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Aerial view of Xavier College Preparatory High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Xavier College Preparatory High School

  • LocationPalm Desert, CA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 538 students
Official website

Xavier College Preparatory is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit high school in Palm Desert, California, in the Diocese of San Bernardino. The school requires eight semesters of theology, and campus ministry lists daily prayer over the PA system, retreats for freshman, sophomore and junior classes, and immersion and service programs.

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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

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

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (A mandatory Baccalaureate Mass for the graduating class and school Masses planned by Peer Ministry students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Class of 2027 | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/class-of-2027.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “BACCALAUREATE MASS *MANDATORY* Thursday, May 20 (7:00 PM) - Berger Athletic Center”
      A Baccalaureate Mass is mandatory for the graduating class at Berger Athletic Center.
    2. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “students will assist in the planning, and implementation of XCP Masses and prayer services”
      Peer Ministry students help plan and carry out school Masses and prayer services.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot 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.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (School Masses are confirmed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Class of 2027 | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/class-of-2027.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “BACCALAUREATE MASS *MANDATORY* Thursday, May 20 (7:00 PM) - Berger Athletic Center”
      A Baccalaureate Mass is mandatory for the graduating class at Berger Athletic Center.
    2. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “students will assist in the planning, and implementation of XCP Masses and prayer services”
      Peer Ministry students help plan and carry out school Masses and prayer services.
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 (The theology requirement is eight semesters, which is four full years (8 semesters divided by 2). Theology is required in every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Requirement: All students at Xavier College Preparatory must complete eight semesters of theology.”
      All students must complete 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Theology III Ethics is a required one-semester course taught by the Theology department.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course examines the nature of the moral life using the skills of formal academic ethical inquiry.”
      Theology III Ethics is a one-semester course in moral theology, taken by juniors.
  • 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.
BCampus culture: 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.

Campus culture

78 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    RetreatsRetreats for some grades (Retreats are listed for freshman, sophomore and junior classes.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/retreats.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students stay overnight on campus, connect with the Xavier Community”
      The Freshman Retreat is held overnight on campus for freshmen.
      “The Arrupe Retreat is designed for Sophomores.”
      A retreat is designed for sophomores.
      “The Junior Retreat offers juniors a special time for reflection and self-exploration”
      A retreat is offered for juniors.
      “It is a four day, three night retreat in Julian, CA.”
      The Kairos retreat is a four-day, three-night retreat in Julian, California.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two professional ministry staff are named in campus ministry roles: a Director of Student Retreats and a Liturgist. The campus ministry staff list also includes an assistant principal.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith & Service | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/faith-service-1.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry Staff Mr. Anthony Mattacchione - Assistant Principal for Student Life Mr. Darrell Lewis - Director of Student Retreats Julia Cali - Litergist”
      The Faith & Service page lists three people as Campus Ministry staff.
    2. Meet the Team | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/about/meet-the-team.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Lewis, Darrell | Athletic Performance /Director of Student Retreats/PE Teacher | 760-601-3900 ext.6055”
      Darrell Lewis is Director of Student Retreats.
      “Cali, Julia | Theology Teacher/Liturgist | 760-601-3900 ext.6270”
      Julia Cali is a Theology Teacher and Liturgist.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (Christian Life Communities is the only faith-based student group found in the campus ministry programming.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/faith-service-1.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Christian Life Communities”
      Campus ministry programming includes Christian Life Communities.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/faith-service-1.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Prayers and Examen over PA System”
      Campus ministry programming includes daily prayers and an Examen announced over the school PA system.
BService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

81 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Junior Praxis Project sites or immersions are part of the required junior theology course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students will begin with the experience of accompanying marginalized peoples at their Junior Praxis Project (JPP) sites or immersions”
      Juniors take a required course that begins with a Junior Praxis Project site or immersion experience.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Theology III Gospels in Action is a required junior course that covers key principles of Catholic Social Teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students will partake in theological reflection with a focus on the traditions of the Gospels and key principles of Catholic Social Teaching.”
      Theology III Gospels in Action covers key principles of Catholic 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith & Service | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/faith-service-1.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Immersion Program’s goals are to inspire students to cultivate a commitment to service and justice”
      The Ignatian immersion program aims to build a commitment to service and justice.
    2. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students will begin with the experience of accompanying marginalized peoples at their Junior Praxis Project (JPP) sites or immersions”
      Juniors take a required course that begins with a Junior Praxis Project site or immersion experience.

