Junipero Serra High School

451 West 20th Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94403

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on November 15, 2023

At the time I went through Serra (all 4 years), athletics were the focus. I agree with some reviews that, unless you were an athlete, you were just another student. I do remember some particularly good teachers at Serra, but nothing you might not have had at the public high schools in the area at the time. Tuition is very high and IMHO is not worth it when quality public education is available in the area. Overall, not a bad school, it’s just vastly over-rated.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2023

Unfortunately at junípero Serra they don't practice what they preach. Their catchy phrase is "Always Forward or Siempre Adelante " that was the philosophy of Father Junipero Serra.Recently my son has being diagnosed with SAD, social anxiety and depression. He was recommended to attend a residential treatment for a month where he could complete all his assignments with a supervision of a licensed teacher . The school refused to provide any help, instead they ambushed me and asked me to Withdraw my son. I refused to follow their request.When my son completed his treatment I send proper request to have him resume school, I received a phone call from the principal telling me that they will withdraw my son. The funniest part of the whole thing is they kept charging me for the tuition. After 2 years of a Pandemic the school has no compassion with the boys that are struggling socially and emotionally.They only embrace the perfect kids, the great athletes.I am extremely disappointed with their lack of humanity, the people in charge of Academics are heartless.If you plan in bring your child there please make sure he is academically and physically equipped , those kids get all the break they need. The ones that have disabilities are not protect and on top of all are discriminated by Academics and admissions and rarely one teacher or another makes a poor comment regarding your son that is struggling with depression.Any child mental well-being should come first and that child should not loose his place at any school because his parents opted in prioritize his mental health
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2021

A safe place to send your kid to learn ethics. However, the academics are mediocre and public's schools have more options, more qualified teachers, and more opportunities. Our son did not even have an option for a science class in his senior year. Serra works hard at making sure grades are good for the school's benefit, not necessarily your son's. They place students in easy classes to insure good grades rather than what would best benefit them academically. The graduating class tends to go to lowered teer colleges. Serra tends to hire their own alumni rather than seek out the best teachers and although this reinforces the Serra culture it is academically myopic and not the best practice for any organization. Top universities rarely do this for a good reason. It has been a safe place to educate our son, but he's ill prepared for college with Serra's limited academic options.. I would not make this choice again.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2017

Serra high school has been truly amazing for my son. He will be entering his Junior year this coming Fall and he is having the high school experience of a lifetime. Not only is he thriving academically, socially and athletically, he is forming friendships with his fellow classmates that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, he is growing into an extraordinary young man. Serra prepares their students for life after high school by offering them so many opportunities to grow as individuals. The faculty at Serra High School instill a deep sense of respect, kindness and compassion in both the student and parent community. I am so proud of my son and the successes he is having at Serra and I am honored to be a part of the parent community.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2017

Serra has offered a wonderful learning environment for my son. He loves the diversity of students at the school. He has been involved with sports, clubs, NHS, and the school newspaper. The honors and AP classes that he has taken were challenging and no doubt helped him get into USC. The counselors, teachers and administrative staff are second to none. There are plenty of ways for the parents to get involved through the Fathers Club, Mothers Auxiliary or the Moms Prayer Group. I would highly recommend this school. It's been a great four years! Thank you Serra for preparing our son so well for college.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2016

Serra High School has been a great place for my son. He is thriving academically and in his extra curricular activities. He has made great friends and has had great experiences with teachers and counselors. It has been a great balance of working with teachers and fellow classmates when needed and also working independently if it suits his needs. Serra High School cares about my son as a student but more importantly as a person.
Submitted by other on November 29, 2016

My son is learning how to be a compassionate, caring young man. The academics are excellent and the teachers are extremely dedicated. My son is challenged academically and excited to go to school every day.
Submitted by other on November 15, 2016

Excellent high school! I received a great education here and grew as a young man. Everything they offer - academics, campus ministry, athletics, etc. - was top notch. I am a proud Serra alumnus and I recommend it to everyone who has boys considering Catholic high school.
Submitted by other on September 03, 2016

As far as academics, honestly, I never really felt motivated to perform in the classroom... As I recall, there were kids that distracted the entire classroom with various disruptions (as I imagine happens in alot of high schools). But I dont blame the school as much as I blame myself for not getting better grades (B-C Serra student - A-B College scholar athlete). I did not personally dedicate myself enough, period.The sporting experience at Serra is the real deal. Some people cry foul about how much politics comes into play. The reality is that NOT EVERYONE makes the team at this school. NOT EVERYONE that makes the team even gets playing time. Being that I was a commuter to this school, I dealt with being the unknown player for my sport (had to retake starting position every year), and came out on top eventually (finally starter entire Varsity year). And that year's team was one of the schools best EVER! And it was/still is actually the schools best sport. In other words, Serra is extremely challenging athletically, but if you are talented and determined, why not compete for playing time every day against the best. After all, it is the same in college and in life. This was really the only reason I enjoyed this school as much as I did, honestly.Socially, the scene was not for me... One being that there were no girls at the school, which is an obvious drag. Two being that I was a commuter to the school, so there was that.The one take away from this school that makes it unique for me is how many people I have come across, who went to Serra, that seem to have an outstanding moral compass. I dont know what it is (likely religious upbringing), but I think that makes all the difference. They do assist in helping young boys become men. Good luck!
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2016

