Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Jserra Catholic High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Jserra Catholic High School

  • LocationSan Juan Capistrano, CA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 1,317 students

JSerra Catholic High School is an independent, co-educational Catholic high school in San Juan Capistrano, California, founded in 2003. A diocesan priest serves as chaplain, Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist teach and mentor students, and the school offers daily Mass and daily adoration in the Pope John Paul II Chapel, a weekly all-school Mass on Wednesdays, and weekly confession with visiting priests. Students take four years of theology and complete 80 Christian service hours; optional retreats are offered for every grade.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Monday–Friday7:15 AM–7:45 AMPope John Paul II Chapel · When school is in session.

Adoration 1

  • Monday–Friday3:00 PM–4:00 PMPope John Paul II Chapel · Listed as daily adoration.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Sacramental Life - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/sacramental-life · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “JSerra offers a daily Mass in our campus chapel from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. when school is in session.”
    Daily Mass is offered in the campus chapel at 7:15 AM on school days.
    “Daily Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Pope John Paul II Chapel from 3:00–4:00 p.m., inviting the JSerra community to spend time in prayer before Christ.”
    Eucharistic adoration is offered daily from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the chapel.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Jserra Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miMission Basilica San Juan Capistrano: 1.2 mi1Serra Chapel: 1.3 mi2Campus Ministry and Pope John Paul II Chapel: 0.1 miJserra Catholic High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano — 1.2 mi · 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
  2. Serra Chapel — 1.3 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ASacramental life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (An all-school Mass is celebrated every Wednesday.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Sacramental Life - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/sacramental-life · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “At the heart of the JSerra experience is our weekly all-school Mass, where students and faculty come together in worship as one community. Celebrated each Wednesday, Mass features active student participation, inspiring music, and meaningful reflections from our chaplain and visiting priests”
      An all-school Mass is celebrated every Wednesday.
    2. Forming Saints - About - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/about/forming-saints · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Prayer and worship are woven into daily life through daily Mass, weekly all-school Mass, retreats, service opportunities, and spiritual mentorship.”
      Daily Mass and a weekly all-school Mass are part of school life.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (Daily Mass in the campus chapel, 7:15-7:45 AM, when school is in session.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacramental Life - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/sacramental-life · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “JSerra offers a daily Mass in our campus chapel from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. when school is in session.”
      Daily Mass is offered in the campus chapel at 7:15 AM on school days.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (Confession and spiritual direction are available weekly in the priest's office next to the chapel, with a priest on campus Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (by appointment or walk-in).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Confession and Spiritual Direction - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/faith-central/jserra-chaplains · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confession, spiritual direction, life advice, and more are available weekly in the priest’s office next to the chapel (Busch Hall).”
      Confession is available weekly in the priest's office next to the chapel.
      “Tuesdays: Father Craig Butters Thursdays: Father Claude Lombardo Fridays: Father Pio”
      A priest is available for confession and spiritual direction on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Daily Eucharistic adoration in the Pope John Paul II Chapel, 3:00-4:00 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacramental Life - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/sacramental-life · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Daily Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Pope John Paul II Chapel from 3:00–4:00 p.m., inviting the JSerra community to spend time in prayer before Christ.”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered daily from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the chapel.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Claude Lombardo, a priest of the Diocese of Orange, is the school's chaplain and is described as part of the daily rhythm of campus life. Norbertine and diocesan priests also serve.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chaplain & Religious Sisters - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/religious · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Fr. Claude Lombardo, is a priest of the Diocese of Orange and currently serves as our chaplain at JSerra.”
      Fr. Claude Lombardo is the school chaplain.
      “Fr. Claude and the Dominican Sisters are not simply present for special events or formal moments of prayer. They are part of the daily rhythm of campus life”
      The chaplain and the Dominican Sisters are on campus daily.
    2. Forming Saints - About - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/about/forming-saints · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Our campus is uniquely blessed by the daily presence of a dedicated on-campus chaplain, Dominican Sisters, Norbertine Fathers, and diocesan priests who support the spiritual life of our community.”
      An on-campus chaplain, Dominican Sisters, Norbertine Fathers and diocesan priests serve the school.
ATheology and curriculum: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Graduation requires Theology for 4 years (40 credits), the same as English (4 years, 40 credits): four full-year equivalents. The catalog lists Theology 1-3 for grades 9-11; senior offerings include Christian Apologetics, Social Justice and Humanities 4 Honors (Theology).)
    Sources (2)
    1. JSerra Graduation Requirementsjserra.org/uploaded/GraduationRequirements_Updated_031126.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Theology 4 years 40 credits”
      Graduation requires four years (40 credits) of theology.
      “English 4 years 40 credits”
      English is four years (40 credits), so a full-year course is 10 credits.
    2. Course Catalog - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/academics/seeking-truth/course-catalog · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Theology 1 | Grade 9 Theology 2 Honors | Grade 10 Theology 2 | Grade 10 Theology 3 Honors | Grade 11 Theology 3 | Grade 11”
