JSerra Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School provides students in grades 9 through 12 with an individualized education in a faith-based, character-building setting. Its focus is on academic excellence and personal formation in virtue integrated with the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Prayer and worship serve an important role during each day. From daily Mass before school to weekly all-school Mass each Wednesday, from numerous student retreats to frequent staff spiritual development, JSerra offers a warmly ecumenical approach and welcomes students and families of all faith backgrounds while passionately embracing its Catholic heritage. The school is blessed to have both Norbertine priests and Carmelite nuns serving on campus daily as chaplains and teachers. Current enrollment is approximately 1,200 and average class size is 17-24 students.

JSerra now has five acclaimed Magnet Programs in medicine, engineering, business, law, and the arts as well as online educational options. Its academic programs have nurtured and developed National Merit Scholarship winners and a Fulbright Scholar.

The school offers students 23 CIF sports and 7 club teams from which to choose — each fostering mental, physical and spiritual development. JSerra's athletic and club teams have produced many college and professional athletes. The school is proud of its numerous Trinity League, CIF, and state championships.

Both visual and performing arts are also well-represented on campus. From an innovative broadcast journalism program to multiple theatrical productions, from an after-school rock band to award-winning choirs, students have the opportunity to explore the beauty and truth of God’s creation in a variety of ways. JSerra continues to grow and flourish as its students and alumni become leaders in their families, neighborhoods, churches, and professional communities.

JSerra is an independent Roman Catholic high school that encourages students to pursue personal and professional excellence in life. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, we work in partnership with committed parents and inspirational teachers to form the faith, intellect, and character of our young men and women within a Christ-centered, sacrament-based learning environment.

The definition of key terms in our mission statement helps to further clarify the founding principles and core beliefs of our school. We maintain high standards of excellence for our students in all facets of school life. Through challenging coursework that fosters a keen work ethic and teachers who model professional dedication and personal regard for those around them, we strive to create an environment that encourages students to become the best persons God calls them to be.

We are deeply committed to promoting the teachings of Christ as affirmed by the apostolic tradition and divine inspiration of the Catholic Church. We also hold in deep regard other faith traditions and, as such, invite all members of our school community to participate with us in the search for truth and meaning in this world and in the next.

During the teenage years, it is of paramount importance that parents and the school collaborate closely so our students are provided cohesive, unified direction by the most important adults in their lives. We firmly believe parents are the primary educators. As such, they should be active in the educational process through participation in parenting seminars, teacher conferences, lecture series, open forums with administrators, social gatherings, and Board of Directors or strategic committee positions. Indeed, the school-parent partnership is the most critical one in preparing our students for responsible adulthood.

All faculty and staff, both within the classroom and beyond, fulfill a teaching role as they strive to affirm the dignity of our young men and women and model for them in all circumstances the person of Jesus Christ. Our goal is for everyone at JSerra to engage our students by captivating their hearts and minds with the beauty of the Gospel in order to inspire them to become virtuous, faith-filled adults.

We believe forming our students in these essential areas results in a truly integrated and dynamic Catholic education. By "faith" we imply not only a belief in the existence of God, but also a desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him by knowing, loving, and serving others. At JSerra, "intellect" refers not only to academic knowledge, but also to wisdom. We help our students grow in the practical application of their reason based on a mature understanding of themselves and their responsibility to society. We also aim to develop each student’s "character." By this we mean the cultivation of human values and the moral discernment necessary for ultimate happiness, both of which are rooted in the cardinal virtues of fortitude, prudence, temperance, and justice.

Rather than use the term "children," we consciously refer to our students as young men and women as this better reflects our vision of them as "adults-in-the-making." This demonstration of respect for our students is an important aspect of our effort to form them to be responsible Christian citizens.

Our mission statement ends with this phrase to leave no doubt as to the source and essence of our school — Jesus Christ. We believe our weekly celebration of an all-school Mass and opportunities for regular confession and adoration afford our entire school community untold graces. Precisely because of our catholic (i.e. universal) nature, we welcome students and families of all religious backgrounds who seek to deepen their faith.