The tuition is an incredible amount of money for the academic and extra-curricular experience Serra provides. Local public school provide a better academic experience. The athletics programs appear to be driven by deep pockets and alumni connections rather than on each student's skills and talents. Looking forward to having my child move back to the public school system.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2015

As a parent of a Serra student, I am very disappointed with many things about my child's experience. Politics are everywhere, but they are extreme here. The academic climate should be stronger, but too many kids, for the sake of sports (namely football), are admitted that do not merit admission. There is a reason that so many Polynesians are at Serra.....many don't merit admission at the other private schools that value education first (as they should). Parents, in my honest opinion, I strongly suggest that you consider elsewhere for your child. This place has done nothing but destroy my child's perception of himself.
Submitted by other on July 06, 2015

Great experience and brotherhood. Sports are a big part of this school and thus brings everyone together
Submitted by student on July 01, 2015

Serra is the place that made me who I am today. If I end up raising boys in san mateo county they will all go to Serra. Sports are great at serra, but it also has a great AP and honros programs. I was in a few AP classes and they push you intellectually but not to the point of breaking like some schools (SI). Most importantly I learned life skills that are more valuable than any academics.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2013

We sent our 3rd son to Serra and wish we'd sent the other two. The oldest attended another all boys school in San Jose and our brilliant middle attended a rigorous public high school on the mid peninsula where he as neither challenged or held to a higher work ethic. # 3 is neither an athlete or a huge honors student, but he still is getting the attention he needs and the school is very proactive about communicating their high academic expectations in a supportive way. In the last four years, Serra has worked very hard to up its academic game and frankly it's nice to be at a school where family wealth and who is flying in a private jet are not the primary topics among the students, teachers and administrators. Our neighbor had the choice of attending any of the private high schools on the peninsula and San Jose and he chose Serra because he thought the kids were the most down to earth. And believe you me, he is challenged in his honors classes. Don't listen to the naysayers. Check it out yourself.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2013

If you are not an athlete on the Football, Baseball or Basketball team or they haven't decided you are an Honors student you will be treated like a second class student. The parents are really cliquish. If you are not in the "in crowd" you will be ignored.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2013

The Good: Serra has a committed athletics program to the big booster sports and a loyal following. Now for the bad - Serra's academics are sub-par. I've sent a few of my boys through this school and it's changed. They are helping me write this review as it's gotten really bad at Serra. First of all, they are about a decade behind in technology. Have you seen their computer lab? One-to-one devices? They are lagging behind even the public schools let alone private schools. Their leadership administration is stuck in the past in their old ways. Michael Peterson cared about the growth of the school even if he himself was old school. But the new Dean Strange and the principal Thornton are all talk, all politician, and no substance from my time spent talking with them. I talked to a few teachers and they are MAD at these folks. I have a few friends who have taught and coached my sons and they all say that it's not a great place to work under these clowns. Now, boys are taking video up teacher's skirts here? No respect for Serra anymore. I transferred my son to a public school....he said it's much tougher academically! Don't overpay for Serra anymore....it's just not worth it.
Submitted by teacher on March 15, 2013

sorry excuse for a high school. the teachers staff and adults who are in charge mess young men up
Submitted by student on September 15, 2012

The overall quality is not too bad, teachers are rather friends. But it might not be a prior choice for students who are strong in academic. Over restricting students for possibly lowered pass rate. Required "elective" courses waste a lot of time. However, it's also a place to learn time management and improve self-study skills for students who are really self-motived. The rate is for course-selecting system.
Submitted by other on March 05, 2012

Excellent high school which has a fantastic Academic Resource Center for those boys who have been diagnosed with learning differences. The boys are taught to advocate for themselves and are given accommodations to level the playing field. The most common learning difference is dyslexia. While having dealt with the horror of the public schools which sweep everything under the rug, Serra actually tries to help all students be successful. I give them an A+ for helping the LD students. I would highly recommend this school to any parent of a child with language based learning differences.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2010

Junipero Serra High school is a one stop education investment for your children. Excellent academic standards; combined with unequaled arts, music and sports program; and backed by strong faith and spiritual foundation. From the principal to the maintenance staff, the discipline and care for children are astounding. A school that supports the less privileged, but deserving students. I am very glad that our family is a part of this community.