Serra is an exceptional Catholic college preparatory high school for boys.In the classroom, on the athletic field, within our clubs and organizations, on the stage or in the community, we teach boys to become responsible, resilient young men and honorable leaders-as we prepare our Padres to successfully navigate the complex world that they will inherit. Serra is a dynamic community where boys thrive.Our rich and rigorous academic curriculum, wide range of engaging extracurricular activities, and environment of compassion and mutual respect are all hallmarks of Serra. Classmates become brothers, students find a community where they are known and belong, and teachers become role models in an environment that nurtures and challenges students to grow. Our Padres join an inclusive peer group that lasts a lifetime.In partnership with parents and guided by our Catholic faith, Serra provides a transformational high school experience that offers boys a vision of faith, hope, love, mercy and justice. Our legacy spans 80 years of excellence in Catholic education and includes more than 13,000 alumni.Located in San Mateo, in the heart of the Peninsula between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, we welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds to bring their gifts and talents to our campus and enrich the diversity of our school community.Serra is a supportive community and inclusive brotherhood. Serra's commitment to an inclusive brotherhood is rooted in our Catholic mission and embodied in the culture of our school. To know Serra is to understand that we are not just a group of individuals working together, but a community that is defined by-and strives to live by- the faith values that form who we are.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 892 students
- Yearly Tuition: $20,675
- Acceptance rate: 98%
- Average class size: 24 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 4 / Jan. 8 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Junipero Serra High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
General Learning Differences
Year Founded
1944
Colors
Blue, Gold
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 29, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
892 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
76%
Average Class Size
24 students
Number of AP Courses
17 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP 2D Art and DesignAP Art
AP BiologyAP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BCAP Chemistry
AP Chinese Language and CultureAP Computer Science
AP DrawingAP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and CompositionAP French Language and Culture
AP Physics BAP Physics C
AP PsychologyAP Spanish Language and Culture
AP StatisticsAP United States History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 4 / Jan. 8 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$20,675
% on Financial Aid
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$8,000
Acceptance Rate
98%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Carl Dos Remedios '78
Admissions Associate
Linda Cuddy
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
16 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
58 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Art ClubBadminton Club
Barbecue ClubBig Brothers
Block ClubBowling Club
Broadcasting ClubCalifornia Scholarship Federation
Canyons & Canvas ClubChristian Yoga
Classic Games ClubClose-Up
Coastal Science & Engineering ClubComputer Programming Club
Creative Writing ClubCross Training
Cycling ClubDemocracy Now
El Padre YearbookEnvironmental Club
Fantasy SportsFrench Club
Garage Band ClubGolf Club
Green ClubHabitat For Humanity
Hiking ClubImprov Club
Kiva ClubMath Club
Mock TrialMulticultural Club
National Honor SocietyPadres Brothers For Others
Performance Car ClubPing Pong Club
Red Cross ClubRobatics
Rock Climbing ClubRotary Interact Club
Serra Friar NewspaperSERT Club
Ski & Snowboard ClubSpanish Club
Speech ClubSports Information Club
Student GovernmentTrivia Club
Ultimate Frisbee ClubYell Leaders
Arts and Music Programs:
Eleven Dollar SingersJazz Band
Mens' ChorusPerforming Arts Club
Praise BandSymphonic Band
Tri Music Honors SocietyTri School Chorus
School Notes
- School Mascot: Padres
Faith
Students are called to reflect on their relationship with God and demonstrate growth in personal spirituality, by:
- Making healthy, moral, and ethical choices based on Gospel values
- Understanding the Catholic faith and the role of the Church in the world
- Recognizing the relationship between mind, body and spirit
- Identifying and using their gifts for service to the world
Students are challenged to rigorous academic study in the pursuit of truth, by:
- Developing critical thinking as a habit of mind
- Exhibiting innovation, creativity and an appreciation of the arts
- Communicating effectively through listening, speaking and writing
- Using technology to enhance learning, productivity and creativity
- Demonstrating core knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in college and become life long learners
Students are called to use the wisdom of the Gospel to evaluate the values of contemporary culture and promote social justice, by:
- Advocating for human dignity and a respect for life
- Serving family, school and the larger community
- Demonstrating care for the environment as stewards of God's creation
- Identifying with those suffering from injustice and working towards change
Students are welcomed into the community of Serra that promotes a spirit of brotherhood, collaboration and integrity in human relationships, by:
- Reflecting on life lessons through participation in the total Serra program, including academics, athletics, the arts, campus ministry and co-curricular activities
- Demonstrating interpersonal skills for healthy social relationships
- Resolving conflict through effective social skills
- Recognizing our common humanity in the traditions, cultures and people of the world
Students are called to model courageous leadership based on Jesus' example of service, by:
- Embracing an openness to change and a willingness to take risks
- Demonstrating effective decision making and problem-solving
- Using emotional and social skills to collaborate and build teamwork
- Taking responsibility for their own actions and the welfare of others
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Junipero Serra High School cost?
Junipero Serra High School's tuition is approximately $20,675 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Junipero Serra High School?
The acceptance rate of Junipero Serra High School is 98%, which is higher than the national average of 80%.
Does Junipero Serra High School offer a summer program?
Yes, Junipero Serra High School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Junipero Serra High School offer?
Junipero Serra High School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. Junipero Serra High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is Junipero Serra High School's ranking?
Junipero Serra High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Junipero Serra High School?
The application deadline for Junipero Serra High School is Dec. 4 / Jan. 8 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 4 / Jan. 8 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Junipero Serra High School located?
Junipero Serra High School is located in the Beresford Park neighborhood of San Mateo, CA. There are 5 other private schools located in Beresford Park.
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