Founded in 1889, St. Catherine's Academy is a Catholic school with a military tradition for boys in kindergarten – 8th grade. We provide young men with a faith-filled foundation for lifelong success. Our multifaceted program includes faith formation, challenging academics, and a military tradition for leadership and self-motivation. We offer small classes, state-of-the-art technology, marching band, athletics, and much more. We welcome resident students from around the world beginning in 4th grade. As the only Catholic grade school with a military tradition in the US, our school is so unique you have to see it for yourself!
Academic Program
St. Catherine’s offers a challenging and well-rounded academic program. As an all-boys school, St. Catherine’s is able to focus on the specific learning styles and needs of boys and young men. Our teachers design lesson plans around experiential learning, including hands-on activities and exploration. Classroom technology is state-of-the-art and includes SmartBoards, science and computer labs, and NetBook computers. Individual attention and differentiated instruction is a key component of our academic program. Thanks to small class sizes, teachers are able to focus on the needs of each student and help him reach his full potential.
Each year our students are accepted at top college-prep high schools in the United States and around the world. Our students enter high school with not only a strong academic foundation, but also with the skills of self-discipline and leadership necessary to be truly successful at the next level.
Military Tradition
The military tradition is an integral part of St. Catherine’s Academy’s educational program and focuses on providing cadets with a foundation for lifelong success. At St. Catherine’s, cadets learn much more than what is provided in a solely academic institution; they learn how to be leaders and young men of honor.
The mission of St. Catherine’s military department is to promote and foster self-discipline and leadership within each cadet. In keeping with the school's philosophy, the military department’s primary objectives are to develop within each cadet a keen sense of honor, commitment, cooperation, initiative, discipline, leadership and respect.
The military department teaches and mentors students both inside the classroom and on the drill field. Students participate in a variety of leadership training and team-building activities. In addition, the military tradition provides a structured environment, which helps young students – especially boys – to focus and develop good study habits.
Faith and Spirituality
As a Catholic school, St. Catherine’s Academy provides many opportunities for students to grow in their faith and spirituality. Owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, St. Catherine’s program is based on the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and ministry. Students begin and end each day with prayer, attend religion classes, participate in weekly Mass, and perform community service. St. Catherine’s Academy welcomes students of all faith traditions and encourages each student to grow in his own personal relationship with God.
Residential Life
Resident students at St. Catherine’s Academy enjoy a boarding program specifically designed for younger students. This means 24-hour supervision, organized activities, and more support as students live away from home for the first time.
St. Catherine’s Academy has four large dormitories, each with about 15-20 students. Each dorm is staffed by a Dominican sister, who works with cadets to reinforce the lessons of self-discipline, self-respect, and respect for others. Resident students participate in evening study hall and a variety of afterschool activities. On the weekends, students enjoy field trips to many southern California attractions, including Disneyland, the beach, and snow-tubing.
International Students
St. Catherine’s Academy has a long tradition of international students. Our ESL/International program dates back to the 1930’s and now welcomes students from many countries around the world. All international students are assigned to ESL classes until their English proficiency is such that they can compete academically with local students in the regular classroom. ESL students take special English language classes 2-3 periods per day in addition to mainstream classes in literature, vocabulary, science, math, and elective courses.
Summer Programs
St. Catherine’s Academy offers two summer programs. Our Summer Enrichment Program takes place over four weeks in July and is open to students entering kindergarten – 8th grade (resident students in 4th – 8th grade). Students participate in academic classes in the mornings and field trips and athletic activities in the afternoon. Our one-week Leadership Camp in mid-August takes students to Camp San Luis Obispo National Guard base for leadership and team-building activities, which include high ropes courses, rock climbing, and more.
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St. Catherine's Academy