JSerra Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School
By Shelley T. Hudson

Now in the midst of its ninth academic year, JSerra High School is no longer the new kid on the block. The administration’s focus on college admissions and preparation for success in a professional realm has delivered results beyond all expectations.

JSerra’s President, Frank Talarico, and former U.S. Congressman and Board member Chris Cox took JSerra on the road last summer—literally. They met with administration and admissions officials from Harvard, MIT, Princeton and Columbia and presented JSerra’s record of achievement. Talarico describes the visits as “an extraordinary whirlwind trip,” and says that all four institutions were familiar with JSerra’s outstanding track record and innovative magnet programs. “Convincing these Ivy League guys that JSerra’s students are special was the easy part,” Talarico says, “They made it clear that our students have an advantage because of the rigor of our programs.”

Talarico and Cox took the opportunity to meet with the prestigious universities a step further by inviting representatives from each institution to sit on JSerra’s Presidential Advisory Board. Talarico is enthusiastic about the collaboration and envisions that these partnerships will strengthen JSerra’s existing curriculum and underwrite programs in the works. He points to a recent visit by officials from Columbia as an example of how JSerra’s aggressive tack has garnered nationwide attention. “Columbia just doesn’t do school visits outside their region,” he says, “but we were proud to host Columbia’s representatives here in our Pavilion.”

This aggressive advocacy is all part of the job, according to Talarico. “I owe it to these families to give them an extra advantage,” he says. He strives to provide this competitive edge by ensuring that each element of the curriculum is the sharpest possible. “We are very deliberate about our roll out [of programs]. We hold back until we have it right.”

JSerra’s esteemed Professional Magnet program is a perfect example of the comprehensive, deliberate approach to a course of study. The Medical and Business Magnet programs were the first of their kind in the country and both have been overwhelming success stories. The Engineering and Law Magnet programs are in development now and Talarico promises that both will meet the same high standards and provide the same intensive hands-on experience that the initial programs have provided. Talarico measures success not only through test scores and college admissions, but also through individual results. One such “result” is Daniele Perazzo. As a first-year Medical Magnet student, Daniele interned with a local doctor who referred him to a subsequent internship with a neurosurgeon. With these contacts, Daniele was able to gain assistance with his admission to Yale University. These student-by-student success stories drive JSerra’s administration to “take the next step…or three,” according to Talarico.

The latest programs instituted at JSerra are no less ambitious. The Mandarin Chinese language courses are up and running and have been well-received. A fully-developed comprehensive online school has provided a variety of options—all of which take advantage of JSerra’s extensive resources. The program can serve as an alternative to home school or a school-away-from-home for elite athletes or other students who travel. A student can enroll as an online-only student or a hybrid. Full-time campus students can also use the online materials for remediation or enrichment. JSerra’s first-ever Study Abroad program debuts this summer with a three-week intensive course in Florence. The program will focus on culture, language and history and will be led by JSerra faculty.

Full-time Athletic Director Dave Lawn joined the team this year to oversee JSerra’s 22 sports teams, including Coach Brett Kay’s baseball team. Kay’s academic athletes have earned more NCAA Division I scholarships than any other program in OC. Stand-out pitcher Austin Hedges even signed with the Padres right out of high school. Cross Country Coach Martin Dugard still had time to defend a state championship, even after co-writing a New York Times Best Selling novel with Bill O’Reilly!

As if the magnet programs, exemplary college admissions record, stellar faculty, online school and impressive athletic department weren’t enough, Talarico off-handedly remarks, “Did I mention our music department? Our choir sung for the Pope last year at St. Peter’s Basilica and has been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall this April.”

JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
26351 Junipero Serra Road • San Juan Capistrano
949.493.9307
www.jserra.org