Bishop Sullivan CHS History

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School continues a tradition of Catholic education in South Hampton Roads that dates back to the middle of the nineteenth century.  With the closure in the late 1940’s of two previous Catholic high schools in Norfolk, Holy Trinity and St. Joseph, Central Catholic High School was chartered.   Bishop Peter Ireton opened the school as Norfolk Catholic High School in 1949, under the patronage of Saint Michael.

Granby Street location, Norfolk, 1950
 

The school thrived at its location on Granby Street and grew to an enrollment of over 800 students in the 1970’s.   As the cities of South Hampton Roads grew and new parishes were established in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake over the next 30 years, Bishop Walter Sullivan approved a plan to move the school to a more central location in the Kempsville borough of Virginia Beach. 

In the fall of 1993, the school opened as Catholic High School at its present 37-acre Princess Anne Road location. Ten years later, to honor the soon-to-retire bishop, the school’s name was changed again, to Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School.

Current location on Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach - 2011
 

Whether Central Catholic, Norfolk Catholic, Catholic, or Bishop Sullivan Catholic, the school continues to provide a Christ centered academic program that prepares young people for success in college, and success in life as citizens, servants and leaders in their community.