School Profile
451 West 20th Avenue San Mateo, CA 94403 serrahs.com | 650.345.8207
Academic Year 2025-2026 CEEB Code: 053180
Mr. Michael P. Fadelli ‘88, President Mr. Charles J. McGrath, M.Ed., Principal Ms. Rita Lee, Asst. Principal of Academics
Mrs. Jane Zoucha, Director of Counseling Mrs. Karen Ghidossi, Upper Division Counselor Mr. Jimmy Cappels, Upper Division Counselor
Mission
History Founded:
1944
Type:
Catholic High School of the San Francisco Archdiocese, Private
Enrollment:
888 students from more than 130 schools
Location:
San Mateo is a small city located between Silicon Valley and San Francisco.
Junípero Serra High School is a distinguished Catholic institution dedicated to preparing boys for college and beyond. Our commitment is to academic excellence with spiritual growth at the heart of all that we do. We prepare our students to become responsible and honorable leaders, ready to navigate the complexities of the world that they will inherit. Our comprehensive academic curriculum is challenging and enriching, complemented by a diverse array of extracurricular activities designed to engage every interest.
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges; Western Catholic Educational Association Membership:
At Serra, we foster an environment of compassion and mutual respect, which are key characteristics of our community. We support our students on their journey toward becoming men of faith, wisdom, service, community and leadership.
NACAC, WACAC, ASCA, WCAL
Composition of the Class of 2026: 210 Students Race: 47% Caucasian; 21% Multiracial; 16% Asian; 2% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders; 2% African American; 1% American Indian or Alaska Native; 7% Other or chose not to declare
National Merit
2025
2024
2023
2022
Semi-Finalist
0
2
2
4
Commended
7
9
8
6
Ethnicity: 23% identify as Latino or Hispanic Geographical: San Francisco Bay Area with the majority of students coming from San Mateo County and a small percentage of students commuting from San Francisco and the East Bay Catholic: 57%; Students Receiving Financial Aid: 41%
Graduation Requirements
Class of 2026 GPA Distribution
Core academic classes by semester English 8
Mathematics 6
P.E. and Health 1
Theology 7
Science 6 Visual and Performing Arts 2
Social Studies 6
Unweighted Weighted 4.0+
3
72
3.50-3.99
106
52
3.00-3.49
64
50
4
2.50-2.99
29
28
Electives 8
Below 2.5
8
8
Total
210
210
World Language (one language)
Rank in Class Serra does not compute or report class rank. Serra calculates three GPA’s. A total GPA includes all grades awarded at Serra. A weighted GPA includes one extra point for each honors or AP grade awarded beginning in the freshman year. An academic GPA includes all academic course grades awarded. Academic GPA is used to determine Honor Roll lists. A student with an academic GPA over 3.0 is placed on the Honor Roll. A student with an academic GPA over 3.5 is placed on the Principal’s List.
Academics The academic program at Serra is a rigorous and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for college. Each department offers a combination of core courses and electives that are sequentially designed to challenge students to their full potential. Students are required to complete six academic classes in both fall and spring semesters. There is a yearly Christian service requirement, which supports our school mission. It is difficult for Serra students to take additional classes until senior year due to Theology. Serra offers a total of 22 AP courses. Given the rigor of college preparatory, students are limited to a number of AP courses based on placement, counseling and student-life balance. AP courses are only primarily offered to juniors and seniors; students are limited to four AP classes junior year and four AP classes senior year. Students must meet prerequisites for placement in AP classes.