Catholic High Schools in the Los Angeles Area

Catholic high schools in the Los Angeles area include schools serving Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, the South Bay, the coastal communities, Long Beach, Ventura County, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Lancaster and the Antelope Valley. They offer college-preparatory education within a Catholic setting that combines academic instruction, faith formation, community life and service.

The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are part of a long educational tradition. The schools strive to be communities of faith in which the Christian message, the experience of community, worship and social concern are integrated into a total experience for students, their parents and the members of the school staff.

Historical development of Catholic secondary education

Education of youth was a major concern of each of the early Ordinaries of the diocese of Los Angeles. However, Bishop Thomas J. Conaty (1903-1915) provided the first impetus to the development of a Catholic school system.

Bishop Conaty, an educator and former college leader, encouraged the establishment of both parochial schools and private institutions. For fifty years prior to Bishop Conaty’s arrival, Catholic education in Southern California had a slow but gradual growth from the opening of the first school in Los Angeles by the Sacred Hearts Fathers (Picpus Fathers) “college” at the Plaza in 1851.

During this period, academies or private schools offered elementary and secondary education for students in the 80,000 square mile diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles. With Bishop Conaty’s arrival came the first diocesan educational plan aimed at providing a continuous program from kindergarten through college under Catholic influence.

The Bishop’s first decisive step in educational reorganization was to appoint a Board of Examiners (1903). The duties of this clerical board were to advise him on educational matters, to inspect the schools and to report on the quality of the teaching observed.

On Thursday, August 20, 1903, the first teachers’ meeting was held at the newly established St. Mary’s Academy on 21st and Grand Avenue in Los Angeles. Representing schools in Anaheim, Los Angeles, Oxnard, Pasadena, Redlands, San Diego, Santa Monica and Shorb (now Alhambra) were a number of religious Institutes, namely Daughters of Charity (St. Vincent de Paul), Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Sisters of Mercy (Burlingame) and Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union.

This session also included the first recorded principals’ meeting in the diocese. Annual summer institutes, first held in Santa Monica’s Columbia Hall, provided in-service education and training programs for all teachers, religious and lay, in the schools of the diocese.

By popular demand, these sessions were later opened to interested public school and community personnel (1906-1915). At this time a textbook committee was formed from the teaching staffs of the committee (1906) and the diocesan “multiple listing” policy for choice of basic textbooks used in the elementary schools had its origin.

No recommendations for the secondary schools were reported. When Bishop Conaty died on September 18, 1915, he left a well-established pattern of diocesan organization of individual schools which his successor could develop.

Expansion of Catholic high schools

During Archbishop John J. Cantwell’s long episcopate (1917-1947), he endeavored to meet the needs of a growing and expanding diocese through his educational leadership and administrative talents. He appealed to many religious communities in the United States and abroad to staff schools.

In November, 1922, Bishop Cantwell laid the cornerstone for the first diocesan-financed secondary school, Catholic Girls High School, later named Bishop Conaty High School, which was administered by Reverend Peter Corcoran and staffed by members of several religious Institutes of women.

To coordinate the instructional program throughout the diocese, Bishop Cantwell established the Office of Superintendent of Schools in 1920. Reverend Matthew Marron was appointed the first superintendent with responsibility for administering and supervising schools.

Steps in the upgrading of staff and the coordination of the instructional program in this period were: the creation of the Office of Superintendent of Schools (1920); the reorganization of the School Board as an Advisory Council (1920); the adoption of a course of study (1924); the appointment of a Board of Supervisors (1932); the appointment of a director of music (1937); the creation of the Office of Assistant Superintendent (1946) and the cooperative efforts of superintendents and community supervisors to improve the quality of instruction in the classrooms.

Shortly after installation as Archbishop of Los Angeles in 1948, the Most Reverend J. Francis A. McIntyre established the Youth Education Fund for the purpose of providing high schools and elementary schools in areas unable to finance building programs. Seventeen schools were built during the first year of this program.

At the invitation of the Archbishop, three of the largest teaching communities (Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) assigned sisters to full-time service as diocesan supervisors (1950).

Subsequent developments included the Manual for Teachers of Elementary Schools (1952) and the development of a curriculum bulletin and library (1955). In 1960 two superintendents were appointed, Reverend Monsignor Joseph Sharpe, the Superintendent of Secondary Education, and Colleges and Reverend Monsignor James B. Clyne, the Superintendent for Elementary Education.