      Theology 1, 2 and 3 are the grade 9, 10 and 11 theology courses.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Christian Apologetics is offered in grade 12. Medical Ethics Honors is offered in grade 9 (Medical Magnet).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/academics/seeking-truth/course-catalog · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Christian Apologetics | Grade 12”
      A Christian Apologetics course is offered in grade 12.
      “Medical Ethics Honors | Grade 9”
      A Medical Ethics Honors course is offered in grade 9.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The school says faith is intentionally integrated into the student experience, including classrooms, and that faith gives meaning to its academics; the Humanities Program integrates English and Theology.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Inspired by Faith - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/inspired-by-faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Faith at JSerra is intentionally integrated into the student experience through prayer, sacraments, retreats, theology, mentorship, service, and community life. Students encounter opportunities for spiritual growth not only in formal programs, but also in classrooms, friendships, athletics, the arts, and everyday campus interactions.”
      The school says faith is integrated into the student experience, including classrooms.
    2. Pope John Paul II Chapel - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/inspired-by-faith/popejp2chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “At JSerra Catholic High School, faith is the foundation of everything we do, giving meaning to our academics, arts, athletics, friendships, and service.”
      The school presents faith as the foundation of its academics.
    3. Humanities Program - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/academics/humanities · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “JSerra's Humanities Program is a two-period course that presents an integrated English and Theology curriculum in the tradition of the Classical Liberal Arts.”
      The optional Humanities Program integrates English and Theology.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Overnight retreats are offered for every grade (9th Anchored, 10th Prodigal, 11th Unstoppable, 12th Kairos), with 2026-27 dates for each; the school describes its ten retreats as optional.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Over one-third of the student body attends one of our ten optional retreats each year.”
      The school runs ten optional retreats a year.
      “9th - Anchored: Building a Relation with God 10th - Prodigal: The Story of the Prodigal Son 11th - Unstoppable: The Life of St. Paul 12th - Kairos”
      Each grade has its own retreat, ending with Kairos for seniors.
      “SENIORS Location Whispering Winds (Julian) 2026-27 Dates: October 11-14 January 17-20 March 7-10”
      Senior Kairos retreats are held three times in 2026-27 at Whispering Winds in Julian.
      “JUNIORS Location See retreat dates below 2026-27 Dates November 8-10 @ Whispering Winds (Julian) February 10-12 @ Palomar Christian Conference Center SOPHOMORES Location Whispering Winds (Julian) 2026-27 Dates October 21-23 February 22-24 FRESHMEN Location Mission San Luis Rey 2026-27 Dates September 28-29 February 1-2”
      Junior, sophomore and freshman retreats are each offered twice in 2026-27.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (The Campus Ministry team lists 5 people: the Vice President of Mission & Faith, the Vice Principal of Student Formation & Leadership, the chaplain, and two Campus Ministry Coordinators. NET missionaries also serve with Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Patrick Reidy Vice President of Mission & Faith Zach Eckert Vice Principal of Student Formation & Leadership Fr. Claude Lombardo Chaplain Kelley Pinson Campus Ministry Coordinator, Sacristan Julia Toole Campus Ministry Coordinator”
      The Campus Ministry team lists five people, including the chaplain and two campus ministry coordinators.
      “Young Catholic missionaries from NET Ministries serve alongside Campus Ministry to mentor students, lead retreats, build authentic relationships, and help make faith personal and approachable.”
      NET Ministries missionaries serve with Campus Ministry.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Pro-Life Club, Strength in the Spirit, Guided by His Hands and The Connection Club are on the club list. Campus Ministry also runs Tuesday Night Lights and discipleship groups.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/clubs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Pro-Life Club | Carol Miller | Promote a culture of life at JSerra and support institutions outside of JSerra that protect life at all stages.”
      A Pro-Life Club is on the club list.
      “Strength in the Spirit | Sr. Martin Therese | Cultivate a Catholic community to uplift and inspire students to grow in their faith.”
      Strength in the Spirit is a Catholic faith club moderated by a Dominican Sister.
      “Guided by His Hands | Jennifer Kheriaty | Guide students closer to Christ through the influence of community service.”
      Guided by His Hands is a faith-based service club.
      “Gather and talk about God and read His word, while fostering a community of sisters in Christ.”
      The Connection Club is a Scripture and faith group for girls.
    2. Campus Ministry - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Tuesday Night Lights (TNL) is a weekly opportunity for students to grow in faith, build authentic friendships, and encounter Christ through prayer, service, games, beach bonfires, and other community events throughout the school year.”
      Campus Ministry runs Tuesday Night Lights, a weekly faith gathering.
      “Through one-on-one mentorship and small discipleship groups, students are accompanied by Campus Ministers and NET missionaries as they ask questions, grow in virtue, deepen their relationship with Christ, and learn what it means to live as His disciples.”
      Campus Ministry runs small discipleship groups and one-on-one mentoring.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The school describes daily prayer and says prayer and worship are woven into daily life. Mass and adoration are offered in the chapel every school day.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Sacramental Life - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/sacramental-life · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “At JSerra, the Eucharist is the foundation of our Catholic identity. Through weekly Mass, daily prayer, and opportunities for spiritual growth, students encounter Christ and are transformed by their faith.”
      The school describes weekly Mass and daily prayer as part of student life.
      “JSerra offers a daily Mass in our campus chapel from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. when school is in session.”
      Daily Mass is offered in the campus chapel at 7:15 AM on school days.
      “Daily Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Pope John Paul II Chapel from 3:00–4:00 p.m., inviting the JSerra community to spend time in prayer before Christ.”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered daily from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the chapel.
