Central Catholic High School
Location:
4720 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Description:
Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, just blocks from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Central Catholic High School is a historic all-boys institution known for academic excellence, strong Catholic identity, and distinctive Gothic-inspired architecture. Established in 1927 by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and operated by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the school has long served as a leading preparatory institution for young men in Western Pennsylvania.
The main building, designed by Pittsburgh architect John T. Comes, is a prominent example of Collegiate Gothic architecture. Completed in 1927, the structure features pointed arches, limestone cladding, decorative tracery, and carved stone grotesques. The façade is dominated by a central entrance tower flanked by lancet windows and battlement-style parapets, echoing the architectural language of medieval European universities and cathedrals. This style was chosen deliberately to reflect the school's commitment to tradition, scholarship, and moral discipline.
Inside, the architectural details continue with vaulted hallways, oak woodwork, and stained-glass windows that depict Catholic iconography and historical figures. The chapel, a quiet centerpiece of the building, features intricate wood carvings and Gothic arches that provide a contemplative space for prayer and reflection. Over the decades, additional facilities such as the STEM building and athletic complexes have been added, but they have been designed to complement the historical architecture of the original campus.
Central Catholic High School has produced generations of leaders in business, science, public service, and the arts. While the school has evolved to meet the educational demands of the 21st century, it retains its architectural grandeur and core mission of forming men of faith, scholarship, and service. Its building stands not only as a place of learning but also as a physical expression of the school’s enduring values and historical roots.
