Pacifica Christian High School - Orange County

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The Pacifica Continuum

It Starts with Purpose Pacifica Christian is a liberal arts high school, devoted to teaching young men and women to think critically and wisely, instilling heartfelt joy and interest in learning, while encouraging lives of faith, character, and service to the glory of God. Learn More

It Starts with Purpose Pacifica Christian is a liberal arts high school, devoted to teaching young men and women to think critically and wisely, instilling heartfelt joy and interest in learning, while encouraging lives of faith, character, and service to the glory of God. Learn More

It Starts with Purpose

Pacifica Christian is a liberal arts high school, devoted to teaching young men and women to think critically and wisely, instilling heartfelt joy and interest in learning, while encouraging lives of faith, character, and service to the glory of God.

Comes to Life in Culture We are intentional about every aspect of our shared life together. These are six cultural behaviors we live by: 1) Ask good questions, 2) Learn from others, 3) Fail forward, 4) Assume the best, 5) Pursue balance, and 6) Act with conviction and compassion. Learn More

Comes to Life in Culture

We are intentional about every aspect of our shared life together. These are six cultural behaviors we live by: 1) Ask good questions, 2) Learn from others, 3) Fail forward, 4) Assume the best, 5) Pursue balance, and 6) Act with conviction and compassion.

Is Formed in Practice Pacifica's relational approach to teaching and learning is grounded in these five beliefs: 1) The Liberal Arts & Sciences cultivates human flourishing; 2) Relationships anchor formation; 3) Curiosity drives conversation; 4) Education is fulfilled in service; and 5) Learning blooms in connected and dynamic spaces. Learn More

Is Formed in Practice

Pacifica's relational approach to teaching and learning is grounded in these five beliefs: 1) The Liberal Arts & Sciences cultivates human flourishing; 2) Relationships anchor formation; 3) Curiosity drives conversation; 4) Education is fulfilled in service; and 5) Learning blooms in connected and dynamic spaces.

And Results in the Pacifica Person Every graduate leaves our campus on their own journey, given by God. Having been taught to think and live well, each student is equipped to be a: Contributor, Thinker, Creator, Integrated Disciple, Connector, and an Ethical Decision-Maker. Learn More

And Results in the Pacifica Person

Every graduate leaves our campus on their own journey, given by God. Having been taught to think and live well, each student is equipped to be a: Contributor, Thinker, Creator, Integrated Disciple, Connector, and an Ethical Decision-Maker.

Why Pacifica?

Select a Question:

Question	Category
Why Did You Choose Pacifica?	1
How Would You Describe Pacifica?	2
How Is Pacifica Preparing Students for Life After High School?	3
Do You Have Any Advice for New Families or Students?	4
What Is Your Favorite Triton Tradition?	5
How Have You Grown in Faith at Pacifica?	6

PriscillaPacifica Parent1

Mr. VincentHistory & Theology Faculty1

Rev. StrattonDean of Academics1

EstonStudent '242

JuliePacifica Parent2

SamuelAlumnus '212

ThomasStudent '243

RebeccaAlumna '203

DanielePacifica Parent3

CharlesAlumnus '204

LoganAlumna '224

BettinaPacifica Parent4

CorrineAlumna '195

KallieStudent '265

ChristinaPacifica Parent5

AddisonStudent '256

KetzaltAlumnus '196

NorahStudent '256

Ready
For Impact

Every graduate leaves our campus on their own journey, given by God. Our training prepares them to have a positive impact wherever that journey leads them. At Pacifica, both students and staff are constantly in a process of discovery—learning who we were created to be and how we can contribute to all that is true, beautiful, and good!