Assignments of full-time diocesan consultants for the secondary schools were made in 1965. Originating with nineteen parochial schools and five academies in 1903 with a total enrollment of 2,895, the population of the schools has grown, making the Los Angeles Archdiocese the fourth largest diocese in the United States in number of Catholic schools and students enrolled.

This progress has been due substantially, though indirectly, to the educational leadership of its Ordinaries: Bishop Thomas Conaty, Archbishop John J. Cantwell, Cardinal James Francis McIntyre, Cardinal Timothy Manning and Cardinal Roger Mahony.

The direct influence was provided by the school superintendents: Reverend Matthew Marron (1920), Reverend Monsignor William North (1937), Reverend Monsignor Patrick J. Dignan (1939), Reverend Monsignor Joseph Sharpe - Secondary (1960), Reverend Donald Montrose - Secondary (1964), Reverend Monsignor James B. Clyne - Elementary (1960), Reverend Monsignor John A. Mihan - Elementary (1969), Reverend Jeremiah T. Murphy - Secondary (1977).

Organization and educational mission

Cardinal Mahony reorganized the administrative structure of the Archdiocese in 1987 by the formation of five Pastoral Regions and a cabinet form of administration. Sister Cecilia Louise Moore, C.S.J., was appointed the first Secretariat Director for Educational/Formational Services.

Monsignor Aidan M. Carroll was appointed Superintendent of Catholic Schools in 1986, unifying both elementary and secondary schools into one department with an Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools and an Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools.

In the 1980s schools experienced tremendous growth in the establishment of kindergartens. Thanks to archdiocesan benefactors John and Dorothy Shea and Richard Riordan, new kindergartens were built with accompanying Writing to Read Computer Labs in many inner city schools as well as schools in the suburbs.

In 1991 Dr. Jerome R. Porath became the first layperson to be appointed Superintendent. Sr. Bernadette Murphy, S.S.L., was appointed Secretariat Director for Educational/Formational Services in 1999.

In the fall of 2000, the organizational structure was revised to include a Superintendent for Elementary Schools, Sr. Mary Elizabeth Galt, B.V.M.; a Superintendent for Secondary Schools, Nancy Coonis; and a President of Catholic Schools, Reverend Albert J. DiUlio, S.J., who assumed that position in July 2001.

In July 2004, the structure was again revised to have Superintendents for Elementary and Secondary Schools and no President. In 2003, Patricia Livingston succeeded Sr. Mary Elizabeth Galt, B.V.M., (who became Chancellor of the Archdiocese), as Superintendent for Elementary Schools.

In 2008, Fr. Sabato Pilato was appointed by Cardinal Mahony to succeed Nancy Coonis as Superintendent of Secondary Schools. In 2009, Dr. Kevin Baxter succeeded Patricia Livingston as Superintendent for Elementary Schools.

Over the years, dedicated and competent professional staffs have ably assisted the superintendents in their ministry. During the years of educational growth the involvement of parents in educational ministry has evolved to include not only financial support but also active participation in the educational programs.

These programs include parent organizations, various boards related to education and a variety of direct school services. Early childhood programs also expanded during the 2000s with the establishment of preschools.

By 2008 approximately 86 preschools were attached to elementary schools or to parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Another development was the establishment of new models of governance and structure.

The first Regional Preschool, San Antonio de Padua Academy Preschool, opened in September, 2008 to serve the needs of four parishes in East Los Angeles. The Catholic Education Foundation was founded in 1987 by Cardinal Mahony with initial funding by the Archdiocese, individuals and other charitable entities.

The Education Foundation continues to raise funds and has grown to a major resource to fund needs-based scholarships for students attending Archdiocesan supported elementary and high schools. A special program, SOS, funds the most “at risk” students in these schools.

For the schools most in need, CEF supports art and sports programs and provides buses for field trips. The leadership programs fund tuition at Catholic universities for teacher credentials and principal development.

The educational mission of the Catholic Church remains an integrated ministry embracing three interlocking dimensions: message, community and service. Today the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese strive to be communities of faith in which the Christian message, the experience of community, worship and social concern are integrated into a total experience for students, their parents and the members of the school staff.

The schools are a living fulfillment of an educational plan begun by Bishop Conaty for the diocese dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels.

