History and Philosophy

We participate in the continuous flow of history from the establishment of San Juan Capistrano Mission on November 1, 1776, until the present time. Under the leadership of Blessed Junipero Serra, the Franciscans set about evangelizing and educating the Acjachemen-Juaneno Indians according to the Spanish and Mexican cultures. The Mission San Juan Capistrano continues to be a center of learning for these traditions. Because of this, Mission Parish School students have the opportunity of being part of a history past, present, and in the making. They attend classes in a unique setting that provides scope for integrated studies.

In light of this historical heritage, Mission Parish School takes the opportunity to continue the work of Blessed Junipero Serra through our evangelization and witness to the community of San Juan Capistrano.

We, the educators of Mission Parish School, believe in the holistic approach towards education which encourages all students to achieve their unique potential. Therefore, our students are capable of being:

1. Faith-filled Catholics who live the Gospel message.
2. Life-long learners who have a foundation of knowledge for continuing growth.
3. Self-respecting individual who have strength of character.
4. Responsible community members who exhibit good citizenship.
5. Globally aware citizens who appreciate and accept diversity.
6. Health-conscious people who understand and respect God's gift of life.

We, therefore, accept the challenge to keep alive the tradition of Catholic education that has continued for over two hundred years.

Our philosophy centers on the goal of educating the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. In doing so, it encompasses our Schoolwide Learning Expectations and enables us to assist students to possess these skills upon graduation. In the realization of these goals based on the unique traditions of Mission Parish School, the total individual is considered for his/her fundamental capacity, his/her present achievement, and his/her potential.

Spiritual Goals:

1. To foster a community of faith.
2. To teach Christ through Christian doctrine, the Scriptures, and modeling Christ-like behavior.
3. To insure opportunities for the spiritual growth and enrichment of students, staff, and parents.
4. To promote respect, courtesy, concern, and appreciation for the dignity and worth of each person.
5. To teach Catholic morals and values and how to apply them to daily living.
6. To teach and provide opportunities for various prayer experiences.
7. To involve parents in active participation in sacramental preparations and in religious projects and retreats.
8. To provide opportunities to participate in Mission Parish School and Mission Basilica liturgies and para-liturgical celebrations.
9. To assist students in coping with our ever changing world without sacrificing Catholic principles.
10. To make students aware of their duty of apostleship in bringing Christ to mission lands through prayer, sacrifice, and good works.
11. To promote Christian attitudes toward scholastic as well as athletic competitions.

Academic Goals:

1. To continue to provide a thinking and meaning centered curriculum in order to increase productivity levels in critical thinking, problem solving, process and decision making.
2. To stimulate a desire within our students to maintain interest and enthusiasm for learning.
3. To help students develop a positive attitude and sense of humor.
4. To provide opportunities to experience success in learning.
5. To motivate creativity in oral presentations, written work, and projects.
6. To expose students to advances in technology so that they may be part of and receptive to future technological developments.
7. To promote interest in the archaeological and historical studies of San Juan Capistrano Mission.
8. To promote and encourage an appreciation and interest in the fine arts.
9. To provide an awareness of and means to develop physical fitness.
10. To expose students to the democratic process so they may realize the importance of becoming effective and informed citizens.

Personal Goals:

1. To foster self-discipline as an important factor in proficiency and progress.
2. To provide opportunities for students to develop qualities of leadership.
3. To help students develop a positive self-esteem toward their own achievements.
4. To promote a positive attitude toward all people so that we may develop an understanding of how cultural diversities and commonalities contribute to our lives.
5. To encourage an appreciation of the richness of the various cultures within our school community.
6. To make children aware of, and actively participate in, the rich heritage and traditions of San Juan Capistrano Mission and community.
7. To provide opportunities to develop proper attitudes, efficient skills, and enduring values to help the individual child assume his/her place in society and the universal church.