Is St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School a Catholic high school?

Yes. St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

What is St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School’s Compass Score?

84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Is St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School Compass Recommended?

Yes. St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

Catholic high school

St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School

LocationDowney, CA
Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 561 students

Official website Recommended badge

St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy is a coeducational Catholic high school in Downey, California, in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Its campus ministry publishes a monthly all-school Mass, monthly Eucharistic adoration, and a mandatory retreat for each grade. The Theology Department lists a course for each high school year, and students must complete 100 hours of Christian service by senior year. Clubs include Students for Life and a Tijuana Orphanage Club.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Saint Raymond Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 12348 Paramount Boulevard, Downey
Our Lady of the Rosary Church — 1.4 mi
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church — 2.1 mi · 4311 Olanda Street, Lynwood
St. Dominic Savio Church — 2.1 mi
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church — 2.4 mi · 10727 Downey Avenue, Downey
Saint Emydius Catholic Church — 2.9 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.

Sacramental life

69 of 100 points on what we could document.

Partly:
All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (Monthly all-school Mass is listed on the campus ministry page.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Catholic High School in Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/faith/campusministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Monthly All-School Mass”
  The campus ministry lists a monthly all-school Mass.
Not enough information:
Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Monthly Eucharistic adoration is listed on the campus ministry page.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Catholic High School in Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/faith/campusministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Monthly Eucharistic Adoration”
  The campus ministry lists monthly Eucharistic adoration.
Partly:
Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Monthly all-school Masses are published.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Catholic High School in Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/faith/campusministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Monthly All-School Mass”
  The campus ministry lists a monthly all-school Mass.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The Theology Department lists Theology 9, 10, 11, and 12, one course per high school year. The page does not use the word required; the four-year count is taken from the grade-level course sequence, one course per year; four full-year equivalents.)
Sources (1)
1. Theology Department | Catholic High School Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/universityexperience/academic-departments/theology-department · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Theology 9: The Revelation of Christ in Scripture, Who is Jesus Christ?”
  The Theology Department offers a Theology 9 course.
  “Theology 12: Christian Vocations & Discipleship”
  The Theology Department offers a Theology 12 course, completing one theology course per year from grade 9 to 12.
Yes:
Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The Theology Department page states its standards are aligned with the USCCB.)
Sources (1)
1. Theology Department | Catholic High School Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/universityexperience/academic-departments/theology-department · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Standards: Aligned with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).”
  The Theology Department states its standards are aligned with the USCCB.
Yes:
Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Theology 11 is titled Sacraments & Christian Morality. Course description not reviewed.)
Sources (1)
1. Theology Department | Catholic High School Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/universityexperience/academic-departments/theology-department · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Theology 11: Sacraments & Christian Morality”
  The Theology Department offers a Theology 11 course titled Sacraments & Christian Morality.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (Stated as a goal in the campus ministry mission.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Catholic High School in Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/faith/campusministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Our goal is to fully integrate religious education and spiritual formation into every aspect of the academic environment.”
  The campus ministry mission aims to integrate religious education into every aspect of academics.

Campus culture

73 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Each grade level has a mandatory retreat, as listed on the retreats page.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Retreats & Kairos | Catholic High School Downeypiusmatthias.org/faith/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Each grade level participates in a mandatory retreat designed to meet students where they are in their spiritual and personal development.”
  Each grade level has a mandatory retreat.
  “The Freshman Retreat is a one-day experience held during the school day on the PMA campus.”
  The freshman retreat is a one-day experience held on campus during the school day.
  “The Sophomore Retreat is a one-day off-campus experience held at a neighboring Catholic parish.”
  The sophomore retreat is a one-day off-campus experience at a neighboring Catholic parish.
  “The Junior Retreat is a two-day experience that includes an overnight stay at a local retreat center.”
  The junior retreat is a two-day experience with an overnight stay at a local retreat center.
  “All seniors participate in Kairos, a retreat centered on the idea of stepping into God”
  All seniors participate in the Kairos retreat.
Partly:
Campus ministry staffOne (One campus ministry staff member is named on the faculty and staff directory (Campus Ministry Coordinator). The campus ministry page refers to Campus Ministers in general terms without naming others.)
Sources (1)
1. Faculty & Staff Directory | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/about/faculty-staff-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Mary Frances Rutz, '83 Campus Ministry Coordinator”
  Mary Frances Rutz is listed as Campus Ministry Coordinator.
Partly:
Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (Bible Study Club is the only faith-based student club found in the clubs list.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Clubs | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/student-life/student-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Bible Study Club is open to all.”
  The school lists a Bible Study Club open to all students.
Not enough information:
Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Required service is 25 hours per year and 100 hours by senior year.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian Service Hours & Requirements | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/faith/christian-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Every PMA student will meet the graduation requirement of 100 Christian service hours by his/her Senior year.”
  Students must complete 100 Christian service hours by senior year.
  “Every PMA student will engage in 25 hours of service every year.”
  Students must complete 25 service hours each year.
Yes:
Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Stated as an aim of the Theology Department. Specific course content was not reviewed.)
Sources (1)
1. Theology Department | Catholic High School Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/universityexperience/academic-departments/theology-department · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Students are encouraged to serve their neighbors and the world with a deep understanding of Catholic moral and social justice traditions.”
  The Theology Department aims for students to understand Catholic moral and social justice traditions.
Yes:
Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes
Sources (1)
1. Student Clubs | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/student-life/student-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Students For Life Club is an appropriate club for PMA Warriors in all grades.”
  The school lists a Students for Life club open to students in all grades.
  “We plan on going to events like One Life LA, Precious Life Center, convalescent homes, etc.”
  The Students for Life club plans events such as trips to One Life LA and Precious Life Center.
Yes:
Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes
Sources (2)
1. Student Clubs | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/student-life/student-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Tijuana Orphanage Club is a dedicated community organization focused on improving the lives of children living in orphanages in Tijuana, Mexico.”
  The school lists a Tijuana Orphanage Club focused on children in orphanages in Tijuana.
2. Christian Service Hours & Requirements | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/faith/christian-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “all students are invited to participate in a variety of service opportunities, including but not limited to service immersions”
  Students are invited to take part in service immersions over four years.