Catholic high schools in Los Angeles and nearby communities

The following schools represent Catholic secondary education across the Los Angeles area and neighboring communities. Their locations extend from central Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley to the South Bay, coastal areas, Long Beach, Ventura County, Santa Barbara and the Antelope Valley.

Los Angeles and central communities

• Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School - 2900 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006-3802
• Cathedral High School - 1253 Bishops Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90012-1453
• Verbum Dei High School - 11100 S. Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90059-1120
• Bishop Mora Salesian High School - 960 S. Soto St. Los Angeles, CA 90023-1323
• Sacred Heart High School - 2111 Griffin Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90031-3005

San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley

• Bishop Alemany High School - 11111 North Alemany Drive Mission Hills CA 91345-1105
• St. Genevieve High School - 13967 Roscoe Blvd. Panorama City, CA 91402-4245
• Paraclete High School - 42145 30th St. W. Lancaster, CA 93536-3344

San Gabriel Valley and eastern Los Angeles County

• Bishop Amat High School - 14301 Fairgrove Ave. La Puente, CA 91746-1712
• Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School - 329 N. Garfield Ave. Montebello, CA 90640-3803
• Damien High School - 2280 Damien Ave. La Verne, CA 91750-5210
• Pomona Catholic High School - 533 W. Holt Ave. Pomona, CA 91768-3606
• San Gabriel Mission High School - 254 S. Santa Anita St. San Gabriel, CA 91776-1140

South Bay, coastal Los Angeles and neighboring cities

• St. Bernard High School - 9100 Falmouth Ave. Playa del Rey, CA 90293-8205
• St. Mary’s Academy - 701 Grace Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301-1359
• St. Monica High School - 1030 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403-4010
• Bishop Montgomery High School - 5430 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503-4006
• Junipero Serra High School - 14830 S. Van Ness Ave. Gardena, CA 90249-3718
• Mary Star of the Sea High School - 2500 N. Taper Avenue San Pedro CA 90731-1148

Long Beach, Lakewood, Downey and surrounding communities

• St. Anthony High School - 620 Olive Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802-1546
• St. Joseph High School (LW) - 5825 N. Woodruff Ave. Lakewood, CA 90713-1198
• St. Paul High School - 9635 S. Greenleaf Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670-3001
• St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy - 7851 E. Gardendale St. Downey, CA 90242-4121

Santa Barbara, Ventura County and the Central Coast

• Bishop Garcia Diego High School - 4000 La Colina Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93110-1412
• Santa Clara High School - 2121 Saviers Rd. Oxnard, CA 93033-3824
• St. Bonaventure High School - 3167 Telegraph Rd. Ventura, CA 93003-3218
• St. Joseph High School (SM) - 4120 S Bradley Rd Santa Maria, California 93455

Examples of Catholic high school programs

St. John Bosco High School

Welcome to St. John Bosco High School! Learn about our beautiful 36-acre campus that we call home and the people, pathways and programs that bring it to life every day. At Bosco, anything is possible!

Designed to enhance our already outstanding college preparatory curriculum, students may choose from a series of Academic Pathways in which they will participate in advanced level coursework and project-based learning experiences over four years.

With 96% of our students continuing their education after graduating, our Braves will be going on to study at the best colleges and universities across the nation.

As a Salesian school, St. John Bosco High School creates a caring, loving and nurturing environment where students feel welcomed (home), are challenged intellectually (school), grow in their faith (church), and celebrate life together as a community (playground).

“Bosco’s teachers push you to do your best in and out of the classroom. The curriculum is challenging, and that definitely prepares you for the next level.” - Cole Aubrey '19, Princeton University '23

“Without confidence and love, there can be no true education.” - St. John Bosco

“Bosco helps you find your passion. Thanks to internships offered in Biomedical Pathway, I learned that I wanted to be a doctor.” - Myles Dolphin '19, Brown University '23

Loyola High School

Loyola inspires its students to become men of faith, scholarship, service and leadership, providing them with an academically rigorous, four-year college preparatory education to graduate prepared for lives of leadership and service to their community.

A Loyola education will challenge you, helping you develop morally and intellectually, sending you into the world as the man God created you to be.

The Jesuits are best known for their colleges, universities and high schools. To be educated by the Jesuits, a Catholic order founded 500 years ago by St. Ignatius Loyola, means receiving the best education possible.

That tradition continues at Loyola, where 99 percent of our graduates pursue higher education. Loyola’s administrators, teachers and staff inspire and develop critical thinkers.

This academic excellence leads to a community of innovators and poets, journalists and athletes, leaders and artists. The Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person - body and soul - permeates Loyola today.

From the track to the field, from the court to the pool, excellence drives our every move and action. As a student-athlete at Loyola, you will cultivate the essential attributes of confidence, character and sportsmanship to become a leader.

You will join fellow Cubs on over 35 teams including football, soccer, cross country, water polo, tennis, golf and lacrosse to name a few. You will celebrate with Loyola sports teams that have won over 71 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) titles, let alone the highest award, the Commissioner’s Cub, for having the best overall boys’ athletic program in California.

Loyola High School inspires students to become men of scholarship, faith and service. During your four years at 1901 Venice Boulevard, you are required to commit 100-plus hours to community service and many of you will contribute nearly 200.

You are called to be men of action that impact through service and reflection. In the past two decades, Loyola students have dedicated over 1.8 million hours to community service, culminating in the nationally recognized Senior Service Project.

It is the only community service program of its kind in Southern California where, during a three-week period, Loyola’s seniors focus on giving back to the community as volunteers at inner-city hospitals, special-education schools, soup kitchens, centers for battered women and shelters.

College applications and studies are put aside as they work six- to seven-hour days. Many seniors feel that it is the capstone of their four years at Loyola. To date, over 11,000 Loyola seniors have completed this life-transforming experience.

Whether it’s running for Student Council, participating in our nationally-recognized Speech & Debate team, writing for our award-winning publications, joining one of our more than 70 student clubs or being an on-air personality for our Broadcast Club, there’s a Loyola for you.

There is a Loyola for everyone.

“In my time at Loyola, I have been blessed to form new relationships which have helped me grow in various aspects of my life. I have made countless new friends in which I hope to carry into my college and adult life. I have developed strong connections with my educators and plan to take the teachings from their respective subjects and apply them to my daily life. I have grown strongly in my relationship with God and I feel my faith journey would never have been as developed had I not attended Loyola. All of these aspects have allowed me to put into practice being a man for and with others.” Joseph Schimmoller Class of '26

“There is a reason why so many students come to Loyola. Our school stands out from the rest in which it has something to offer for everyone. From over 100+ clubs to an extremely supportive community, Loyola truly provides a warm welcome to students as if it were their second home. Through my experience here, I learned to never be afraid to express myself and my identity. I have also learned how to develop as a leader in sports and made everlasting friendships on this campus. Also, upperclassmen have truly shaped my experience, in that, they are always willing to help tutor me and aid me in my navigation through high school. Loyola has taught me to do the same; welcoming younger classmates and providing the same assistance I received from those above me, overall shaping me into a man for and with others.” Christian Gorgy Class of '26

“Loyola's staff, administrators, and community have taught me, not only what someone would expect from rigorous academic courses, but also how to connect to each other as Men For and With Others-as well as with the community around us in Pico Union. From the opportunities presented through the Cub Year Program, to the access of international immersions, Loyola uniquely supports and allows students to go beyond the perimeter of their beautiful campus and truly 'Set the world on fire', as St. Ignatius of Loyola taught us to do. I believe Loyola is greater than a place of education, and is more importantly a place to grow as a person expressing yourself in different avenues of life. This helps prepare students to develop their future ambitions in any way they seek.” Justin Jacobo Class of '26

“When I think about Loyola and my experience so far, I can say that the bonds I have been able to make with friends and teachers truly make me excited to come to school everyday. The things I have gotten involved in have allowed me to meet all types of people and made me become a better leader and understand myself better as a person. I have had the ability to step out of my comfort zone and engage in new interests that I most likely would not have done anywhere other than Loyola.” Dominic Mitchell Class of '25

“Loyola has always been, and will always be, a special place for me. Though juggling multiple assignments each week was often stressful, it pushed me to my limit and I appreciated the challenge. More importantly, I am deeply thankful for the supportive community. The daily encouragement from my friends and teachers made school much more enjoyable. I truly believe Loyola shapes you into a man for and with others, and I wouldn't have it any other way.” Sergio Guerrero Class of '25

“My time at Loyola has acted as a positive catalyst for spiritual, academic and character growth. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have spent such a transformative four years at Loyola with outstanding teachers, counselors, staff, and most importantly my peers.” Mark Kim Class of '24

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