Mission and Philosophy

Mission Statement and Graduation Learning Outcomes

Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and empowered by a faith that is living, conscious and active, Junípero Serra is a Catholic college preparatory high school dedicated to the holistic formation of our students. Our community supports students in their journey toward becoming men of faith, wisdom, service, community and leadership. We seek to develop the gifts and talents of each student in an environment of excellence and mutual respect.

Guided by our mission and emboldened by the belief that every student is created in the image and likeness of God, the Junípero Serra community is committed to developing men who embrace:

Faith

Students are called to be open to a personal relationship with God, such that graduates will be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge of the life and teachings of Jesus, their contemporary application and the role of the Catholic Church in the world
  • An active, reflective and developing spirituality in both personal and communal dimensions
  • Well-formed consciences through moral decision making based on reason and Gospel values
  • Engagement with the world that illuminates God's loving presence through prayerful, just and charitable action

Wisdom

Students are called to rigorous study in the pursuit of wisdom, such that graduates will be able to demonstrate:

  • Comprehension, analysis and synthesis of essential concepts across disciplines
  • Academic skills for success in college and career, and for independent lifelong learning
  • Openness to change, the ability to take healthy risks and to learn from pain and disappointment
  • Critical, creative and innovative thinking applied to real-world contexts

Service

Students are called to recognize, affirm and advocate for the inalienable dignity of every human person through meaningful service, such that graduates will be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge and application of Catholic Social Teaching
  • Skills to identify and provide what family, school and community need to thrive
  • Solidarity with those who are marginalized, vulnerable or suffering
  • Stewardship of our common home

Community

Students are called to promote brotherhood and collaboration in their communities, such that graduates will be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge and practice of effective collaboration and conflict resolution strategies
  • Interpersonal skills for social and emotional relationships built on integrity and trust 
  • Respect and compassion for global cultures and peoples
  • Active citizenship that enriches their communities and creates a more inclusive and equitable world

Leadership

Students are called to model courageous leadership based on Jesus' example of service, such that graduates will be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge of the value of servant leadership, diversity and the pillars of brotherhood: respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion
  • Social and emotional skills for effective problem solving, collaboration and teamwork
  • Effective communication as a listener, speaker, reader and writer
  • Responsible action for the welfare of others

Philosophy Statement

Empowered by parents, the primary educators of their children, and the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Serra High School is a Catholic school participating in the educational ministry of the Church.

Serra High School has the responsibility to provide an integrated ministry through the celebration of Word and Sacrament, the building of community and the promotion of service to the world in which we live.

At Serra, the educational process, grounded in the Catholic tradition, affirms the dignity of the human person. The unique gifts and talents of each Serra student are developed in two complementary ways:

First, through the fostering of intellectual capabilities, artistic creativity and physical skills; and second, through the nurturing of spiritual, moral, psychological and social growth.

Through an integration of faith, life and culture, each Serra student is encouraged to look critically at the diversity and challenges of our society and to make reasonable choices based on the Gospel values of justice and compassion.

Consistent with our mission statement, the Serra community supports students in their journey toward becoming men of faith, wisdom, service, community and leadership.

Like our patron, Saint Junípero Serra, we seek to find Christ in and bring Christ to the people with whom we live, work and serve.