a cost-recovery model in which tuition and fees intentionally do not cover the full cost to educate each student, with the gap funded through fundraising. Annual tuition is $22,259 per student for 2026-27, with athletic participation fees of $300-$350, a $100 strength & conditioning fee, a $30 application fee, and $150/month bus transportation; 40% of families receive tuition assistance through Clarity. Revenue streams include tuition and fees, annual fund/Day of Giving campaigns, the DREAM Auction, STAR Breakfast, endowed funds, corporate business partnerships at multiple giving tiers, and facility rental (chapel, gym, fields, theater). Leadership is anchored by President Steve Schmutz, with Director of Admissions Jana (Zitnik) James '05, Director of Campus Ministry Elianna Lucas, Director of Sports Performance and Wellness Jordan James, and Business Pathway Program Director Leah Forman. The go-to-market combines digital channels (website, Facebook/Instagram, email newsletters), in-person events (open houses, Murphy Night for middle schoolers, shadow visits, campus tours), middle school ambassador outreach, and a multi-step admissions process involving an essay, teacher recommendation, and transcript review.

Name

Archbishop Murphy High School

Legal name

Archbishop Murphy High School

Website

https://am-hs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Archbishop Murphy High School is a private Catholic college preparatory school in Everett, WA, serving 435 students in grades 9-12 across three Washington counties plus a small international F1 visa cohort. It offers AP and dual-enrollment coursework, pathway programs in Business and Health Studies, 20+ athletics programs, and faith-based formation under a cost-recovery nonprofit model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools (EDAJABAC)

Keywords

• Private Catholic education
• College preparatory high school
• Secondary education services
• Faith-based schooling
• Archdiocesan high school

Headquarters

HQ city

Everett

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue comes from annual tuition payments of $22,259 per student for the 2026-2027 school year. Additional fees include athletic participation fees ($300-$350 per sport), a $100 annual Strength & Conditioning fee, and a $30 application fee. Bus transportation is offered for $150/month for 10 months. International student tuition varies by agency. The school operates on a cost-recovery model where tuition and fees do not fully cover the cost to educate each student, with the balance subsidized through fundraising via the annual fund, auction, and other development activities.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Revenue is supplemented through annual giving campaigns, the Day of Giving (a one-day fundraising event), the DREAM Auction, and STAR Breakfast. Endowed funds provide permanent sources of funding for tuition assistance, faculty professional development, and program support. The school also receives business partnership contributions from corporate sponsors.
3. Business Partnerships: Corporate sponsors support the school through a Business Partner Program at various giving levels. Benefits include recognition at events, website visibility, scoreboard/fence banners, gymnasium banners, and promotions in the alumni newsletter and school bulletin.
4. Facility Rental: The school rents its facilities (chapel, gym, fields, theater, classrooms, cafeteria, kitchen, turf stadium) to external organizations for events. Rental fees are charged with a $50 refundable deposit. Insurance requirements of $1,000,000 general liability apply.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Archbishop Murphy High School is a private Catholic college preparatory secondary school that delivers a faith-based college preparatory education to students in grades 9-12. Its core offering is a four-year diploma program combining a rigorous college-prep academic curriculum (including honors and AP coursework) with Catholic religious formation, theology, retreats, campus ministry, and sacramental preparation, supplemented by athletics, fine arts, and student activities.

