Junípero Serra High School, commonly known as Serra, is a private, Roman Catholic, college preparatory institution for boys located in San Mateo, California. Established in 1944, Serra has a rich history of academic excellence, spiritual development, and athletic achievement. The school is named after Saint Junípero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded several missions in California.
History and Development
Founded by the Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, Serra High School began its journey with an initial enrollment of 86 freshmen and sophomores. The original campus was situated at Columbia Drive and Alameda de las Pulgas in San Mateo, the current site of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Parish. As the student body expanded, the school relocated in 1955 to its present location at 451 West 20th Avenue, accommodating 576 students. Over the years, Serra has undergone significant transformations, including the appointment of its first lay principal, Michael Peterson, in 1978, and the initiation of large-scale campus renovations under the leadership of Fr. Joe Bradley between 2002 and 2004.
Campus and Facilities
Serra’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities is evident through its phased master plan. Phase I, completed in 2005, introduced new facilities for football, baseball, and wrestling, along with a 150-space parking structure. Phase II, finalized in 2011, added five new science lecture-labs, a music room, two art classrooms, an academic resource center, and a 550,000-gallon infinity pool for competitive aquatics. In 2016, the school further enhanced its athletic facilities by renovating playing surfaces for baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and track.
Academic Excellence
Serra offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Over 60% of students enroll in these advanced classes, and the school boasts an impressive average AP pass rate of 80% over the past five years, surpassing national averages. The Class of 2018 alone received over $27 million in college scholarships, reflecting the school’s dedication to academic achievement. With a one-to-one device program and a faculty where 93% hold advanced degrees, Serra ensures that students are well-prepared for higher education.
Spiritual and Moral Development
As a Roman Catholic institution, Serra places significant emphasis on spiritual growth and moral development. The Campus Ministry program offers various opportunities, including four-day Kairos retreats, liturgical leadership roles, and immersion trips to locations such as Watsonville, West Virginia, Nicaragua, San Jose, and Los Angeles. The theology curriculum focuses on Catholic faith, morality, and worship, fostering individual faith development among students.
Tri-School Collaboration
Serra participates in the Tri-School program, a collaborative partnership with Notre Dame High School in Belmont and Mercy High School in Burlingame, both all-female institutions. This consortium allows for co-educational experiences in morning classes and joint extracurricular activities, enriching the educational environment for students.
Athletic Achievements
Serra’s athletic program has a storied history, evolving from offering just three sports in the mid-1940s to a comprehensive program featuring 14 competitive team sports. The school has produced numerous professional athletes, including NFL quarterback Tom Brady, MLB home run leader Barry Bonds, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann. As of early 2018, Serra had secured 67 West Catholic Athletic League varsity titles, 31 Central Coast Section championships, and two state crowns in basketball (2016) and football (2017). The 2017 football team notably achieved a 13-2 record, becoming the first San Mateo County high school football team to win a California Interscholastic Federation state championship since 1926.
Notable Alumni
Serra’s alumni network includes distinguished individuals who have excelled in various fields:
Tom Brady: Seven-time Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback.
Barry Bonds: Major League Baseball’s all-time home run leader.
Lynn Swann: Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver and former athletic director at the University of Southern California.
Jim Fregosi: Major League Baseball player and manager.
Jesse Freitas: Led the nation in passing at San Diego State in the mid-1970s.
Community and Values
Serra fosters a close-knit community grounded in the values of respect, integrity, inclusion, and compassion. The school’s mission emphasizes holistic education, aiming to develop young men who are not only academically proficient but also morally grounded and socially responsible. Through various clubs, organizations, and service opportunities, students are encouraged to explore their interests and contribute positively to society.
Conclusion
Junípero Serra High School stands as a beacon of excellence in education, athletics, and spiritual development. With a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, Serra continues to build on its rich legacy, preparing young men to lead with faith, wisdom, and integrity in an ever-changing world.