Triton Stories

Andrew MacphersonAlumnus ‘19Andrew Macpherson (Alumnus ‘19) was an integral member of Pacifica’s founding four-year graduating class. While at Pacifica, Andrew served as the Associated Students Executive Board Treasurer, ran cross-country, and took a special interest in his physics classes. His curiosity for all things STEM led him to Seattle Pacific University as the recipient of numerous scholarships. He graduated in May of 2023 with a triple major in Honors Liberal Arts, Physics, and Computer Science. During his time in Seattle, he continued pursuing his various interests by playing recreational hockey, serving in various leadership positions for SPU’s Society of Physics Students, reffing for an adult football league, tutoring students in physics, and joining Centurions — a Christian mens’ service group dedicated to fellowship and accountability. As if that was not enough, Andrew also interned with Frontier Airlines at the Denver International Airport and is now headed to Dallas, Texas to work full-time as a data analyst for Southwest Airlines.

Andrew looks back on his time at Pacifica with great fondness — so much so, that he continues to meet regularly with faculty members that he built strong relationships with as a student. Having learned not only the fundamentals of the STEM subjects in high school, but also how to think well about them, Andrew entered his many majors well-prepared and with confidence. That confidence and desire to contribute led him to continue serving in leadership positions and seeking out Christ-centered relationships through his service group. From an interpersonal perspective, Andrew cultivated the ability to be in loving community with those he disagrees with while remaining rooted in God’s truth and work in his own life — a process that started in the Pacifica classroom. Even through his undergraduate career, Andrew has remained close friends with some of his peers from his time at Pacifica, and they continue in shared life together.

Andi MartinezAlumna '23Andi Martinez (Alumna ‘23) transferred to Pacifica her senior year of high school. Although hesitant to leave her other school and friends at first, she quickly integrated herself into the Pacifica community and made her mark here as a joyful, hard-working student-athlete. Andi will attend Chapman University to play basketball and study Sociology, with hopes to participate in the club for Latino students and the Event Coordinating Team. After college, Andi plans to continue her education by getting an M.A. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Criminology in order to join the police force and work in the prison system.

Andi’s Pacifica experience was an unexpected one. When she first arrived, she was skeptical and hesitant to enter into the community and the practices of the institution. However, Andi found a home at Pacifica. She was welcomed with kindness from her peers and faculty, and quickly learned that everyone at Pacifica is in it together — whether that be on a sports team, in the classroom, or at the lunch tables. She was asked important questions that required her to think deeply and gain a different understanding of the subjects she was being taught, and she learned to face her fears of public speaking through the discussion-based classroom experience. Now, only one year later, Andi speaks with true confidence in herself, can express her thoughts and feelings clearly, and is more comfortable and courageous than ever before. Her senior year at Pacifica gave her a more outgoing spirit and a willingness to engage and participate in discussions — both in and out of the classroom. She was invested in by caring and understanding faculty, has gained the confidence she needed to pursue her passion for Sociology, and feels ready and confident to follow the plan God has for her.

Tate McCardleAlumnus ‘19Tate McCardle (Alumnus ‘19) joined the Pacifica community as a student in the first four-year graduating class. He made his mark on the school as a fun-loving friend to all and as a diligent, hard-working student. After his time at Pacifica, Tate went on to study Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Southern California. He was also admitted to USC’s honors program “Thematic Option” and was offered a scholarship for leadership. He recently graduated with honors and is now in USC’s Progressive Degree Program pursuing his MA in Philosophy & Law.

Tate remains grateful for Pacifica’s impact on his life, particularly in how it shaped his view of education. As a hands-on learner, Tate flourished in a discussion-style classroom where he was challenged to think deeply. Pacifica taught him the inherent value in learning and how to find joy in his academic endeavors — a lesson that served him well in college as a self-motivated student who understood that his education was not simply a means to an end. In addition to his academic and pedagogical preparation, Tate felt deeply known at Pacifica, which not only helped him in the classroom, but gave him a true sense of self and confidence. Pacifica’s culture gave Tate the space and support to be who God made him to be.

The faculty-to-student ratio at Pacifica provided Tate a safe, loving, and challenging community in which to be held accountable. He learned his strengths, grew through his weaknesses, and knew that the faculty would be faithfully present with him in all seasons. Pacifica led him to understand how he was made and helped him find his place in this world — a confidence that served him in college as he made friends and chose his community. The culture of humility and respect he experienced in high school equipped him with the virtues he needed to enter adult life, which he has done with both confidence and grace.

