Pacifica Christian High School

1730 Wilshire Boulevard

Santa Monica, CA 90403

33 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 14, 2023

All three of our children have attended Pacifica, or are currently enrolled. We love the school, and are so grateful to partner with them as a family. There are three main categories that we were seeking for our children's school, and the main reasons why we chose Pacifica.First, we align with the school's mission and vision. We affirm Pacifica's commitment to its Christian mission, and we appreciate how those beliefs are expressed in the life of the school. Students from a broad range of ideological background invited to explore the Christian worldview in a safe, hospitable environment. Second, we love the warm, relational tone of the school community. It is quite common to see faculty members at student athletic or performing arts events. Administrators are highly visible and accessible to parents. Parents are connected with each other through parent events, volunteer opportunities, and grade-level dinners. All of this helps reinforce the key partnerships between school and home, between students and educators, and within the parent community. It creates a broad eco-system where students tend to flourish. Third and finally, we are always impressed by the variety of opportunities that students are offered. Pacifica certainly has some limitations, of space and size, but students are still able to pursue high levels of athletic, artistic, and leadership involvement. We love Pacifica, and could not recommend it more highly.
Submitted by other on December 09, 2023

Our family describes the experience at Pacifica as "the education you wish every child could have." Their commitment to help students "think and live well" is manifest in every classroom at every level. With two kids who have gone through the school, we are eager to send our younger two as well. They also do an excellent job of not getting caught up in cultural fads, but maintaining a genuine priority for mercy, justice, diversity, and love. While no school is perfect (this one included) we could not be happier to have our kids attend there.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2023

Sadly, there is a growing list of issues with Pacifica Christian High School, particularly over the past two years. As a parent of a current student and a recent graduate, it has been shocking to watch the leadership of the school systematically change its emphasis from a real community to one that treats Christian and donor families differently than non-Christian and working-class families. The evidence is reflected in the exit of dozens of families in the past six months — dozens! — and several of the school's best and most beloved educators have followed suit. This is not the same school it was and certainly not what it continues to say it is. There are instances of donor and Board members' children being treated with favor (studying in the Head of School's office, grade pressure on teachers, and constant attention in media and remarks) that leave a bad taste in my mouth. The culture has turned from aspiring to be one the great schools in Los Angeles to one that excuses subpar teaching. We constantly are told teachers who have left were not "mission-fit," but this does not ring true at all to us. They loved Pacifica and what it stood for. Teachers and administrators have left at a moment's notice, which suggests to me that they dislike leadership and need a healthier place to work. I am so disappointed to write this, but families should know.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2023

All of our kids had a great experience at Pacifica. All facets of the school helped them grow and develop. Academically, the school prepared them to thrive at top colleges. The teachers are excellent and balance rigor with relationships. They cared in all the best possible ways. They set an example that we were thrilled to have our kids follow. Pacifica places students in top colleges. They also help form faith, character, and direction. Our kids were different when they graduated. They were more mature, happy, and ready for the next step. They made good friends from all grades and all backgrounds. The school is very diverse, something we wanted in a high school. Our kids focused on athletics and STEM. Both programs were very strong and opened doors for our kids. The coaches were outstanding, and the athletic administration gave our kids a chance to travel. We are so glad our kids went to Pacifica.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2022

There are some excellent teachers here, but the leadership is really lacking in sophistication and vision. Some of the men on the board run the show, and they are very, very conservative religiously and politically. For instance, I wouldn't feel comfortable sending a gay teen here let alone a trans teen. The operation is really small and barebones and a lot gets missed.
Submitted by student on September 07, 2022

I believe that Pacifica Christian is a great school! I currently attended Pacifica and I truly enjoy the community and academics. The community here is very kind and they make it a priority to make sure you feel welcome and comfortable. As well as I really enjoy the academics and the variety of classes I am able to enroll in as well as the sports that are available to participate in. In the classroom the teachers help you to succeed, but also push you to be a hardworking student and I believe that is such an important quality in a classroom environment. There are many reasons I love Pacifica, but those are just a couple that stand out!
Submitted by student on September 07, 2022

I transferred to Pacifica from another high school. All the teachers and staff are excellent, I'm typically very critical of my teachers if the class moves too slow or is uninteresting, but every single teacher I've had at this school is simply phenomenal. Pacifica students are extremely dedicated, and the school plays and musicals are very high quality, unlike any high school play I've ever seen. I simply don't have anything bad to say about this school.
Submitted by student on September 07, 2022