    2. Forming Saints - About - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/about/forming-saints · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Prayer and worship are woven into daily life through daily Mass, weekly all-school Mass, retreats, service opportunities, and spiritual mentorship.”
      Daily Mass and a weekly all-school Mass are part of school life.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (80 Christian service hours over four years, approved by April 30 of senior year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. JSerra Graduation Requirementsjserra.org/uploaded/GraduationRequirements_Updated_031126.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “A Christian service component (80 hours) is required for graduation.”
      80 hours of Christian service are required to graduate.
    2. Christian Service - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/christian-service · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Christian Service is a requirement for graduation. A minimum of 80 hours must be completed over a student's four-year career.”
      Students complete at least 80 Christian service hours over four years.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (Pro-Life Club; the Christian service page lists pro-life service sites (pregnancy centers and pro-life organizations).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/clubs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Pro-Life Club | Carol Miller | Promote a culture of life at JSerra and support institutions outside of JSerra that protect life at all stages.”
      A Pro-Life Club is on the club list.
    2. Christian Service - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/christian-service · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “JSerra Pro-Life Club | JSerra Catholic High School | Contact Current Student Pro-Life Club President”
      The service page lists the Pro-Life Club and other pro-life organizations as service sites.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Peru mission trips to the sister parish in Piura twice a year, Build a Miracle house-build trips to Tijuana, and a refugee support club.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Peru Mission Trips - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/service/mission-trips · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Each year, more than 80 JSerra students travel to our sister parish in Piura, Peru, during Thanksgiving and Easter breaks to serve a community facing extreme poverty.”
      Students take mission trips to a sister parish in Piura, Peru, twice a year.
      “Our student missionaries build homes and schools, visit orphanages, provide homecare visits, and assemble and delivered food care packages to the poorest of the poor in the adjacent villages to parish.”
      Mission trip students build homes and schools and serve poor families.
    2. Clubs - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/clubs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Join Build a Miracle on the three build trips to Tijuana, Mexico and advocate and support BAM.”
      A service club joins house-building trips to Tijuana.
      “Help incoming refugees by being their support system through social activities and aiding with drives.”
      The Home Begins Here club supports refugees.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is offered in the chapel every school day, with a weekly all-school Mass on Wednesdays and daily Eucharistic adoration.
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacramental Life - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/sacramental-life · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “At the heart of the JSerra experience is our weekly all-school Mass, where students and faculty come together in worship as one community. Celebrated each Wednesday, Mass features active student participation, inspiring music, and meaningful reflections from our chaplain and visiting priests”
      An all-school Mass is celebrated every Wednesday.
      “JSerra offers a daily Mass in our campus chapel from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. when school is in session.”
      Daily Mass is offered in the campus chapel at 7:15 AM on school days.
      “Daily Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Pope John Paul II Chapel from 3:00–4:00 p.m., inviting the JSerra community to spend time in prayer before Christ.”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered daily from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the chapel.
  • A named priest chaplain and Dominican Sisters are on campus daily, and priests offer confession and spiritual direction three days a week.
    Sources (2)
    1. Chaplain & Religious Sisters - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/religious · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Fr. Claude Lombardo, is a priest of the Diocese of Orange and currently serves as our chaplain at JSerra.”
      Fr. Claude Lombardo is the school chaplain.
      “Fr. Claude and the Dominican Sisters are not simply present for special events or formal moments of prayer. They are part of the daily rhythm of campus life”
      The chaplain and the Dominican Sisters are on campus daily.
    2. Confession and Spiritual Direction - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/faith-central/jserra-chaplains · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confession, spiritual direction, life advice, and more are available weekly in the priest’s office next to the chapel (Busch Hall).”
      Confession is available weekly in the priest's office next to the chapel.
      “Tuesdays: Father Craig Butters Thursdays: Father Claude Lombardo Fridays: Father Pio”
      A priest is available for confession and spiritual direction on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
  • Theology is required in all four years, and 80 hours of Christian service are required to graduate.
    Sources (1)
    1. JSerra Graduation Requirementsjserra.org/uploaded/GraduationRequirements_Updated_031126.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Theology 4 years 40 credits”
      Graduation requires four years (40 credits) of theology.
      “A Christian service component (80 hours) is required for graduation.”
      80 hours of Christian service are required to graduate.
  • Retreats are offered for every grade, and students can join twice-yearly mission trips to a sister parish in Peru and a pro-life club.
    Sources (3)
    1. Retreats - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “9th - Anchored: Building a Relation with God 10th - Prodigal: The Story of the Prodigal Son 11th - Unstoppable: The Life of St. Paul 12th - Kairos”
      Each grade has its own retreat, ending with Kairos for seniors.
    2. Peru Mission Trips - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/service/mission-trips · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Each year, more than 80 JSerra students travel to our sister parish in Piura, Peru, during Thanksgiving and Easter breaks to serve a community facing extreme poverty.”
      Students take mission trips to a sister parish in Piura, Peru, twice a year.
    3. Clubs - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/clubs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Pro-Life Club | Carol Miller | Promote a culture of life at JSerra and support institutions outside of JSerra that protect life at all stages.”
      A Pro-Life Club is on the club list.

