Knoxville Catholic High School

What Knoxville Catholic High School does

Knoxville Catholic High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college preparatory high school founded in 1932 and headquartered at 9245 Fox Lonas Road in West Knoxville, Tennessee. The institution serves more than 700 students in grades 9–12, delivering a horizontal-segment model targeting families in the Knoxville area who seek rigorous academics integrated with Catholic faith formation. Its core academic offering combines college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement coursework, with additional breadth across 40+ clubs, 30+ fine arts courses, and competitive athletics that have earned the school a #1 ranking for student-athletes in the Knoxville area and 7th in Tennessee by USA Today and Niche.com. The school reports 100% of seniors receiving scholarships and maintains an alumni network of 7,000–8,000 graduates.

The school's operational platform is built on conventional educational technology, including Canvas LMS, RenWeb (PowerSchool) for student information, Parchment for transcript management, and Naviance and Scoir for college and career planning. Specialty facilities include the Witsoe Family STEM Innovation Lab (nearly 2,500 sq.ft. housing the Robotichauns FIRST Robotics Team 2393), the 13,500 sq.ft. St. Gregory the Great Auditorium (365 seats), the Irish Media Network student broadcasting program, and the Monsignor Mankel Media Center library. Student support infrastructure comprises a guidance department (Kat Coy as Department Chair with counselors for grades 10–12, freshman counseling, a Learning Center for Student Support Plans, and a Student Assistance Program providing mental health services via a licensed counselor).

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition (amounts not publicly disclosed), supplemented by the Irish Fund unrestricted annual giving program, the 40-year-old Shamrock Open golf tournament ($1,255,000 raised since 1986), the Green & Gold Gala, spirit merchandise and uniform sales (through the on-campus Irish Spirit Shop, the Go Irish Gear online store, and partner retailers My A Plus Uniforms and Tommy Hilfiger), and the Capstone Campaign targeting a $10 million goal for the Father Chris Michelson Center scheduled to open fall 2027. Ancillary revenue is generated through Camp Irish summer programs (STEM, math, theatre, sports), auditorium rentals hosting more than 10,000 visitors annually, and Education Freedom Scholarship tuition funding. The school is led by President Dickie Sompayrac, with Joni Punch as Vice President of Admissions and Advancement overseeing alumni relations and fundraising, and operates as an independent non-profit with diocesan alignment and no parent company or public shareholders.

Name

Knoxville Catholic High School

Legal name

Knoxville Catholic High School

Website

https://knoxvillecatholic.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1932

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Knoxville Catholic High School is a private non-profit Catholic college preparatory high school in Knoxville, Tennessee, serving over 700 students in grades 9–12 with rigorous academics, competitive athletics, fine arts, robotics, and faith-based formation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

Keywords

• Private Catholic education
• College preparatory curriculum
• Secondary school education
• Faith-based schooling
• College counseling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Knoxville

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, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition: Primary revenue source from student tuition payments for Catholic education programs.
2. Annual Fund (Irish Fund): Unrestricted support through annual giving campaigns, largest source of unrestricted revenue for spiritual, academic and extracurricular programs.
3. Golf Tournament (Shamrock Open): Annual golf tournament raising funds for students. Since 1986, has raised $1,255,000.
4. Gala Events: Annual Green & Gold Gala with ticket sales and sponsorships. 2026 event tickets at $175 per person, proceeds support campus technology and security.
5. Uniform and Spirit Gear Sales: Sales of school uniforms and spirit merchandise through Irish Spirit Shop and online Go Irish Gear store.
6. Capital Campaign (Capstone Campaign): Major fundraising campaign for Father Chris Michelson Center with $10 million goal, accepting four-year pledges.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Knoxville Catholic High School is a private Catholic secondary school providing college preparatory education for students in grades 9-12, integrating faith formation with rigorous academics including Honors and Advanced Placement courses. The school delivers comprehensive student services including guidance and college counseling, mental health support, athletics, fine arts, STEM programs, and 40+ extracurricular clubs, supported by modern facilities and a dedicated faculty.

Product overview

Knoxville Catholic High School is a Catholic educational institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs, student activities, and community events. The school operates as a unified educational offering with core academic programs enhanced by specialized facilities including the STEM Innovation Lab for engineering and robotics education, the Irish Media Network for student broadcasting, and the St. Gregory the Great Auditorium for performing arts. Student support services include guidance counseling, college planning with Naviance and Scoir integration, and the Student Assistance Program. The school also runs fundraising events including the annual Shamrock Open Golf Tournament and Green & Gold Gala, with proceeds supporting technology and campus improvements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Witsoe Family Innovation Lab: State-of-the-art STEM Innovation Lab established in honor of the Witsoe Family, featuring robotics and computer technology programs.
• Irish Media Network
• Irish Arts Theatre Company
• Robotichauns Team 2393

