WELCOME

Welcome to Althoff Catholic. Since 1964, Althoff Catholic has been shaping young minds and hearts in a supportive, family-like environment. Here, students discover their talents, grow their passions, and develop as whole individuals—body, mind, and soul.

Our rigorous, engaging curriculum serves as the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. We challenge students to think critically, solve problems, and take ownership of their education through proven instructional strategies that encourage curiosity, confidence, and deeper understanding.

Rooted in the teachings of Christ, our mission is clear: to prepare students to lead faith-filled, successful lives while striving to reach their personal best in everything they do.

At Althoff Catholic, education is a community effort. Faculty, students, families, alumni, trustees, and friends all work together to create a thriving environment that celebrates diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

We invite you to visit our campus and experience firsthand what makes Althoff Catholic High School a place where passion meets purpose.

Leadership Team

Jonathan Birdsong - Principal

I am an educational leader with more than 20 years of experience serving schools
in the Metro East. I became Principal of Althoff Catholic High School in 2024 after serving as the Diocese of Belleville’s Superintendent of Schools and Director
of Education for 6 years. Before that, I spent many years as a principal, assistant
principal, teacher, and coach at both the elementary and high school levels and in
both public and non-public school systems.
I hold multiple advanced degrees, including an Education Specialist in Curriculum
Design and Theory, and have completed all the coursework for my Doctorate of
Education. In addition to my work as principal, I have continued to coach both the
boys’ and girls’ soccer programs at Althoff Catholic as those efforts support our
mission to educate the whole student (mind, body, and spirit). My work is guided by a deep commitment to students, faith-based education, and building a strong, supportive school community that welcomes everyone. I strive every day to ensure our students are heard, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

As the parent of four Althoff Alumni, I have witnessed firsthand the value of the well-rounded educational experience offered at Althoff Catholic, and it’s an honor to serve our current families and help lead the school into its future.

Greg Leib - Assistant Principal

Student Services, Discipline, and Substitute Teachers

I’ve been blessed to be part of Althoff Catholic High School for 24 years.

I’ve been in education for 32 years. My career began at Roxana Jr/Senior High School as a math teacher, health teacher, physical education teacher, and social studies teacher.  I’ve been in administration for 22 years.

My wife Tammy and I have been married for twenty-five years and we have three kids. Our kids all attend Althoff and we are very involved in their extracurricular activities.

As Assistant Principal of Althoff, my goal is to build better young adults. I believe kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  Relationship building is a primary focus in helping us achieve our aforementioned goals.

I believe Althoff Catholic High School to be a special place where dreams can be achieved. 

Jean Smith - Assistant Principal

I have been a professional educator for 15 years, spending time in the classroom, as a Guidance Counselor, and as an Assistant Principal.  I am also the spouse of a retired military veteran of twenty-three years and I have spent time in several different states gaining various perspectives on pedagogy and administration of schools. 

As a devoted Catholic, I have felt blessed to work in a faith-filled school where God has been at the center of everything we do for the last 10 years. I am passionate about education and ensuring all decisions I make are in the best interest of the students and their success. In my professional opinion, students thrive in an educational setting that provides them with love, understanding, cooperation, collaboration, structure, and organization. 

All three of my children have either graduated from or are currently attending Althoff because I believe in our mission and what we do daily.