Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of St. Francis High School Salesian College Prep
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Francis High School Salesian College Prep

  • LocationWatsonville, CA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 212 students
  • SponsorSalesians of St. John Bosco (Salesian Sisters' charism; Salesian school)
Official website

St. Francis High School Salesian College Preparatory in Watsonville is a Salesian Catholic high school that describes itself as a community of faith in the spirit of St. John Bosco. The Campus Ministry team plans retreats for each grade, monthly liturgies and daily prayer, and a Christian Service Project of 80 hours over four years. A Salesian priest is named as campus chaplain, and the school's theology requirement is eight semesters.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Francis High School Salesian College Prep, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miOur Lady Help of Christians Valley Roman Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Valley Catholic Church: 1.0 mi2Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church: 2.2 mi3Assumption Catholic Church: 2.7 mi4St. Francis Campus Ministry Program: 0.2 miSt. Francis High School Salesian College Prep (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Our Lady Help of Christians Valley Roman Catholic Church — 0.1 mi · 2401 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville
  2. Valley Catholic Church — 1.0 mi
  3. Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church — 2.2 mi · 721 Main Street, Watsonville
  4. Assumption Catholic Church — 2.7 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.

BSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

74 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (Monthly liturgies for the school community (liturgies count as Masses under the rules). The frequency is taken from the monthly liturgies stated on the Campus Ministry page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Home | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=466841 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Francis community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies, and daily prayer, providing opportunities for Catholic students to receive sacraments regularly.”
      The community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies and daily prayer.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (Reconciliation is said to be offered with the monthly gatherings, and students have the chance to receive the sacraments regularly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Home | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=466841 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Francis community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies, and daily prayer, providing opportunities for Catholic students to receive sacraments regularly.”
      The community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies and daily prayer.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, is named as Campus Chaplain.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Team | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=1325461 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, Pastor, Chaplain”
      A named priest, Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, serves as chaplain.
    2. Staff | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Marcos Castillo, SDB CYM | Campus Chaplain | Modern Language”
      Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB is the campus chaplain.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Eight semesters of theology are required for graduation, which is four full-year equivalents. Theology is taken in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Graduation Requirements | Academics | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=206888&type=d&pREC_ID=1968549 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “8 semesters of Theology”
      Graduation requires eight semesters of theology.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
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

90 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Each grade has a retreat: Animas (freshmen), Koinonia (sophomores), Ekklesia (juniors) and Kairos (seniors).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=1325421 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student will be expected to participate in a grade-level retreat.”
      Each student is expected to attend a grade-level retreat (Animas, Koinonia, Ekklesia and Kairos are listed for the four grades).
    2. Graduation Requirements | Academics | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=206888&type=d&pREC_ID=1968549 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “8 semesters of Theology”
      Graduation requires eight semesters of theology.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Adult campus ministry team: Fr. Marcos Castillo (chaplain), Ms. Gabe Summers (campus minister), Mr. Chris Croghan (Christian Service coordinator).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Team | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=1325461 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, Pastor, Chaplain”
      A named priest, Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, serves as chaplain.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (One faith-based student group is listed: the Campus Ministry Student Team.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Team | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=1325461 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students who wish to join the Campus Ministry Student Team are selected through an application and interview process.”
      Students join the Campus Ministry Student Team by application.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (The community gathers for daily prayer and monthly liturgies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Home | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=466841 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Francis community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies, and daily prayer, providing opportunities for Catholic students to receive sacraments regularly.”
      The community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies and daily prayer.
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: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (80 Christian Service hours are required over four years (20 per year).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Christian Service Hours | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=978083 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The expectation is to complete 20 hours per year with a total of 80 hours to be completed one month prior to their graduation date.”
      Students are expected to complete 20 service hours a year, 80 in total.
    2. Graduation Requirements | Academics | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=206888&type=d&pREC_ID=1968549 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Have completed a minimum of 80 Christian Service hours.”
      Graduation requires a minimum of 80 Christian Service hours.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The Christian Service Project is tied to the theology courses (Theology 9 to 12 CSP focus), and it is meant to integrate Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Service Hours | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=978083 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “To challenge the students to integrate Catholic Social Teachings and moral values into action in their daily lives.”
      The service program is meant to integrate Catholic social teaching; the service project is linked to each year's theology course.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (A Pro-Life club is listed as an established club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs and Organizations | Campus Life | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=207150&type=d&pREC_ID=1283093 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “many clubs, such as Ecology, Pro-Life, Science, and Chess Clubs, have firmly established themselves over the years”
      A Pro-Life club is an established student club.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Students serve in trips to Idaho, Mexico and Costa Rica, and the Christian Service Project emphasizes caring for the poor and vulnerable.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Service Hours | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=978083 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students also have the opportunity to respond to the needs of those beyond their local communities by participating in service trips to such places as Idaho, Mexico, and Costa Rica.”
      Students can take part in service trips to Idaho, Mexico and Costa Rica.
      “To challenge the students to integrate Catholic Social Teachings and moral values into action in their daily lives.”
      The service program is meant to integrate Catholic social teaching; the service project is linked to each year's theology course.

