Marystarhigh: What Drives Its Academic Reputation?
- 01. Marystarhigh: What It Is and Why It Matters
- 02. Core Identity: Catholic, Parish-Based, and Holistic
- 03. Key Facts at a Glance
- 04. Academic Excellence and AP Offerings
- 05. Expected Schoolwide Learning Results
- 06. Distinctive Features: Small School Advantage and Spiritual Formation
- 07. Sports and Community Engagement
- 08. Frequently Asked Questions
- 09. Contact and Enrollment Information
Marystarhigh: What It Is and Why It Matters
Marystarhigh is the common shorthand for Mary Star of the Sea High School, a private Roman Catholic co-educational high school in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California. Established in 1954 by the parish of Mary Star of the Sea, the school serves grades 9-12 with an enrollment of 364 students, average class size of 21, and yearly tuition of approximately $12,000. It was named one of the top 50 Catholic high schools in America in 2006 and operates under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with administration by the Norbertine Fathers.
Core Identity: Catholic, Parish-Based, and Holistic
The school's mission statement centers on challenging students to reach their full human potential through a living faith in God, within a small community environment based on mutual respect. Its educational philosophy rests on four pillars: Catholicism (nourishing the soul), Character (cultivating integrity), Curriculum (challenging the mind), and Community (fostering social responsibility).
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Mary Star of the Sea High School |
| Location | San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA 90731 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 364 students |
| Acceptance Rate | 80% |
| Average Class Size | 21 students |
| Yearly Tuition | $12,000 |
| Application Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Founded | 1954 |
| New Campus Opening | Fall 2007 (Taper Avenue) |
Academic Excellence and AP Offerings
Mary Star High delivers a college preparatory curriculum grounded in strong Catholic principles, with eight Advanced Placement courses available: AP Calculus, AP English Literature, AP European History, AP Government, AP Spanish Language, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics, and AP U.S. History. The school challenges every student in a focused, disciplined environment that integrates Catholic faith across all subjects.
Expected Schoolwide Learning Results
- Catholicism: Students know and love Jesus Christ, participate in Church life through prayer and sacraments, and live faith through charity and service
- Character: Students make moral decisions per Church teachings, respect themselves and others, and accept responsibility for actions
- Curriculum: Students possess solid core foundations, analyze critically, evaluate thoughtfully, communicate effectively, and prepare for higher education
- Community: Students work for common good, respect authority in family/Church/society, and act as faithful stewards of God's creation
Distinctive Features: Small School Advantage and Spiritual Formation
Mary Star emphasizes the teacher-student relationship in a small school environment, limiting enrollment and class size to enhance daily personal interaction. This approach reflects Jesus Christ's example of teaching disciples in intimate circles, creating significant advantages for student achievement. Teachers-both lay and religious-treat students with dignity, challenge them to reach full potential, and share time generously to offer best hope of success.
- Parents have first responsibility for children's education, especially in faith and morals
- Cooperation and unity of purpose between home and school are essential to student growth
- Parents share time and talent to enhance overall education quality
- The school reflects local community serving diverse academic, economic, and cultural backgrounds
- Norbertine Fathers provide nine-century tradition of education, continuity, stability, and evangelization
Sports and Community Engagement
On June 10, 2021, the girls' basketball team captured the school's first CIF-Southern Section sports championship with a 54-50 victory over Agoura of Agoura Hills for the Division 4-AA title. The school also hosts community events like the San Pedro Relay for Life, demonstrating its role as a parish ministry serving the Los Angeles Harbor region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact and Enrollment Information
For enrollment inquiries or clarification, families may call the school office at 547-1138 or visit the official website at marystarhigh.com. The application deadline is rolling, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received year-round.
"In the great tradition of Catholic education, Mary Star of the Sea High School challenges students to reach their full human potential through a living faith in God." - Mission Statement
While Mary Star High operates in California rather than Brazil/Latin America, its values-driven pedagogy-emphasizing holistic formation, small-class rigor, and parish partnership-offers relevant insights for Marist educators seeking to blend educational excellence with spiritual mission across diverse Latin American communities.
Everything you need to know about Marystarhigh What Drives Its Academic Reputation
What does marystarhigh stand for?
Marystarhigh stands for Mary Star of the Sea High School, a private Roman Catholic co-educational high school in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California.
Is Mary Star High a Marist school?
No, Mary Star High is not a Marist school; it is operated by Mary Star of the Sea Parish under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and administered by the Norbertine Fathers, not the Marist Brothers.
What is the acceptance rate at Mary Star High?
The acceptance rate of Mary Star of the Sea High School is 80%, which equals the national average for private Catholic high schools.
When did Mary Star High open its new campus?
The school moved to a brand new campus on Taper Avenue in the fall of 2007, after originally being located on 8th Street.
What makes Mary Star High different from other Catholic schools?
Mary Star distinguishes itself through its small community environment with average class size of 21 students, strong parish partnership, Norbertine Fathers' spiritual presence, and four-pillar holistic education model (Catholicism, Character, Curriculum, Community).