Concerns

  • Retreats are optional; the school says over one-third of the student body attends one each year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Over one-third of the student body attends one of our ten optional retreats each year.”
      The school runs ten optional retreats a year.
  • Confession is available by appointment or walk-in on set days.
    Sources (1)
    1. Confession and Spiritual Direction - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/faith-central/jserra-chaplains · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confession, spiritual direction, life advice, and more are available weekly in the priest’s office next to the chapel (Busch Hall).”
      Confession is available weekly in the priest's office next to the chapel.
      “Tuesdays: Father Craig Butters Thursdays: Father Claude Lombardo Fridays: Father Pio”
      A priest is available for confession and spiritual direction on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry and Pope John Paul II Chapel

  • Address: 26351 Junipero Serra Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (Pope John Paul II Chapel), priest's office next to the chapel (Busch Hall)

View on map ↗

Source: jserra.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, jserra.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, jserra.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, jserra.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

19 groups and regular activities · 12 on campus, 7 off campus

Retreats 4

  • Anchored (freshman retreat)Off campus
    Sept. 28-29, 2026 and Feb. 1-2, 2027
    Optional overnight freshman retreat at Mission San Luis Rey.
  • Prodigal (sophomore retreat)Off campus
    Oct. 21-23, 2026 and Feb. 22-24, 2027
    Optional overnight sophomore retreat at Whispering Winds in Julian.
  • Unstoppable (junior retreat)Off campus
    Nov. 8-10, 2026 and Feb. 10-12, 2027
    Optional junior retreat on the life of St. Paul at Whispering Winds or Palomar Christian Conference Center.
  • Kairos (senior retreat)Off campus
    Oct. 11-14, 2026; Jan. 17-20 and Mar. 7-10, 2027
    Optional senior retreat at Whispering Winds in Julian.