Products and services

• STEM Innovation Lab Program A nearly 2,500 square foot state-of-the-art STEM facility providing students with opportunities to learn engineering, computer programming, robotics, science, and design on industry-standard equipment. Open to KCHS students.
• Irish Media Network (IMN) A student-run Digital Media program producing ESPN-like broadcasts, comprehensive studio shows, and coverage of athletic games and Irish Arts performances. All roles (Play-by-Play announcer, Director, Producer, Editor) are performed by IMN students. Affiliated with NFHS Network and Student Television Network.
• Irish Arts Program Comprehensive performing arts program including Theatre (with two stage productions annually), Band (member of ETSBOA), and Chorus (with four different choirs) under the Irish Arts Theatre Company. Performs at sporting events, masses, concerts, and regional festivals.
• Guidance & College Planning Comprehensive counseling services including academic monitoring, social/emotional support, college and career planning, and assistance with the college application process. Features college visits, Naviance and Scoir integration, and a counselor-to-student ratio below national averages.
• Student Support Services Student Assistance Program (SAP) providing free, confidential counseling services five days a week for mental health and personal concerns, along with crisis support resources, including a Mental Health Counselor with LMFT credentials.
• Camp Irish Summer camp program offering camps in STEM, Math, Theatre, and Sports for children, providing a safe environment for learning, discovery, and fun. Open to the broader community.
• Shamrock Open Golf Tournament Annual golf tournament established in 1986, now in its 40th year. Raises funds for students at Knoxville Catholic High School. $175 per player or $700 per team, including 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, beverages, golf shirt and goodie bags.
• Green & Gold Gala Annual premier fundraising event celebrating KCHS with cocktails, silent/live auction, dining, and dancing. Proceeds support campus technology and security. Tickets at $175 per person.
• Monsignor Mankel Media Center School library offering students a place to study, print assignments, and receive technical support at the Knowledge Bar. Provides library resources and catalog access for research and information literacy.
• Robotichauns Team 2393 Robotics Program Award-winning FIRST Robotics Competition team (Team 2393) that designs, builds, programs and tests autonomous robots for regional and national competitions. The team is based in the STEM Innovation Lab and is open to KCHS students.
• St. Gregory the Great Auditorium Rental State-of-the-art 13,500 sq.ft. performing arts center with 365 seats, 4,000 sq.ft. lobby, and 1,385 sq.ft. scene shop. Features a 55' wide and 40' deep stage, hosting over 10,000 visitors annually for events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of seniors receive scholarships
• +2 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Rouse ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for the 40th Annual Shamrock Open golf tournament. Rouse Construction has been a consistent supporter of the school's annual golf fundraiser.
• Meridian TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for the 15th annual Green & Gold Gala. Supporting the school's premier event celebrating KCHS traditions.
• Faris FamilyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for the Green & Gold Gala event supporting campus technology and security.
• Crescent BendminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Green & Gold Gala.
• Omega PSIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Green & Gold Gala.
• Garza LawminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Green & Gold Gala.
• PinnacleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Green & Gold Gala.
• PetroneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Green & Gold Gala.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• McCallie School: Distinguished private college-prep boys' school in Chattanooga, TN. Comparable in athletic reputation, college counseling intensity, and private-school positioning within the Tennessee market.
• University School of Nashville: Independent K-12 college-prep school in Nashville, TN affiliated with Peabody College. Comparable rigorous academic programming and college-prep mission in the Tennessee private-school market.
• Montgomery Bell Academy: Highly regarded private boys' college-prep school in Nashville. Comparable in athletic excellence, college counseling intensity, and tuition-funded private school operating model in Tennessee.
• Brentwood Academy: Independent Christian college-prep school serving grades 5-12 in the Nashville area. Comparable faith-integrated curriculum, athletic programs, and college placement outcomes at larger scale.
• Baylor School: Elite private college-prep school in Chattanooga, TN with boarding and day programs. Comparable academic rigor, athletics prominence, and college placement outcomes at a larger and more established scale.

Direct peers

• Christian Brothers High School: Catholic secondary school in Memphis, TN operating under a religious order. Comparable faith-based college-prep model with athletics, arts, and STEM programming serving Tennessee families.
• Webb School of Knoxville: Independent college-preparatory school serving grades K-12 in Knoxville. Direct local competitor for families seeking premium private college-prep education in the Knoxville market.
• Father Ryan High School: Catholic diocesan high school in Nashville, TN. Operates as a private Catholic college-prep school with similar faith-based mission, athletics, and college counseling programs serving the Tennessee Catholic-school market.
• Christian Academy of Knoxville: Private Christian K-12 school in Knoxville, TN. Directly competes for the same Knoxville-area tuition-paying families seeking rigorous college-prep education with a faith component.

Emerging players

• Lipscomb Academy: Private Christian K-12 school affiliated with Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Comparable faith-based mission, college-prep curriculum, and athletics; serves a similar Tennessee private-school demographic.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/knoxcatholic
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCo2YOoaBPIBgiey56ir7ALg
• Facebookfacebook.com/knoxcatholic
• Instagraminstagram.com/knoxcatholic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/knoxville-catholic-high-school

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

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 Knoxville Catholic High School