Why Pacifica

Our size is our strength. We're a tight-knit school where all students are known and valued! Every student is seen as a vital and contributing member of the Pacifica family and is invited to bring their unique perspective and gifts, which benefit and strengthen the entire school. We need each other, look out for each other, and cheer on each other’s progress as we grow together, in community.

It goes without saying that Pacifica teachers are gifted instructors and accomplished in their fields. Yet it takes more than being a great teacher to be a member of the Pacifica faculty. Both inside and outside of the classroom, our staff are committed to connecting personally with students, living as quality role models, and being available to listen, guide, and encourage. High school is a transformative time in a teen's life and Pacifica teachers are there to walk alongside students as they grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

A high schooler’s experience is so much more than what happens in the classroom, and at Pacifica, our traditions initiate new students into a school culture that is rich and dynamic.  With intention, Pacifica connects every graduating class to shared experiences and Seawolf pride that is passed on year after year. Memories are made and deep friendships forged through fun and unique events like the All-School Retreat, Spirit Week, the Senior Trip, i.Sight and so much more. 

We believe our curriculum is one of the most open liberal arts programs in Los Angeles. Not only are students tested through rigorous math, science, and humanities courses, but they learn how to think well, listen generously, and develop sound ideas and understandings about life. Pacifica students are given tools to weigh truth from fiction, opportunities to practice humility, and the space to develop and refine a deeper view of humanity and the world around them. 

Students that want to take their athletic careers to new levels have many choices, but few as personal and flexible as Seawolf Athletics. Pacifica athletes are driven to win, and our reputation is that we are tough to beat. Opportunities abound for athletes that are training to excel in a singular sport, athletes that want to play multiple sports, those that are trying a sport for the first time, or students that prefer to support our athletes as team managers. 

Our PACARTS program embodies the belief that the arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education. As teenagers work through the creative process, they develop confidence, grow in their communication and problem-solving skills, build grit through taking risks, grow in empathy and self-awareness, become more culturally literate, and gain a more nuanced understanding of the world. At the end of the day, these shared experiences create a tight-knit, passionate community unlike no other. (And the productions are amazing too!)

The Pacifica student body reflects Los Angeles. With nearly half of our student body identifying as people of color, our students come from 25 different zip codes and learn how to build a life together. Through involvement in groups like Associated Student Government, Diversity Council, and the Black/Brown Student Union and events like the annual Cultural Festival, Pacifica is committed to celebrating what unites us rather than what divides us.

We love watching students launch in the direction of their dreams! The Pacifica college track is a purposeful and evenly paced, four-year journey designed to help students identify their best-fit school. Pacifica seniors get into the best colleges to meet their personal and professional goals. Our experienced counselors offer support and guidance every step of the way, and our rigorous coursework develops students that are well prepared for success beyond high school. 

It's not uncommon for a Pacifica student to be in a play, on a team, in student government, stay on top of their AP course load, and leading a club— all at once! We believe that high school is the perfect place for teenagers to try new things, discover new talents, and explore new interests. Pacifica students can do it all while maintaining a personal balance uncommon for Los Angeles independent schools. Learning by doing is a privilege born from a school community of our size: large enough to offer nearly unlimited choices, but small enough to give students the space and encouragement to try it all.

All these experiences would not be worth anything good if they did not add up to a higher quality of life.  By understanding the nature of truth and beauty, Pacifica helps lay the foundation for thinking and living well. We are are helping to build lives, not just resumes. While Pacifica students thrive in the classroom, they are also being made into whole people that have examined what it means to be an intellectual, physical, and spiritual person. God’s hand is in all we do, and Pacifica students learn to value themselves as well as the community around them.