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Aerial view of St. Joseph High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Joseph High School

  • LocationSanta Maria, CA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 506 students
Official website
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St. Joseph High School is a Catholic college preparatory school in Santa Maria, California, in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Four years of religion are required, and two priests are listed as school chaplains. The school offers a weekly all-school Mass, penance services during Advent and Lent, and adoration every two weeks. Students must complete 80 hours of Christian service over four years.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Joseph High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Louis de Montfort Church: 1.2 mi1St. Joseph High School (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Louis de Montfort Church — 1.2 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

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Joseph High School offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during the Advent and Lenten seasons.”
      The school offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during Advent and Lent.
  • 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 (Penance services are offered during Advent and Lent.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Joseph High School offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during the Advent and Lenten seasons.”
      The school offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during Advent and Lent.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (The page says adoration is offered every two weeks from 8:30 to 1:50 starting August 28th. The page does not print the year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “we offer bi-weekly Adoration of the Holy Eucharist from 8:30-1:50pm starting August 28th”
      The school offers adoration of the Holy Eucharist every two weeks.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Two priests are listed as school chaplains: Fr. Armand Bopda and Father Gerardo Toscano.)
    Sources (1)
    1. School Directory | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/school-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FR. ARMAND BOPDA Titles: Chaplain and Teacher, Theology”
      Fr. Armand Bopda is listed as a chaplain and teacher of theology.
      “FATHER GERARDO TOSCANO Titles: Chaplain and Teacher, English”
      Father Gerardo Toscano is listed as a chaplain and teacher of English.
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: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Religion is required in each grade. Grades 9 and 10 each have two required semester courses, grade 11 has two required junior courses, and grade 12 has Christian Vocations (course codes 0074 and 0075). The school's own requirements list says 4 years of religion; this is recorded as four full-year equivalents. The booklet's length for Christian Vocations is listed as a semester, which is not fully clear.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Course Description Booklet | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SJHS_Course_Description_Booklet_2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “4 yrs. Religion”
      The Los Angeles Archdiocesan requirements list four years of religion.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The course booklet says the theology courses are aligned with the USCCB framework.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Course Description Booklet | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SJHS_Course_Description_Booklet_2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course is aligned with the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework”
      A sacraments theology course is aligned with the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework.
      “The following courses offered by the Theology Department are in alignment with the United States Catholic Bishops National Framework for Religious Instruction.”
      The Theology Department states that its courses are in alignment with the USCCB framework.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The required junior theology course Life in Jesus Christ (Morality) covers Christian moral decision making.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Course Description Booklet | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SJHS_Course_Description_Booklet_2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “discover and discuss the process of Christian, moral decision making in our everyday lives”
      The required junior theology course Life in Jesus Christ (Morality) covers Christian moral decision making.
  • 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

87 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 class has yearly retreats, from freshman through senior year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each class has yearly retreats which culminates with the senior four-day KAIROS retreat.”
      Each class has yearly retreats, ending with a senior Kairos retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Campus minister Angela Powers and two priest chaplains are listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mrs. Angela Powers Titles: Campus Minister and Teacher, Theology”
      Angela Powers is the school's campus minister.
    2. School Directory | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/school-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FR. ARMAND BOPDA Titles: Chaplain and Teacher, Theology”
      Fr. Armand Bopda is listed as a chaplain and teacher of theology.
      “FATHER GERARDO TOSCANO Titles: Chaplain and Teacher, English”
      Father Gerardo Toscano is listed as a chaplain and teacher of English.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is listed as a club. It is an ecumenical Christian group, not a Catholic one. The Black Student Union is also listed; it is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/activities/clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The vision of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.”
      The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is listed as a student club with a Christian mission.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
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 hours of Christian service are required over four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Program | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life/service-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students must complete a minimum of 80 Christian Service hours over four years:”
      Students must complete 80 hours of Christian service over four years.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Faith in Action / Vocation to Justice is a senior theology elective on the Church's social teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Course Description Booklet | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SJHS_Course_Description_Booklet_2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s social teachings.”
      The senior theology elective Faith in Action / Vocation to Justice introduces students to the Church's social teaching.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not 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.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