Product overview

Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS) is a private Catholic college preparatory school (grades 9-12) in Everett, WA, with 435 students enrolled for 2024-25. The core offering is a four-year college preparatory education that nurtures academic excellence, spiritual enrichment, and Christlike leadership. The school provides specialized pathway programs including the Health Studies Program and Business Pathway Program (launched 2020), both four-year programs for career exploration. Academic enrichment includes AP courses, the Matteo Ricci Program in partnership with Seattle University (offering up to 15 college credits), and College in the High School through University of Washington. Support services include the Academic Resource Center for students with learning differences, Experiential Learning Center (multimedia/innovation space funded via 2021 Fund a Need), and comprehensive counseling services for college/career planning. Student life encompasses athletics (over 85% participation), fine arts, 25+ clubs/co-curricular activities, retreat programs (Kairos, Freshman, Sophomore), and the SPIN community service program (25 hours/year). The school serves international students on F1 visas with dedicated support including language assistance and SAT prep. Additional services include transportation, lunch programs, and summer youth camps for community youth.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Four-Year College Preparatory Diploma Program (Grades 9-12) Four-year Catholic college preparatory program culminating in a high school diploma, with a standards-based core curriculum, honors and Advanced Placement courses, and integration of theology and Catholic formation across all four years. Designed for students preparing for four-year colleges and universities.
• Catholic Religious Formation and Campus Ministry Program Religion coursework, sacramental preparation, annual retreats, liturgies, service hours, and campus ministry activities delivered as part of the four-year experience to support students' Catholic faith formation.
• International Student Program (F-1 Visa Students) Enrollment pathway and academic support services for international students pursuing a U.S. high school diploma through Archbishop Murphy, including I-20 issuance, English-language support, and college counseling tailored to international applicants.
• Athletics Program Interscholastic competitive athletics program fielding teams in multiple WIAA-sanctioned sports for student-athletes across the school year.
• Fine and Performing Arts Program Visual and performing arts coursework and extracurricular ensembles, performances, and exhibitions available to students as electives and co-curricular activities.
• College and Academic Counseling College counseling, academic advising, and post-secondary planning services supporting students through college selection, application, and admission processes.
• Student Clubs and Activities Student-led and faculty-advised clubs, organizations, and activities spanning service, academic, cultural, and special-interest focus areas.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40% of families receive tuition assistance, demonstrating broad accessibility.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Providence Health and ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMHS has a formal partnership with Providence Health and Services for the Health Studies Pathway Program. Providence provides students with exposure to health and health services careers through field trips to local hospitals and medical centers, guest speakers, and real-world learning experiences. This partnership directly supports the school's pathway program curriculum and student career exploration.
• Seattle University - Matteo Ricci InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Matteo Ricci program is a college-level program for seniors offered in conjunction with the Matteo Ricci Institute at Seattle University. Students can earn up to 15 university credits through courses in English, Social Studies, and Theology. Credits are eligible to transfer to any college or university.
• University of WashingtonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish III students at AMHS can earn University of Washington college credit through the College in the High School program.
• Cambridge NetworkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCambridge Network works with schools across the U.S. to manage the admissions process for international students and support students to achieve their education goals. They serve as an agency partner for recruiting and supporting international F1 visa students at AMHS.
• GPHomestayminorOthersGPHomestay is recommended by AMHS for international students who do not have a family member in the area. The school does not organize or provide homestays directly and refers families to GPHomestay and Student Room Stay for verified homestay placement.
• Student Room StayminorOthersStudent Room Stay is recommended by AMHS for international student homestay placement. Both GPHomestay and Student Room Stay are listed as approved homestay providers for F1 visa international students.
• Fulcrum FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Fulcrum Foundation of the Archdiocese of Seattle provides additional tuition assistance grants (TAP Grants) to eligible AMHS families. Applications are processed through FACTS with a $35 fee. School code 30027 is used for applications.
• BoeingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBoeing is a mentor and sponsor of the Murphy's Law Robotics team (VEX Robotics). Boeing supports the robotics program with guidance and funding.
• MicrosoftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMicrosoft is a mentor and sponsor of the Murphy's Law Robotics team. Microsoft provides technical expertise and funding support for the robotics program.
• Cochran, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCochran, Inc. is a sponsor of the Murphy's Law Robotics team, providing funding support for the robotics program.
• REC FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe REC Foundation (Robotics Education & Competition Foundation) provides support for the VEX Robotics program at AMHS, including competition infrastructure and resources.
• ClaritycoreTechnology or IntegrationAMHS uses Clarity software for tuition assistance applications, replacing the previous FACTS system. Families apply through Clarity to determine eligibility for need-based tuition assistance.
• NaviancecoreTechnology or IntegrationNaviance is AMHS's college and career readiness platform used by counselors and students for college applications, scholarship searches, SuperMatch college matching, and senior profile management.
• BSN SportsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBSN Sports is the official merchandise provider for AMHS as an official Nike School. The platform offers a sideline store for purchasing AMHS branded athletic and apparel items.
• Care SolaceminorOthersCare Solace is referenced on the counseling page as a mental health resource available to AMHS students and families for locating mental health care providers.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Lakeside School: Highly selective independent (non-religious) college preparatory school in Seattle serving grades 5-12. A broader incumbent in the Seattle prep-school market that competes for the same high-achieving, college-bound families as AMHS.
• The Bush School: Independent, non-sectarian college preparatory school (K-12) in Seattle. Broader incumbent offering an overlapping college-prep value proposition without the Catholic affiliation.
• Overlake School: Independent college preparatory school (grades 5-12) in Redmond, WA. Overlaps with AMHS in the Eastside college-prep market, particularly for STEM and athletics-focused families.

Direct peers

• Bishop Blanchet High School: Catholic college preparatory high school in Seattle, WA. Direct peer competing for Seattle-metro Catholic families, with comparable tuition and co-curricular footprint.
• Seattle Preparatory School: Jesuit Catholic college preparatory high school in Seattle, WA serving grades 9-12. Closest direct peer — same Catholic college-prep model, similar Seattle-metro draw, comparable tuition tier and extracurricular/co-curricular profile.
• Bellarmine Preparatory School: Jesuit Catholic college preparatory high school in Tacoma, WA. Comparable Catholic college-prep model, athletic programs, and college-readiness focus serving the South Puget Sound market.
• Eastside Catholic School: Catholic college preparatory school (grades 6-12) in Sammamish, WA serving Seattle's Eastside. Direct peer competing for the same faith-oriented, college-prep families in the broader Puget Sound region.
• Holy Names Academy: Catholic, all-girls college preparatory high school in Seattle, WA. Direct peer in Catholic college-prep secondary education with overlapping Pacific Northwest market and similar tuition/financial-aid structure.

Regional players

• Annie Wright School: Independent college preparatory school (PK-12) in Tacoma, WA with boarding component. Comparable independent-prep offering and tuition tier, primarily serving Tacoma/South Sound rather than AMHS's North Seattle/Snohomish catchment.
• Charles Wright Academy: Independent college preparatory school (PK-12) in Tacoma, WA. Comparable independent-prep model with similar tuition tier; primarily serves the South Puget Sound rather than Snohomish/North Seattle territory.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AMHSStudentLife
• Facebookfacebook.com/groups/amhsalumni
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/groups/4862300

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Archbishop Murphy High School