High School Profile

Saint Joseph Academy

High School Profile

Saint Joseph Academy

(TK-12th)

2023-2024

High School Profile

CEEB Code: 053155

Saint Joseph Academy

Headmaster: Anthony Biese

Dean of Academics: Paul Kerekes

500 Las Flores Drive

San Marcos, CA 92078

Main Office: (760)305-8505

www.saintjosephacademy.org

Download Profile PDF

Founded in 1995, Saint Joseph Academy (SJA) is an independent, TK-12, classical school that is faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. We have 355 students, 95 of whom are in the High School. Our mission is to form vibrant young men and women who, committed to live by Catholic principles and follow the personal calling of God in each of their lives, will advance and transform human culture for the sake of the kingdom of God.


The class of 2023 graduated 13 students, and the high school student population ranges from 90-95 students with a faculty student ratio of 1:19. Students come from all over North San Diego County and beyond (some even driving more than an hour each way) to take advantage of our unique offerings. We offer generous need-based financial aid, as well as merit-based scholarships; in addition, 19% of our students utilize our tuition-assistance work-study program. Over 33% of the fulltime faculty hold advanced degrees. SJA is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) until 2028 and holds membership with the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS) and the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE). SJA is recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as an Honor Roll school (2018-2023).

Curriculum

230 credits are required for graduation:
  • 40 credits (4 years) English (Ancient Literature, Medieval Literature, American Literature, British Literature)
  • 40 credits (4 years) Mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus 1, Calculus II)
  • 40 credits (4 years) Science (Zoology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • 45 credits (4 1/2 years) Theology (Introduction to Theology, Biblical Theology, Moral Theology, Spiritual Theology)
  • 35 credits (3 1/2 years) History (Ancient & Medieval History, World History, U.S. History, Civics/Economics)
  • 20 credits (2 years) Language other than English (Spanish, Latin)
  • 10 credits (1 year) Visual and Performing Arts (Art History)
  • Electives: 2.5 credits/semester (Choir, Yearbook, Drama, Dance, Computer Science, Robotics, Associated Student Body)

CLT Results

SJA Average (Class of 2023) 78
National Average 67

SAT Results

Subject SJA National
Math 593 523
ERW 605 527
Total 1198 1050

National Merit Scholars

National Merit Finalist: 1 (2016/17)

National Merit Commended Student: 4 (2017/18, 2019/20, 2022/23, 2023,24)

National Merit Scholars

(88% of our students take Honors)

Grade Assignments

SJA assigns letter grades using a 4.0 system. Letter grades are assigned as follows:
Grade Percentage
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 59% or below

The Cardinal Newman Society Awards:

In 2018-2023, the Cardinal Newman Society recognized
Saint Joseph Academy as a Catholic Education Honor
Roll School and was further elevated to the highest level
as a Catholic Education Ambassador School. Schools
receiving this designation are marked by the integration
of Catholic identity throughout all aspects of their
programs and excellence in academics. This award is
granted every five years. We are the only high school in
San Diego and one of only four in California to win this
award.

SJA's 2017-2023 Graduates (105 Students Total) Were Accepted into

the Following Colleges and Universities

Alaska Pacific University
Ave Maria University
Azusa Pacific University
Baylor University

Belmont Abbey College
Bellus Academy
Benedictine College
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal State- Fullerton
Cal State- Long Beach
Cal State- San Marcos
Chapman University
Christendom College
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Grand Canyon University
Hawaii Pacific University
Hillsdale College
John Paul the Great Catholic University
Loyola Marymount University
Mount St. Mary's University
Mira Costa College
Northern Arizona University
Oregon State University
Pepperdine University
Purdue University
Saint Louis University
Saint Mary's College
San Diego State University
Thomas Aquinas College (CA & New England)
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
UC San Diego
UC Santa Cruz
University of Colorado
University of Dallas
University of Mary
University of Notre Dame
University of the Pacific
University of San Diego
University of Tampa
University of Texas, Austin
University of Tulsa
University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Weighting of Grades and Ranking

Honors courses are weighted by one point. All credit classes are  included in computing grade point averages. Grade point averages (GPA) are computed by semester. We do not rank.

Grade Distribution Class of 2023

There were 23 graduates in the Class of 2023

Weighted Non-Weighted
4 earned a 4.25+ 5 earned a 3.75-4.0
5 earned 4.0-4.24 4 earned a 3.5-3.74
8 earned 3.5-3.99 10 earned a 3.0-3.49
4 earned 3.0-3.49 4 earned less than 3.0
2 earned less than 3.0

Athletics

SJA is a member of C.I.F.


  • Boys 8 Man Football (CIF Division VI Runner-up 2022)
  • Girls Volleyball
  • Cross Country
  • Boys Basketball (CIF Division V Section Champions 2022)
  • Girls Basketball (CIF Division III Section Champions, 2021)
  • Boys Baseball (CIF Division V Runner-up 2022)
  • Girls Softball
  • Golf
  • Track and Field


Over 75% of our students participate in athletics. We are a member of the Virtue Equals Strength Program.

Post High School Academic Activities

99% of graduates go on to college

92% matriculate to 4-year universities

Community Service

Students record at least 30 volunteer hours of required community service per year of
high school. 

Testimonials From High School Teachers, Parents and Students

Share by: