Yes! All of our schools are accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) AND by the Wester Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). We require individual accreditation of all elementary schools, unlike public or charter schools.
All of our K-8 teachers have degrees and credentials or are completing a diocesan approved credentialing program.
With small class sizes complemented with differentiated learning, we are able to accommodate children of all academic levels in the same classroom while continuing to challenge them. Our schools are set up in a way that allows students to excel and grow academically consistent with their individual abilities. We do not have a separate GATE program and instead meet the child’s academic needs in the classroom.
We pride ourselves in being inclusive of all faiths. Many of our current schools have non Catholic students. Our schools teach and follow Catholic doctrine, and all students participate in Catholic religious services, but there is no effort to convert students or families from other backgrounds.
The goal of the Diocese of Orange Catholic Schools is to not deny any student the opportunity to attend because of financial need. Financial Assistance is available and granted by the schools on an individual need basis. Please contact the school directly to apply for Financial Aid.
We have a long standing history of our graduates continuing on to higher education. Below is a short list of the schools where our 2015 graduates attended: All Cal State and UC Colleges, Ave Maria University, Azusa Pacific University, Baylor University, Biola University, Boston College, Boston University, California Lutheran University, California Maritime Academy, Chapman University, Christian Brothers University, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University Pueblo, DePaul University, Dominican University, Drexel University, Duke University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fordham University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgetown University, Gonzaga University, Grand Canyon University, Harvard University, John Carroll University, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola Marymount University, Loyola University Maryland, Marquette University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount St. Mary’s University, New York University, Northwestern University, Norwich University, Notre Dame de Namur University, Ohio University, Oklahoma City University, Pepperdine University, Purdue University, Rice University, Saint Mary’s College of California, Saint Michael’s College, Santa Clara University, Seattle University, Seton Hall University, Southern Methodist University, St. John’s University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, The Catholic University of America, The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, The George Washington University, The University of Alabama, The University of Arizona, The University of Texas, Austin, United States Naval Academy, United States Airforce Academy, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, University of Denver, University of Florida, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of Mississippi, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of Nevada, Reno, University of North Dakota, University of North Georgia, University of Notre Dame, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, University of Portland, University of Puget Sound, University of San Francisco, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, Villanova University, Virginia Military Institute, Vassar University, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, Yale University
All children for whom an appropriate program can be developed and implemented are eligible for acceptance in our Catholic schools. We serve many special needs students, including those with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) from the public school. Due to lack of state funding, Catholic schools are limited in providing specialized programs that public schools may offer. However, it is found that special needs students in a supportive, community based environment can thrive and grow. Therefore, we are as inclusionary as possible for the needs of students who wish a Catholic education.
Yes, please contact your local school for information on international students.
We believe in the importance of personal growth of students rather than comparative. We do not post test scores by school. All of our schools excel at helping students reach individual growth. We do not compare test scores by school, but rather compare individual student growth to assure that all students are able to advance academically.
As a religious institution our schools are not permitted, by the State of California, to take the California Standardized test. Instead, our schools utilize the Renaissance Star Test three times a year so that we can assure individual student growth. The California Standardized test and API score measures end of the year achievement. Our schools test throughout the year to ensure ongoing academic growth of all students.
In accordance with California State requirements, all students must be immunized prior to the first day of school. Please go to www.shotsforschool.org for more information.
Some of our schools offer a preschool program, accepting children as young as 2 years old. Please view our school finder or the Explore our Preschool page to see which schools offer a preschool program.
The average class size is approximately 26 students per class. Please contact your local school for specific class sizes.
Yes! Our elementary schools participate in PAL (Parochial Athletic League) for sports while our high schools participate in the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) sports league. We have a wide variety of extracurricular activities to fit your child’s interests. You can find anything from dance, theater, robotics and golf. Our Catholic high schools provide numerous extracurricular activities and sports. Please check the individual school’s website to learn more.
Each child is unique and requires a unique environment which will allow them to reach their optimum potential. It is highly recommended that you visit the school nearest you, take a tour, meet with the principal and set up a shadow day. Your child’s reaction will be the best point of reference for your decision.
The foundation of Catholic School education is the faith based community which includes individual families, the parish family and the diocesan family. Together we provide an environment rich in Catholic tradition. Within the framework of a small class size, students are able to utilize and maximize their God given gifts as their education progresses from elementary to secondary to university levels. As a Catholic school, our intention is to educate our children so that they may go out and make a positive impact on the world.
