Beginnings
In the summer of 2002, a group of educators, parents, business leaders, and pastors gathered around a single, powerful question:
What would an independent Protestant Christian high school on the Westside of Los Angeles look like?
This conversation was the spark that ignited Pacifica Christian High School. What followed was two years of deep discussion, prayer, and planning. From kitchen tables to boardrooms, the Founding Committee sought not just to create a school but to build a bold vision rooted in faith, wisdom, and character.
DAY ONE
On September 7th, 2005, Pacifica Christian High School opened its doors at 18th and Wilshire Blvd. in the heart of Santa Monica. The dream became a reality. That first morning welcomed 42 brave freshman and sophomore students, 8 passionate teachers, and 3 dedicated administrators. Together, they stepped into the unknown—launching a movement rooted in the idea that every student, regardless of background, should have access to excellent, Christ-centered education.
First Graduates
In 2008 and 2009, our first graduating classes walked the stage, taking with them diplomas and a pioneering spirit. They paved the way to extraordinary college acceptances—Duke, Notre Dame, University of Chicago, Northwestern, Cal Tech, UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley, NYU, Middlebury, and many more. These early graduates also launched beloved traditions that are still thriving today: MMM, Mr. Pacifica, i.Sight, the international travel program, Screen Film Festival, and the All-School Retreat.
Steady Growth
Pacifica’s early years were marked by steady and intentional growth. Enrollment nearly doubled in the second year, reaching 85 students. By 2010, that number had grown to 165. Today, over 291 students fill our classrooms, and with enrollment overfull, we bravely charge toward our long-term goal of 400 students.
Our family has grown, too—from 12 founding members to more than 60 faculty and staff and a vibrant community of over 2,500. Pacifica now has more than 1,000 alumni living, working, and serving across the country and worldwide.
A Story of Faith and Generosity
In 2006, Pacifica’s leadership attended a conference in Santa Barbara and heard the story of a 75-year-old school in Pennsylvania that had never had an endowment. One day, its Head of School opened a bank account, deposited $1, and declared, “Now we have an endowment.” Inspired by that simple act of faith, Pacifica’s team left the conference, went to the bank, and did the same.
Today, that single dollar has grown into a $2,000,000 endowment—an enduring symbol of the faith, courage, and generosity that fuels this school.
Expanding Further
As Pacifica approached its 10th anniversary in 2015, it launched a new era of programmatic and physical growth. A partnership with Project Lead the Way brought a full STEM program with courses in engineering and computer science. The visual and performing arts blossomed with new music offerings and a strengthened film program. The Minchin Center for Innovation was launched to equip students with the mindset and tools for creative leadership. Simultaneously, Phase I of the Building Our Future campaign resulted in new Bio/Chem and Physics labs, a humanities wing, and an art studio.
In Phase II—Through the Finish Line—Pacifica added the Seawolf Event Center, the Pacifica Student Union, and additional student transportation. In 2020, the school opened the Center for Philosophy and Theology, grounding its students deeply in faith, virtue, and the good life.
The 20th Anniversary
In 2025, Pacifica celebrated its 20th Anniversary at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. It was a night to reflect on the courage of our founders, give thanks for all that God has done, and to say yes once again—to Pacifica, to our mission, and to the call to build something greater than ourselves.
The night raised $1,000,000, building on the $1,00,000 already raised throughout the school year, for the next chapter. In the summer of 2025, we will begin the development of the Knight Quad and the expansion into an additional building to serve a student body of 400 students. Our students continue to inspire: recent graduates have been accepted to Stanford, Harvard, UPenn, Columbia, Princeton, and more. 41 Pacifica alumni have studied at UCLA and 45 at USC. Our athletes compete across the nation—including in NCAA championships.
Looking Ahead
Pacifica Christian High School was built on courage, vision, and gratitude. That same spirit leads us forward. We are here because a few people dared to ask a bold question—and the faith to act on the answer. Twenty years later, we’re still saying yes.
Yes to truth. Yes to beauty. Yes to goodness. Yes to God.
Inquire
Apply
Give