Service 6

  • Peru mission tripsOff campus
    Thanksgiving and Easter breaks
    Trips to the sister parish in Piura, Peru, to build homes and schools and serve poor families.
  • BAM - Build A Miracle clubOff campus
    Joins Build a Miracle house-building trips to Tijuana, Mexico.
  • Christian Service programOff campus
    80 required hours of direct service, framed around the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, including listed pro-life sites.
  • Guided by His HandsOn campus
    Service club aimed at drawing students closer to Christ through community service.
  • Home Begins HereOn campus
    Club that supports incoming refugees through social activities and drives.
  • Caritas ChristiOn campus
    Selective senior service organization chosen by faculty vote for service, leadership and character.

Faith formation 2

  • Discipleship groupsOn campus
    Small discipleship groups and one-on-one mentoring with campus ministers and NET missionaries.
  • Education in VirtueOn campus
    Virtue formation led by the Dominican Sisters, with a Virtue of the Week.

Clubs and groups 3

  • Pro-Life ClubOn campus
    Promotes a culture of life and supports organizations that protect life at all stages.
  • Strength in the SpiritOn campus
    Catholic faith club moderated by a Dominican Sister.
  • The Connection ClubOn campus
    Group for girls that gathers to talk about God and read Scripture.

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Weekly all-school MassOn campus
    Wednesdays
    All-school Mass with student participation and music, with the chaplain and visiting priests.
  • Daily adorationOn campus
    Daily, 3:00-4:00 PM
    Eucharistic adoration in the Pope John Paul II Chapel.
  • Student liturgical and retreat leadersOn campus
    Students serve as retreat leaders, in music ministry and as altar servers.

Social life 1

  • Tuesday Night Lights and XLTOn campus
    Tuesday evenings
    Weekly gathering with prayer, worship, service, games and beach bonfires, led with NET missionaries.

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (6)
  1. Campus Ministry - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Patrick Reidy Vice President of Mission & Faith Zach Eckert Vice Principal of Student Formation & Leadership Fr. Claude Lombardo Chaplain Kelley Pinson Campus Ministry Coordinator, Sacristan Julia Toole Campus Ministry Coordinator”
    The Campus Ministry team lists five people, including the chaplain and two campus ministry coordinators.
    “Tuesday Night Lights (TNL) is a weekly opportunity for students to grow in faith, build authentic friendships, and encounter Christ through prayer, service, games, beach bonfires, and other community events throughout the school year.”
    Campus Ministry runs Tuesday Night Lights, a weekly faith gathering.
    “Patrick Reidy Vice President of Mission & Faith Zach Eckert Vice Principal of Student Formation & Leadership Fr. Claude Lombardo Chaplain Kelley Pinson Campus Ministry Coordinator, Sacristan Julia Toole Campus Ministry Coordinator”
    The Campus Ministry team lists five people, including the chaplain and two campus ministry coordinators.
  2. Chaplain & Religious Sisters - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/religious · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Fr. Claude and the Dominican Sisters are not simply present for special events or formal moments of prayer. They are part of the daily rhythm of campus life”
    The chaplain and the Dominican Sisters are on campus daily.
  3. Education in Virtue - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/virtues · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The Dominican Sisters play a vital role in the faith formation of our students through JSerra’s Virtue Program.”
    The Dominican Sisters lead a virtue formation program.
  4. Pope John Paul II Chapel - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/faith/inspired-by-faith/popejp2chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The Pope John Paul II Chapel is open to the JSerra community as a place of worship, silence, beauty, and grace.”
    The campus chapel is open for prayer.
  5. Confession and Spiritual Direction - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/parents-students/student-resources/faith-central/jserra-chaplains · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Confession, spiritual direction, life advice, and more are available weekly in the priest’s office next to the chapel (Busch Hall).”
    Confession is available weekly in the priest's office next to the chapel.
  6. Contact Us - JSerra Catholic High Schooljserra.org/contact-us · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Mailing Address 26351 Junipero Serra Rd San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675”
    The school is at 26351 Junipero Serra Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
79 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.89%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.6.0 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseRoman Catholic Diocese of Orange, CA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)1,317
Students in grades 9–121,317
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio6.0 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges89%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Christ Cathedral

Source: rcbo.org, rcbo.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Jserra Catholic High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Jserra Catholic High School is a Catholic high school in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.
What is Jserra Catholic High School’s Compass Score?
95 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Jserra Catholic High School?
Mass is listed at Pope John Paul II Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Jserra Catholic High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Jserra Catholic High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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