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Now Enrolling · Grades 9–12 · Catholic College Prep on Galveston Island
Carved stone facade of O’Connell College Preparatory School in Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas

Where Every Student Is Known

A small, faith-filled high school where every student is known by name — challenged academically, formed spiritually, and given the room to lead, compete, perform and serve.

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9–12Grades Served
CatholicCollege Preparatory
10Buccaneer Sports
Over 100Years on the Island

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Tell us about your student

Share a few details and our admissions team will reach out to answer your questions and set up a campus tour or Shadow Day.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by O’Connell College Preparatory School about enrollment and visits. We respect your privacy and never share your information.

Why Families Choose O’Connell

Competence. Conscience. Compassion.

O’Connell College Preparatory School seeks to develop competence, conscience and compassion in our students through a challenging program of spiritual, academic, social, and extra-curricular activities.

We are a family

Students here are known personally, not counted. Smaller classes mean teachers notice when something clicks — and when it doesn’t.

Faith at the center

Campus Ministry, theology, all‑school and School Mass, morning prayer and community service are part of ordinary life here, not an add‑on.

Real college preparation

Honors and AP coursework, dual‑credit classes that earn college credit in high school, hands‑on college counseling, SAT/ACT prep and scholarship guidance.

Room for every student

Here a student can be an athlete, an artist, a leader and a scholar in the same year. At O’Connell Prep, nobody has to pick one identity.

Leadership and service

Student Council, National Honor Society, Campus Ministry leadership, and community service are woven into the student experience.

Galveston roots, Buccaneer pride

Generations of island families, a strong alumni community, and traditions like the Treasure Ball that connect today’s students to the ones who came before.

What Students Can Do Here

Every program, open to every grade

Academics, arts, athletics and ministry are offered across the entire high school — so students can start exploring in ninth grade and keep going.

Academics & College Prep

  • College Preparatory Program
  • Advanced / Honors Coursework
  • AP Mathematics
  • Dual Credit
  • Engineering
  • Laboratory Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • English & Literature
  • History & Humanities
  • Theology
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Geography
  • Horticulture
  • Maritime Studies
  • College Counseling
  • SAT / ACT Prep

Fine Arts, Technology & Electives

  • Fine & Visual Arts
  • Graphic Design
  • Theatre Arts
  • Music
  • Vocal Music / Choir
  • Engineering
  • Esports

Athletics

  • Football
  • Boys Basketball
  • Girls Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Fencing
  • Cheerleading
  • Track
  • Golf
  • Softball
  • Baseball

Faith & Campus Ministry

  • Campus Ministry
  • Theology
  • All‑School Mass
  • Chapel Mass
  • Confession
  • Eucharistic Adoration
  • Morning Prayer
  • Liturgical Celebrations
  • Altar Serving
  • Lectors
  • Choir & Student Musicians
  • Retreats

Leadership, Service & Student Life

  • Student Council
  • National Honor Society
  • Community Service
  • Student Volunteering
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Treasure Ball
  • School Traditions
  • Team Leadership
  • Campus Ministry Leadership

For Families

  • Shadow Days
  • Homeschool A La Carte Classes
  • Mainland Transportation to the Island
  • College Scholarship Assistance

A Catholic college prep education is more affordable than most families expect

Several programs help island and mainland families make O’Connell work. Our team will walk you through what your family may qualify for.

  • Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
  • Guardian Angel Scholarships
  • ACE Scholarships
  • College Scholarship Assistance

Find Us

On Tremont Street, in the heart of Galveston

O’Connell College Preparatory School

1320 Tremont St
Galveston, TX 77550

Campus tours and Shadow Days are scheduled by appointment. Tell us when works and we will arrange a time for your family to see the school during a normal day.

Shadow Days give prospective students a chance to sit in on classes, meet teachers and eat lunch with future classmates before deciding.

Questions Parents Ask

Good questions, straight answers

Do we have to be Catholic to enroll?

No. O’Connell is a Catholic school and faith is part of daily life here — theology class, Mass, service — and families of every background are welcome and part of our community.

Can my student earn college credit in high school?

Yes. Dual credit and college credit opportunities, AP Mathematics and advanced or honors coursework are available, along with college counseling, SAT and ACT resources, and help with applications and scholarships.

Is tuition assistance available?

Yes. Families may qualify for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), Guardian Angel Scholarships or ACE Scholarships, and we help with college scholarship assistance later on. Ask us and we will walk you through the options.

We live on the mainland. Is the commute realistic?

It is. Student transportation from the mainland to Galveston Island is available, and a number of our families make the trip every day.

Can my student try a day before we decide?

Absolutely. Shadow Days let prospective students spend a school day with us — classes, teachers, lunch, the whole thing. Request information and we will set one up.

O’Connell Buccaneers crest

O’Connell College Preparatory School

1320 Tremont St, Galveston, TX 77550

www.oconnellprep.com

Competence · Conscience · Compassion