Pacifica is an amazing school! I am a Sophomore right now and I have loved it so much so far. I've had two older siblings come to this school which is how I first heard about it, but after starting highschool here, my expectations were exceeded. The school is smaller, but I think that is an advantage, letting you form close relationships with teachers and getting one-on-one time to really learn and grow. The teachers and staff have been a big part of my experience here. They not only want you to succeed academically, but they care about your success and well-being as a person. The relationships I have built with students here have also been really amazing. The grades are not segregated or exclusive and everyone spends time with students in different grades, classes, clubs, etc. The different sports and clubs Pacifica has to offer plays a huge role in fostering these relationships and giving you opportunities to meet and talk to many different people. I highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

As a senior at Pacifica, I've loved getting to explore more of what Pacifica has to offer every year. I felt very welcomed as a freshman, and I felt that the Christian environment offered a sense of community and warmth, especially for those who are just starting out here. I immediately fell in love with learning here because of the material / classes offered, but mainly because of the teachers and staff. I've been able to form deep, personal relationships with the faculty here, and I feel very fortunate to have such a strong support system. Along with being great, supportive people, the staff here is also dedicated to weaving in the messages of Christ into their daily lives and how they treat others, which is a unique things that I greatly appreciate about Pacifica. In terms of extracurriculars, Pacifica encourages everyone to try everything, which I've slowly been able to do as I've gotten more involved with soccer, the yearbook, our Diversity Council, and the arts. Each community is unique and special, and everyone involved in each community has always been welcoming and supportive :) .
Submitted by student on September 07, 2022

I love this school! I am currently enrolled here at Pacifica and it is perfect!! The teachers, faculty, students, academics, extracurriculars are so amazing!
Submitted by student on September 07, 2022

I have a great experience in this school! Currently in my third year here and love the environment. Im able to surround myself with people how have the same passions as me and connect with everyone in the school!
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

Pacifica is a special school because of the good culture and the care and attention teachers give. Because the school is smaller than most, class sizes are smaller and teachers genuinely care about each individual student. Each teacher is passionate about what they are gifted teaching, and they give so much inspiration. The teachers and staff of the school contribute to the culture of Pacifica. From the all school retreat, to the homecoming boat dance, every week is packed with opportunities to find friends and get connected. Pacifica students work hard and play hard, the curriculum is rigorous and classes are difficult, but there are so many opportunities to have fun. Pacifica students are encouraged to try new experiences like doing the school musical, joining the freshman volleyball team, and getting involved in student government. No matter what your interests are, there is a place for you. Pacifica's campus is beautiful, classrooms are big, and there's a beautiful courtyard and whitetop. The athletics and arts programs are amazing too. From varsity basketball to the end of the year arts iSight festival!
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

I love it here! I originally wasn't supposed to come here, but after some circumstances, I came to Pacifica as a last-sitch effort for high school. I was scared since I would be going alone without knowing anyone, but I was quickly mistaken. The arts, sports, and community are so wonderful and I felt immediately accepted. I feel so at home here; the students and teachers are like a second family.
Submitted by student on September 07, 2022

Pacifica has encouraged me to participate in all my interests from athletics to STEM to the arts.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

I am in 10th grade at Pacifica and so far my overall experience at Pacifica has been great! The culture at the school is very nice and inclusive and both the students and teachers are so nice and helpful.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

My name is Wilfred Ellis, and I have 3 of my boys attending Pacifica Christian High School. They love the school so much! They have such great relationships with all of the teachers, they always meet with the boys whenever they need help with schoolwork! They tell me and I can also see for myself that the curriculum is full of rigor, but it's not impossible. My boys are involved in different areas of STEM, and we are very proud of the engineering classes!
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

I am currently a junior at Pacifica and have loved every moment of it. It is truly an outstanding school. The staff and teachers are some of the nicest people I have ever met. The community is so loving a inclusive. I recommend Pacifica to everyone.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

Pacifica is a very inclusive, a great community and dedicated teachers who are devoted to helping students learn.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2022

The staff are very nice and welcoming. Pacifica Christian has a great sports program and the faculty and staff are very supportive.
Submitted by student on September 07, 2022

I have adored my time at Pacifica Christian High School. The mission of Thinking and Living Well and our motto Gratia et Veritas (Grace and Truth) have become embedded in my life, and defined the way I go about the world. The faculty and staff are incredible and extraordinarily dedicated to the well-being, joy, and success of their students. I am incredibly grateful for the education which Pacifica has offered me, particularly in the arts department, and can only hope this school will maintain its beautiful diversity of thought, shared ideals, and dedication to its people.