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

Strengths

  • All students must complete eight semesters of theology, which is four full years.
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Requirement: All students at Xavier College Preparatory must complete eight semesters of theology.”
      All students must complete eight semesters of theology.
  • Campus ministry lists daily prayers and an Examen over the school PA system.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/faith-service-1.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Prayers and Examen over PA System”
      Campus ministry programming includes daily prayers and an Examen announced over the school PA system.
  • Required junior theology courses include Catholic Social Teaching and a Junior Praxis Project experience.
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology (THEO) | XCPHS Course Catalog 2025-2026sites.google.com/xavierprep.org/xcphs-course-catalog-2025-2026/academic-departments/theology-theo · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students will partake in theological reflection with a focus on the traditions of the Gospels and key principles of Catholic Social Teaching.”
      Theology III Gospels in Action covers key principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
      “Students will begin with the experience of accompanying marginalized peoples at their Junior Praxis Project (JPP) sites or immersions”
      Juniors take a required course that begins with a Junior Praxis Project site or immersion experience.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office of Campus Ministry

  • Address: 34-200 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

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

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 1 off campus, 5 location not published

Retreats 4

  • Kairos RetreatOff campus
    Four-day, three-night retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, held in Julian, CA.
    xavierprep.org
  • Freshman RetreatOn campus
    Freshman year
    Overnight retreat on campus for freshmen.
    xavierprep.org
  • Arrupe Retreat
    Sophomore year
    Retreat designed for sophomores that explores identity, freedom and responsibility, and spiritual growth.
    xavierprep.org
  • Junior Retreat (Search Retreat)
    Junior year
    Retreat for juniors for reflection and self-exploration.
    xavierprep.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Baccalaureate MassOn campus
    Thursday, May 20 (7:00 PM), senior year
    Mandatory Mass for the graduating class at Berger Athletic Center.
    xavierprep.org
  • Daily Prayers and ExamenOn campus
    Daily
    Daily prayers and an Examen announced over the school PA system.
    xavierprep.org
  • School Masses and prayer services (Peer Ministry)
    Peer Ministry seniors help plan and carry out XCP Masses and prayer services.
    sites.google.com

Faith formation 1

  • Christian Life Communities
    Campus ministry programming listed on the Faith & Service page.
    xavierprep.org

Service 1

  • Ignatian Immersion and Service Program
    Service immersion program with accompaniment, community engagement, environmental stewardship and advocacy projects, and immersion trips.
    xavierprep.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

Sources (3)
  1. Faith & Service | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/campus-life/faith-service-1.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Office of Campus Ministry advances the religious identity of the school and ministers to the student body alongside the Department of Theology and all faculty and staff.”
    The Office of Campus Ministry serves students and advances the school's religious identity.
    “The Office of Campus Ministry advances the religious identity of the school and ministers to the student body alongside the Department of Theology and all faculty and staff.”
    The Office of Campus Ministry serves students and advances the school's religious identity.
  2. History & Mission | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/about/history-and-mission.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Xavier currently has two buildings, a classroom building and a large athletic center which doubles as our chapel”
    The large athletic center is used as the school chapel.
  3. Meet the Team | Xavier College Preparatory High Schoolxavierprep.org/about/meet-the-team.cfm · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “34-200 Cook Street Palm Desert, CA 92211”
    The school's address is 34-200 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211.

Reach out

Contact details for Anthony Mattacchione (Assistant Principal for Student Life (listed among Campus Ministry Staff)) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
70 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.85%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.8.8 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 San Bernardino, CA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)538
Students in grades 9–12538
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio8.8 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges85%
SettingRural

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 San Bernardino

The Most Reverend Alberto Rojas, Bishop of San Bernardino

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Xavier College Preparatory High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Xavier College Preparatory High School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of San Bernardino.

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