Grace Thompson
California is home to a large Catholic community, with nearly 11 million Catholics, or roughly 29% of the state's total population. The Catholic community in California is represented by the California Catholic Conference. The state has a long history of Catholic influence, with many settlements named after Catholic saints and religious symbolism. Over time, the Catholic population in California has grown, and with it, the establishment of Catholic educational institutions. As of 2015, there were 211 parish and diocesan elementary schools serving 51,135 students, 25 private Catholic high schools serving 12,978 students, and 4 Catholic colleges serving 14,046 students in California.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholics in California | 11 million |
| Percentage of California's population that is Catholic | 29% |
| Number of Catholic elementary schools in Los Angeles | 211 |
| Number of Catholic students in elementary schools in Los Angeles | 51,135 |
| Number of Catholic private high schools in Los Angeles | 25 |
| Number of Catholic students in private high schools in Los Angeles | 12,978 |
| Number of Catholic private elementary schools in Los Angeles | 8 |
| Number of Catholic students in private elementary schools in Los Angeles | 1,876 |
| Number of Catholic colleges in Los Angeles | 4 |
| Number of Catholic students in colleges in Los Angeles | 14,046 |
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What You'll Learn
Catholic school system in California
California has a rich history of Catholic education, with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles alone boasting over 245 Catholic schools spread across three counties. This makes it the largest Catholic school system in the United States. The Catholic school system in California is committed to providing exciting, future-focused, and diverse learning environments for its students. The schools emphasise strong Christian values, moral development, and community, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students regardless of their faith background or financial circumstances.
Catholic schools in California offer a range of athletic programs, arts activities, and clubs that encourage students to explore their talents, cultivate self-expression, and build friendships. These extracurricular opportunities also develop valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Catholic education in California aims to strengthen students' relationships with God and each other, nurturing their spiritual growth alongside academic excellence.
The history of Catholic education in California dates back to the 19th century when Catholics began building their parochial school system. Initially, the focus was on piety, orthodoxy, and strict discipline, with knowledge of the subject matter taking a back seat. Teachers were selected more for their religiosity than their teaching qualifications. However, over time, Catholic schools in California have evolved and improved, with a notable shift towards better educational outcomes in the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, Catholic schools in California offer rigorous and dynamic education, preparing students for competitive college admissions and the challenges of the modern world. The average tuition cost for Catholic private schools in California is $10,072 for the 2025 school year, which is significantly lower than the state's private school average of $17,250. This affordability, combined with their commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development, makes Catholic schools in California a popular choice for many families.
Notable Catholic schools in California include the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Aquinas High School, Mary Star of the Sea High School, and St. Francis High School. These schools are known for their academic excellence, diverse student bodies, and commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals. California is also home to several prestigious Catholic universities, including Santa Clara University and the University of San Diego, which offer a unique educational experience grounded in Catholic values and traditions.
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Catholic student population in California
California is home to a large Catholic community, with nearly 11 million Catholics, or roughly 29% of the state's total population. The Catholic population in California has historically been prominent, with many settlements named after Catholic saints and religious symbolism, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.
The Catholic Church in California has a long history of providing education through parochial schools and colleges. As of 2015, there were 211 parish and diocesan elementary schools serving 51,135 students, 25 private Catholic high schools serving 12,978 students, 8 private Catholic elementary schools serving 1,876 students, and 4 Catholic colleges serving 14,046 students. The expansion of the Catholic school system in California, particularly after World War II, played a significant role in the growth of the state's Catholic community. Successful ballot initiatives in 1952 and 1958 led by Archbishop James Francis McIntyre resulted in tax exemptions for private schools, making Catholic education more accessible.
The establishment of parochial schools by the Catholic community in California dates back to the 19th century, driven by the fear that exposure to Protestant teachers and students in public schools could lead to a loss of faith. Initially, these schools prioritized piety, orthodoxy, and strict discipline over academic knowledge. Teachers were often selected for their religiosity rather than their teaching qualifications. However, by the late 20th century, Catholic schools began to outperform their public counterparts academically.
On a national level, the Catholic Church in the United States has a significant presence in higher education. As of 2016, there were 227 Catholic tertiary schools with approximately 798,006 students. The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., founded in 1887, serves as the national university of the Church. Additionally, there are approximately 230 Catholic universities and colleges across the country, with nearly 1 million students and 65,000 professors.
