Business Details
Your Trusted College Prep School in Stockton Since 1876
Saint Mary's High School has been a beacon of academic excellence, faith formation, and character development since 1876. As a regional Catholic college preparatory institution, we serve students from San Joaquin County and beyond, rooted in a mission to cultivate faith, leadership, and individual potential within a values-based environment. Our community pairs high academic expectations with personalized support, fostering discipline, work ethic, and character that extend far beyond graduation. With a legacy of 150 years, we offer a transformative education grounded in Salesian spirituality, preparing students to become compassionate, confident contributors to society.Our diverse student body benefits from 62 faculty members who know each student by name, 30+ clubs and organizations, and a global alumni network of 12,000+ graduates. We provide accessible education through tuition assistance and scholarships while maintaining rigorous academic standards, including 81 National AP Scholars and 168 colleges accepting our graduates annually. Our programs span award-winning arts, 20 competitive sports with state championships, and 60+ community service hours per student, all guided by Catholic values that shape thoughtful, principled young adults ready to make a difference in the world.
Services
College Prep Curriculum
Catholic Education
Athletics Programs
Performing Arts
Student Life Activities
Financial Aid Services
Campus Ministry
Visual Arts Programs
AP Courses
International Student Program
Highlights and features
- We offer 150 years of proven excellence in Catholic education.
- Our faculty knows every student by name with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio.
- We provide 60+ community service hours per student annually.
- Our graduates gain acceptance to 168+ colleges and universities.
- We offer 20 competitive sports teams with multiple state championships.
Services
College Prep Curriculum
Our college preparatory curriculum prepares students for higher education through rigorous coursework, including 48 AP Scholars and 36 AP Scholars with Distinction annually. With an average class size of 19 students, our faculty provides personalized instruction that emphasizes critical thinking, college readiness, and academic excellence. The program has earned recognition for producing graduates accepted by 168+ colleges and universities annually.
Athletics Programs
Our interscholastic athletics program fields 36 competitive teams across 20 sports, including multiple state championship titles. The program emphasizes character development, teamwork, and sportsmanship while maintaining alignment with TCAL, SJS, and CIF standards. Student-athletes benefit from dedicated facilities and coaching staff focused on holistic development through physical competition.
Performing Arts
The award-winning visual and performing arts program offers comprehensive training in theater, music, and visual arts. Students develop creativity, confidence, and technical skills through courses that blend historical context with contemporary practice. The department has earned 108 Elly nominations and 15 Lenaea Festival medals, showcasing its commitment to artistic excellence.
Campus Ministry
Our Campus Ministry program integrates Catholic values into daily school life through Masses, retreats, and service initiatives. Guided by Salesian spirituality, the program fosters faith development alongside academic growth. Students participate in Christian Service programs and spiritual clubs that emphasize community engagement and ethical leadership.
Student Life Activities
Over 90% of students participate in our diverse extracurricular offerings, including 30+ clubs, annual theatrical productions, and traditional events like Homecoming and Catholic Schools Week. These programs cultivate leadership skills, lasting friendships, and school spirit while supporting holistic development through mind, body, and soul engagement.
People
Jim Brusa
President
Jim Brusa leads Saint Mary's High School with a commitment to academic excellence and Catholic values. With decades of educational leadership experience, he guides the institution's strategic vision while maintaining its 150-year legacy of character development and college preparation.
Gabriel Casillas
Director of Campus Ministry
Gabriel Casillas oversees spiritual development programs at Saint Mary's, integrating Salesian spirituality into student life. He coordinates daily Masses, retreats, and service initiatives that align with the school's mission to develop faith-filled, principled young adults.
Adam Lichter
Director of Athletics
Adam Lichter manages the school's 36 athletic teams, emphasizing character development through competitive sports. He ensures programs maintain TCAL, SJS, and CIF standards while fostering teamwork, self-discipline, and sportsmanship among student-athletes.
Jean Aguilar
Fine Arts Department Chair
Jean Aguilar leads the award-winning arts program, overseeing visual and performing arts education. With expertise in creative pedagogy, she develops curricula that cultivate artistic literacy, technical skills, and historical awareness through diverse artistic disciplines.
Elizabeth Nisby
Director of Student Life & Leadership
Elizabeth Nisby coordinates extracurricular programs and student leadership initiatives. She manages over 30 clubs and annual traditions while fostering personal growth, community engagement, and spiritual development through comprehensive student life activities.
Questions
What makes Saint Mary's High School unique?
We combine 150 years of academic excellence with Catholic values, offering personalized education through a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and 30+ clubs alongside 20 competitive sports teams.
What college preparatory resources do you offer?
Our program includes 48 AP Scholars annually, college counseling services, and a 98% college acceptance rate with graduates attending 168+ institutions nationwide.
Are there financial aid options available?
Yes, we provide tuition assistance and scholarships to ensure accessibility, with 41% of students receiving some form of financial support.
What spiritual development programs exist?
Our Campus Ministry offers daily Masses, retreats, and service initiatives grounded in Salesian spirituality, with eight schoolwide Masses celebrating Catholic traditions annually.
How do students get involved outside class?
Over 90% participate in extracurriculars including 30+ clubs, theatrical productions, and traditional events like Homecoming and Catholic Schools Week celebrations.
What athletic opportunities exist?
We field 36 teams across 20 sports with multiple state championships, including ice hockey, football, and basketball programs led by experienced coaching staff.
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