The Catholic School Difference

Welcome to the Department of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles!

I am truly honored to serve as Senior Director and Superintendent of the largest Catholic school system in the United States. We are 252-schools strong, with approximately 66,000 students in grades TK-12 who are growing, learning, and becoming the servant-leaders of tomorrow.

From our beginning, when the first Catholic school was established in Los Angeles more than 125 years ago, our community of families, teachers, staff, parents, pastors have been striving together to create bright, successful futures for our students. Our job is to teach students that God loves them and that He created them to do good in the world. Our schools empower our students to discover their gifts, deepen their faith, and reach their fullest potential.

We teach and live the Catholic faith, but our educational programs are for anyone seeking an exceptional education and strong moral development for their child. Please take the time to explore our website and learn more about our schools, academic models, and programs. I know you will discover a school where your student will thrive, achieve academic success, and build a solid foundation for a fulfilling, happy life.

Mission

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Department of Catholic Schools, accompanies all school communities in their commitment to evangelization, effective governance, academic excellence, and operational vitality, using a regional structure that reflects the diversity of Southern California and helps every student become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Values

Service
We are here to serve students, educators and families in the ministry of Catholic schools. We
are dedicated to serving the department’s priorities with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, treating everyone with respect, kindness, and Christian
charity in accompaniment with one another.

Stewardship
We are committed to being responsible for the financial resources and assets entrusted to us. We strive to maintain high standards of financial transparency and fiscal accountability. We are committed to exemplifying best practices and high ethical standards and ensuring that our schools have the policies and formation they need to also be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them.

Communication
We serve our schools as collaborative partners in carrying out the mission of the Church. We are committed to full, open, and timely communication among ourselves as well as with the institutions, ministries and stakeholders of the Archdiocese and with the broader public.

Excellence
What we are doing, we are doing for Jesus and his Kingdom. We aim for the highest quality in the services and resources we provide and in the care that we show to those we serve, particularly to the children in our Catholic schools.

Heritage

Our current system of Catholic schools was established in 1903 with 19 parochial schools, five academies, and a total enrollment of 2,895. Today, there are 252 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with a total enrollment of more than 66,000 students. Through the decades, we have remained faithful to our original mission: building communities of faith where the Christian message of fellowship, worship, and life of service is integrated into a successful educational journey for students and their families.

Students in line with a teacher in front of Mary statue

Learn More

What is the role of the Archdiocese’s Department of Catholic Schools?

Are all Catholic schools operated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles?

While the Department of Catholic Schools (DCS) supports schools in a variety of ways, the majority of schools in the Archdiocese are directly operated by the school’s parish through the pastor and principal. These are known as “parish schools.” However, there are a number of high schools that are directly owned and operated by the Archdiocese, known as “Archdiocesan schools.” Finally, there are several Catholic private schools (preschool through high school) which are owned and operated by different religious orders and are wholly independent of the DCS.

How are the different schools funded?

Catholic schools are local religious non-profit organizations. They rely on student tuition and fees to support their individual operation; however, the cost of tuition does not cover the entire expense of educating a student. Schools must depend on donations from parents, alumni, and members of the community, including their parish, when applicable. Catholic schools do not receive funding from the Archdiocese, the Vatican, or the government. The Catholic Education Foundation provides tuition scholarships to low-income students attending Archdiocesan schools. As with public school students, eligible private and parochial school students qualify for Title I-IV services and the National School Lunch Program.

What are the differences in management compared to local public school systems?

Unlike public schools operated centrally, we are not a school district - we are a system of schools. Therefore, our parish schools are largely autonomous. Decisions are made locally, resulting in learning environments that are responsive to the needs of their own students and communities. The Department of Catholic Schools (DCS) provides appropriate degrees of support, including academic standards, accreditation, Mission and Catholic Identity, financial and operational guidance, teacher and principal professional development, and employee relations and student affairs. Nevertheless, all Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles must adhere to Catholic social teachings as directed through the Catechism.

Girls standing outside with stretched arms in front of school building

BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN HERE.

A Catholic education is an investment in your child's future. Visit a school near you to discover the richness, beauty, and excellence of our school communities!

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