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

Strengths

  • Every grade has its own retreat, required for graduation.
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=1325421 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student will be expected to participate in a grade-level retreat.”
      Each student is expected to attend a grade-level retreat (Animas, Koinonia, Ekklesia and Kairos are listed for the four grades).
    2. Graduation Requirements | Academics | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=206888&type=d&pREC_ID=1968549 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “8 semesters of Theology”
      Graduation requires eight semesters of theology.
  • A named Salesian priest serves as campus chaplain.
    Sources (2)
    1. Team | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=1325461 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, Pastor, Chaplain”
      A named priest, Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, serves as chaplain.
    2. Staff | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Marcos Castillo, SDB CYM | Campus Chaplain | Modern Language”
      Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB is the campus chaplain.
  • Service is required: 80 hours over four years, tied to the theology courses.
    Sources (2)
    1. Christian Service Hours | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=978083 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The expectation is to complete 20 hours per year with a total of 80 hours to be completed one month prior to their graduation date.”
      Students are expected to complete 20 service hours a year, 80 in total.
      “To challenge the students to integrate Catholic Social Teachings and moral values into action in their daily lives.”
      The service program is meant to integrate Catholic social teaching; the service project is linked to each year's theology course.
    2. Graduation Requirements | Academics | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=206888&type=d&pREC_ID=1968549 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Have completed a minimum of 80 Christian Service hours.”
      Graduation requires a minimum of 80 Christian Service hours.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

St. Francis Campus Ministry Program

  • Address: 2400 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: stfrancishigh.net, verified Oct. 12, 2026, stfrancishigh.net, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 9 location not published

Service 2

  • Service trips (Idaho, Mexico, Costa Rica)Off campus
    Optional service trips beyond the local community.
    stfrancishigh.net
  • Christian Service Project
    20 hours each year, 80 hours by graduation
    A required service program with reflection journals and projects each year.
    stfrancishigh.net, stfrancishigh.net

Faith formation 1

  • Faith Families assemblies
    Monthly
    Monthly assemblies planned by the campus ministry team to promote reflection and growth.
    stfrancishigh.net

Clubs and groups 2

  • Campus Ministry Student Team
    Students chosen by application and interview who plan retreats, liturgies and events with the adult team.
    stfrancishigh.net, stfrancishigh.net
  • Pro-Life Club
    A student club listed among the school's established clubs.
    stfrancishigh.net

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Triduum (September)
    Start of the school year
    Three days of spiritual preparation with liturgies, reconciliation and a community Fun Day.
    stfrancishigh.net

Retreats 4

  • Animas retreat (freshmen)
    Freshman year; a daylong retreat within a regular school day
    A daylong retreat for freshmen on their place in the St. Francis community.
    stfrancishigh.net
  • Koinonia retreat (sophomores)
    Sophomore year; a day of community service within a regular school day
    A retreat for sophomores built around community service.
    stfrancishigh.net
  • Ekklesia retreat (juniors)
    Spring of junior year; within a regular school day
    A spring retreat for juniors on their calling and gifts.
    stfrancishigh.net
  • Kairos retreat (seniors)
    Senior year; four days and three nights
    A four-day, three-night retreat for seniors.
    stfrancishigh.net

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 (3)
  1. Campus Ministry Home | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=466841 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “St. Francis community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies, and daily prayer, providing opportunities for Catholic students to receive sacraments regularly.”
    The community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies and daily prayer.
    “St. Francis community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies, and daily prayer, providing opportunities for Catholic students to receive sacraments regularly.”
    The community gathers for reconciliation, monthly liturgies and daily prayer.
  2. Team | Campus Ministry | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1118662&type=d&pREC_ID=1325461 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Implementing masses, Salesian Good Mornings, and special events aligned with the liturgical calendar (e.g., Lent, Stations of the Cross, Advent, Saint Feast Days)”
    The student Campus Ministry Team plans and implements Masses and liturgical events.
  3. Contact | St. Francis High Schoolstfrancishigh.net/apps/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “2400 East Lake Avenue Watsonville, CA 95076”
    The school's address is 2400 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076.

Reach out

Contact details for St. Francis High School main office (Main school phone; ask for Campus Ministry (Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, is the campus chaplain)) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

FAcademic Excellence: Minimal (grade F): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
39 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.74%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.14.0 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
DioceseDiocese of Monterey, CA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)212
Students in grades 9–12212
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio14.0 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges74%
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

Diocese of Monterey

The Most Reverend Ramon Bejarano, Bishop of Monterey

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Francis High School Salesian College Prep a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Francis High School Salesian College Prep is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Monterey. Its sponsor is Salesians of St. John Bosco (Salesian Sisters' charism; Salesian school).
What is St. Francis High School Salesian College Prep’s Compass Score?
76 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in California · California rankings