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

Strengths

  • Four years of religion are required, and the theology courses are stated to align with the USCCB framework.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Course Description Booklet | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SJHS_Course_Description_Booklet_2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “4 yrs. Religion”
      The Los Angeles Archdiocesan requirements list four years of religion.
      “The following courses offered by the Theology Department are in alignment with the United States Catholic Bishops National Framework for Religious Instruction.”
      The Theology Department states that its courses are in alignment with the USCCB framework.
  • Two priests are listed as school chaplains, and a campus minister is listed.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mrs. Angela Powers Titles: Campus Minister and Teacher, Theology”
      Angela Powers is the school's campus minister.
    2. School Directory | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/school-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FR. ARMAND BOPDA Titles: Chaplain and Teacher, Theology”
      Fr. Armand Bopda is listed as a chaplain and teacher of theology.
      “FATHER GERARDO TOSCANO Titles: Chaplain and Teacher, English”
      Father Gerardo Toscano is listed as a chaplain and teacher of English.
  • Students must complete 80 hours of Christian service over four years.
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Program | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life/service-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students must complete a minimum of 80 Christian Service hours over four years:”
      Students must complete 80 hours of Christian service over four years.

Concerns

  • Not confirmed: daily Mass or a daily prayer practice on the public pages. The school Mass is published as weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Joseph High School offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during the Advent and Lenten seasons.”
      The school offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during Advent and Lent.
  • Confession is listed for Advent and Lent penance services; not as a regular weekly or monthly offering.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Joseph High School offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during the Advent and Lenten seasons.”
      The school offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during Advent and Lent.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Life, St. Joseph High School

    Source: sjhsknights.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, sjhsknights.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

    Catholic clubs and student life

    6 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 6 location not published

    Clubs and groups 1

    • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
      A student club for coaches and athletes to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
      sjhsknights.com

    Liturgy and prayer 3

    • Weekly all-school Mass
      Weekly; day and time not published
      A weekly Mass for the whole school.
      sjhsknights.com
    • Adoration of the Holy Eucharist
      Every two weeks, 8:30 AM to 1:50 PM, starting August 28th
      Adoration offered every two weeks.
      sjhsknights.com
    • Advent and Lenten penance services
      Advent and Lent
      Penance services during the Advent and Lenten seasons.
      sjhsknights.com

    Retreats 1

    • Class retreats
      Yearly, for each class
      Retreat for each grade level, including the senior four-day Kairos retreat.
      sjhsknights.com

    Service 1

    • Christian Service program
      Four years, 80 hours total
      Required service with at least half the annual hours off campus, with a theological reflection each year.
      sjhsknights.com

    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 (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Joseph High Schoolsjhsknights.com/who-we-are/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Joseph High School offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during the Advent and Lenten seasons.”
      The school offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during Advent and Lent.
      “Mrs. Angela Powers Titles: Campus Minister and Teacher, Theology”
      Angela Powers is the school's campus minister.
      “St. Joseph High School offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during the Advent and Lenten seasons.”
      The school offers a weekly all-school Mass and penance services during Advent and Lent.
      “Mrs. Angela Powers Titles: Campus Minister and Teacher, Theology”
      Angela Powers is the school's campus minister.

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    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.
    10 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.58%
    • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.15.1 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

    TypeDiocesan school
    DioceseArchdiocese of Los Angeles, CA
    Grades9–12
    Students (all grades)506
    Students in grades 9–12506
    Coed or single-sexCoed
    Student–teacher ratio15.1 to 1
    Graduates going to 4-year colleges58%
    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

    Archdiocese of Los Angeles

    The Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

    Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

    About this school’s data

    Questions families ask

    Is St. Joseph High School a Catholic high school?
    Yes. St. Joseph High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
    What is St. Joseph High School’s Compass Score?
    73 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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

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