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

Strengths

Each grade level has a mandatory retreat.
Sources (1)
1. Student Retreats & Kairos | Catholic High School Downeypiusmatthias.org/faith/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Each grade level participates in a mandatory retreat designed to meet students where they are in their spiritual and personal development.”
  Each grade level has a mandatory retreat.
Students must complete 100 Christian service hours by senior year, and the school lists service immersions.
Sources (1)
1. Christian Service Hours & Requirements | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/faith/christian-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Every PMA student will meet the graduation requirement of 100 Christian service hours by his/her Senior year.”
  Students must complete 100 Christian service hours by senior year.
  “all students are invited to participate in a variety of service opportunities, including but not limited to service immersions”
  Students are invited to take part in service immersions over four years.
Students for Life and Tijuana Orphanage clubs are listed among student clubs.
Sources (1)
1. Student Clubs | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/student-life/student-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Students For Life Club is an appropriate club for PMA Warriors in all grades.”
  The school lists a Students for Life club open to students in all grades.
  “The Tijuana Orphanage Club is a dedicated community organization focused on improving the lives of children living in orphanages in Tijuana, Mexico.”
  The school lists a Tijuana Orphanage Club focused on children in orphanages in Tijuana.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy

Address: 7851 Gardendale Street, Downey, CA 90242
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: piusmatthias.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, piusmatthias.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, piusmatthias.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

14 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 10 location not published

Retreats 4

Sophomore retreatOff campus
One-day retreat held at a neighboring Catholic parish.
piusmatthias.org
Junior retreatOff campus
Two-day retreat with an overnight stay at a local retreat center.
piusmatthias.org
Freshman retreatOn campus
One-day retreat held during the school day on the campus.
piusmatthias.org
Senior Kairos retreat
Retreat for all seniors, centered on stepping into God's time.
piusmatthias.org

Faith formation 3

Parents in PrayerOn campus
Friday mornings, 8:30-9:45 am on listed 2026 dates
Weekly gathering for parents to pray, held in the school chapel.
piusmatthias.org
Campus Ministry Core Team and leadership roles
Student leadership roles in campus ministry, including the Core Team and retreat leaders.
piusmatthias.org
Bible Study Club
Club open to all students for learning from the Bible.
piusmatthias.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

Monthly all-school Mass
Monthly
All-school Mass, listed monthly on the campus ministry page.
piusmatthias.org
Monthly Eucharistic adoration
Monthly
Eucharistic adoration, listed monthly on the campus ministry page.
piusmatthias.org
Music Ministry and Liturgical Choir
Students lead worship at school Masses, adoration, and other prayer services.
piusmatthias.org

Service 4

Students for Life Club
Club for students in all grades that plans events such as trips to One Life LA and Precious Life Center.
piusmatthias.org, piusmatthias.org
Tijuana Orphanage Club
Club that supports children in orphanages in Tijuana, Mexico, through drives.
piusmatthias.org
Interact Club
Service club.
piusmatthias.org
Christian service immersions
Service opportunities over four years, including immersions and direct service with agencies serving the poor and marginalized.
piusmatthias.org

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

Campus ministry

Campus Ministry

Sources (4)

Campus Ministry | Catholic High School in Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/faith/campusministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Campus Ministry is always open for spiritual counseling. Students are always welcome to make an appointment, walk in and spend time with one of our Campus Ministers, or visit the Chapel.”
Campus Ministry offers spiritual counseling and students may visit the school chapel.
“Campus Ministry is always open for spiritual counseling. Students are always welcome to make an appointment, walk in and spend time with one of our Campus Ministers, or visit the Chapel.”
Campus Ministry offers spiritual counseling and students may visit the school chapel.
Faculty & Staff Directory | PMA Downeypiusmatthias.org/about/faculty-staff-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Mary Frances Rutz, '83 Campus Ministry Coordinator”
Mary Frances Rutz is listed as Campus Ministry Coordinator.
Parents in Prayer | PMA Downey Catholic High Schoolpiusmatthias.org/faith/parents-in-prayer · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Held on Friday mornings in the school chapel”
Parents in Prayer meets on Friday mornings in the school chapel.
Admissions | Catholic High School in Downey, CApiusmatthias.org/about/welcome · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“7851 Gardendale Street Downey CA 90242”
The school's published address is 7851 Gardendale Street, Downey, CA 90242.

Reach out

Contact details for St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy main line (General office) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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

My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

81 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of score98%
Students per teacher 25% of score15.4 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

Type	Independent Catholic school
Diocese	Archdiocese of Los Angeles, CA
Grades	9–12
Students (all grades)	561
Students in grades 9–12	561
Coed or single-sex	Coed
Student–teacher ratio	15.4 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges	98%
Setting	Suburb

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

NCES school ID BB200080
7851 Gardendale St., Downey, CA 90242
(562) 861-2271
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Questions families ask

Is St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School a Catholic high school?: Yes. St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
What is St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School’s Compass Score?: 84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School Compass Recommended?: Yes. St. Pius X - St. Matthias High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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