Welcome to the Diocese of Monterey Department of Catholic Schools! We are proud to offer quality academic programs which nurture students intellectually, spiritually and morally. Enrolling a child in Catholic schools sets them on a path to success, built on the strong foundation that our schools provide. With the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Gospel values as our guide, our students grow to be people of faith, ready to take on the challenges of college and career.
Letters to the Community
Superintendent Letter to Community 12-4-2020
Superintendent Letter to Community 11-15-2020
Superintendent Letter to Community 11-2-2020
Superintendent Letter to MC Community 10-12-2020
Superintendent Letter to SHPS Community 10-1-2020
Superintendent Letter to MC Community 9-16-2020
Superintendent Letter to SCC Community 9-10-2020
Superintendent Letter to SHPS Community 9-8-2020
Superintendent Letter to SLO Community 8-26-2020
Superintendent Letter to Community 7-21-2020
Superintendent Letter to Community 6-5-2020
Superintendent Letter to Community 5-22-2020
Bishop Letter - Junipero Serra School Closing 5-8-2020
2019-2020 Academic Year
The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Monterey responded to the challenge of the global pandemic with a focus on providing safe, healthy and nurturing environments for our students. In March 2020, our schools quickly transitioned to distance learning and launched our remote programs within a few days of the statewide shelter-in-place order. Our schools faithfully provided a robust spiritual and educational program for families through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Notably, our graduating seniors and eighth graders were celebrated in creative socially-distanced or virtual ceremonies to honor their accomplishments and mark the closing of their time in their Catholic schools.
2020-2021 Academic Year
Each Catholic school, under the direction of the Department of Catholic Schools, has developed a site-based operations plan to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. The plans are based on the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health. Additionally, the plans are developed in consultation with the different County Offices of Education and County Offices of Public Health in our Diocese.
Depending on the County and its status on the State's County Risk Level system, schools are offering distance learning programs or in-person instruction. For more information regarding a specific Catholic school and their plan for the coming year, please contact the school directly.
Superintendent: Kimberly Cheng
Administrative Assistant: Miriam "Mimi" Schwertfeger
Address:
485 Church Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 831 373-1608
Fax: 831 373-0173
Email: Schools@dioceseofmonterey.org
Employment Opportunities
Faculty & Staff Resources: Beehively
The Department of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Monterey provides the backbone of an educational network of eighteen schools, which includes thirteen Diocesan schools, three religious order schools, one independent school, and one school that is co-sponsored by the Diocese and a religious order. Children in preschool through high school from many cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds attend Catholic Schools in Salinas, Santa Cruz, Hollister, Watsonville, Corralitos, Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande.
The Department of Catholic Schools is committed to providing the necessary resources to the Catholic Schools to ensure:
Implementation of best educational, research-based practices and technology to provide for individual student success in academics, faith life, sports and social situations;
Existence of a dynamic Catholic school community where all students may reach and maximize their full human potential to "Always go forward and never turn back" (Blessed Junipero Serra);
Commitment to a Community Service Learning Program that supports the mission of discipleship and in which students learn from and reflect upon service to their parish, their local community, the nation, and the global community;
Engagement by both faculty and children in the Catholic principles of social justice to prepare students for responsible citizenship and stewardship, life-long learning, and to be the voice and instruments of social justice in our global economy;
The following schools are owned and operated by the Diocese of Monterey Parish and School Operating Corporation.
PRESCHOOLS AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Good Shepherd Catholic School
Santa Cruz, CA
Preschool - 8th Grade, Co-ed
Principal: Richard Determan
School Phone: (831) 476-4000
Holy Cross School
Santa Cruz, CA
Preschool - 8th Grade, Co-ed
Principal: Patty Patano
School Phone: (831) 423-4447
The following schools are religious sponsored, co-sponsored or independent Catholic schools in the Diocese of Monterey.
HIGH SCHOOL
St. Francis High School Salesian College Preparatory
Watsonville, CA
9th - 12th Grade, Co-ed
President/Principal: Patrick Lee
School Phone: (831) 724-5933
Co-Sponsors: Diocese of Monterey and Salesians of Don Bosco West
PRESCHOOLS AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Moreland Notre Dame School
Watsonville, CA
Transitional Kindergarten - 8th Grade, Co-ed
Principal: Cathy Mottau
School Phone: (831) 728-2051
Sponsor: Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Salesian Elementary and Junior High School
Corralitos, CA
Transitional Kindergarten - 8th Grade, Co-ed
Principal: Sister Carmen Botello, F.M.A.
School Phone: (831) 728-5518
Sponsor: Salesian Sisters of Saint John Bosco