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History of Catholicism in California
Catholicism first came to the territories now forming the United States through Spanish and Portuguese colonists. The first known Catholic Mass in what would become the United States was held in 1526 by Dominican friars Antonio de Montesinos and Anthony de Cervantes, who ministered to the San Miguel de Gualdape colonists during the three months the colony existed.
The Spanish parts of mainland America were originally part of the Diocese of Mexico, established in 1530, and later the Diocese of Durango, which split from the former in 1620. California became part of the Diocese of Sonora in 1779. The influence of the Alta California missions (1769 onwards) forms a lasting memorial to this heritage.
Franciscan friars founded California, and many of its major cities either began as Catholic missions or bear Catholic names. For example, Sacramento (The Blessed Sacrament), Los Angeles (Our Lady of the Angels), San Jose (St. Joseph), and San Diego (named for Saint Diego de Alcalá). Between 1769 and 1823, the Franciscans founded 21 missions that form a chain from one end of the state to the other. These missions brought grain, cattle, and a new way of living to the Indian tribes of California.
In the 19th century, Catholics in larger cities began building their parochial school system. They used very low-paid sisters as teachers, with the highest priorities being piety, orthodoxy, and strict discipline. By the late 20th century, Catholic schools began to perform significantly better than their public counterparts. In 2011, there were approximately 230 Catholic universities and colleges in the United States, with nearly 1 million students.
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Catholic immigration to California
The history of Catholic immigration to California is closely tied to the state's complex colonial history and its proximity to Mexico. During the colonial period, Spanish settlers, who were predominantly Catholic, established many settlements in what is now California, leaving their mark on the state's place names, with numerous locations named after Catholic saints or symbols (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego).
In the early 19th century, Mexico gained independence, and the United States subsequently annexed Mexican territory, including what would become California. This annexation brought a wave of American settlers, including Catholics, who began to establish their institutions in the newly acquired lands. By the mid-19th century, Catholics in California and other large cities started building their parochial school system, driven by a fear of exposure to Protestant influences in public schools.
The Catholic Church in the United States has a long history of embracing newcomers and providing assistance to immigrants, refugees, and migrants. Catholic organisations like Catholic Charities of Los Angeles (CCLA) have been recognised for their work in providing legal representation and support to immigrants and refugees, helping them navigate the complex immigration system and promoting their successful integration.
The Catholic Church has also been at the forefront of advocating for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has supported policies that provide a path to citizenship for undocumented persons, preserve family unity, address root causes of migration, and promote dignity and respect for immigrants.
While immigration is a politically divisive issue in the United States, the Catholic Church's efforts to welcome and assist immigrants have occasionally faced opposition from public officials, media outlets, and private organisations. Despite this, the Church continues to play a significant role in shaping the immigration landscape in California and across the nation.
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Catholic universities in California
California is home to a number of Catholic universities, with Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, and Loyola Marymount University being among the most well-reviewed.
Santa Clara University
Located in Santa Clara, California, Santa Clara University is a highly-regarded Catholic university, known for its dedicated faculty and small class sizes. Students report that the professors are extremely supportive and accessible, making it easier to establish meaningful relationships with them. The small class sizes also contribute to a more engaging and personalised learning experience. Additionally, the university offers a wide range of on-campus activities and opportunities for hands-on learning and community engagement.
University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco, or USF, is another highly-ranked Catholic university in California. Students praise USF for its diverse and inclusive environment, fostering both academic and personal growth. The university is also recognised for its knowledgeable and supportive faculty, as well as its top-notch campus facilities. USF emphasises social justice and global awareness, providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and hands-on learning experiences.
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University, commonly known as LMU, is a Catholic university in Los Angeles, California. LMU offers over 150 degrees, certificates, and credentials, and is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Life Sciences Building, which prepares students for careers in diverse disciplines. The university also boasts a vibrant campus life, with 14 Division 1 and varsity sports teams, and its beautiful Sacred Heart Chapel at the heart of the campus.
Other Catholic Universities in California
In addition to the above, California is home to several other Catholic universities, including:
- Dominican University of California
- Franciscan School of Theology
- Holy Names University
- John Paul the Great Catholic University
- Marymount California University
- Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles
- Notre Dame de Namur University
- Saint Mary's College of California
- University of San Diego
- Thomas Aquinas College
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