Tatiana ValenteAlumna ‘19Tatiana Valente (Alumna ‘19) attended Pacifica as a member of the inaugural four-year graduating class. As a founder, Tatiana brought a spirit of kindness, eagerness to learn and always assumed the best of both her faculty and peers. Her courage and grace led her across the country to High Point University in North Carolina, where she graduated with majors in International Business and French, and minors in Finance and Economics. During her time at HPU, Tatiana not only joined a sorority, but held various positions on its executive team, and involved herself with HPU’s Student Justice program wherein she litigated violations of the school’s honor code. She was the recipient of numerous scholarships throughout her undergraduate career, and graduated at the top of her class with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She also spent a summer in Paris interning for the Financial Times and went directly to Florence, Italy the following semester for a study abroad program. Tatiana will attend Pepperdine’s Caruso School of Law and has dreams of working in the field of international mergers and acquisitions.

Pacifica was a deeply formative experience for Tatiana. Because Pacifica provides a safe space while simultaneously giving students great responsibility in their own learning, Tatiana discovered how she learns best and was able to take ownership of her collegiate experience. At Pacifica, she did not just study, but she learned how to study. She did not just write, but learned how to write well. With that solid foundation not only in her education but also in her self-understanding, Tatiana was well prepared for college and able to handle all of the change that comes in that season with greater stability and ease.

Pacifica also provided Tatiana with an encouraging, safe and Christ-centered community in which to mature. During her time here, she learned the importance of surrounding herself, at least in her closest community, with like-minded people who share the same values. She was provided that community at Pacifica, and learned to value it so tremendously that she continues to seek it out. Pacifica is the kind of place where students have meaningful and challenging conversations, not just in the classroom, but at the lunch table, which taught Tatiana not to shy away from hard conversations or disagreements. She is ready and able to engage with people who hold all sorts of values, and finds those kinds of deep conversations to be where some of her closest friends and community have come from. Her experience with a failing-forward, Christ-centered and safe community continues to shape how she engages with those around her.

Reagan PhillipsAlumnus '20Reagan Phillips (Alumnus ‘20) was an integral part of the Pacifica community during his time here. He played soccer, served on the Executive Team for Associated Students (AS), shined in the classroom, and brought joy to every interaction. He has since been attending Pepperdine University where he studies History. He spent 9 months in Switzerland through Pepperdine's study abroad program, and recently interned at the House of Commons in London. While at Pepperdine, Reagan also serves as an Officer in the Model United Nations club, and is a member of the History Honors Society. Upon completion of his undergraduate education, Reagan hopes to pursue a program in higher education.

Reagan continues to see his time at Pacifica as deeply integral in his personal, professional, and spiritual formation. On a practical level, he felt academically over-prepared for his collegiate experience, and knew he could tackle whatever was given to him in the classroom. More personally, Reagan reflects on the Pacifica experience knowing that what he gained with us is invaluable. He was treated like an adult by the faculty and staff, and therefore was given great confidence in himself. Through classroom discussions and lunchtime chats, he learned that his questions are worth asking and his voice is important. The closeness of the community showed him that he is a worthy person, just by being himself. He gained even more confidence through one of Pacifica’s mottos: “failing forward.” During his high school years, Reagan participated in sports and events he had no experience in, and through both successes and failures, he grew immensely. Now, as an adult, he knows that it's okay to mess up, and that if he stumbles he will learn. He can ask questions while keeping confidence in his beliefs and know that both the questions and convictions are worth holding in tension. Everything at Pacifica is done with intentionality towards the growth and betterment of its students, and Reagan knows that now more than ever before.

Lina ReidAlumna '18Lina Reid (Alumna ‘18) joined the Pacifica community as a sophomore during the school’s Founding Year, making her one of the school’s first ever graduates. Lina made her mark as a kind, extroverted, and faithful friend. After graduating from Pacifica, she attended Westmont College where she majored in Social Science with an emphasis in Economics and Business. While at Westmont, she served in student government, assisted with the yearbook, and participated in Westmont Downtown — a social entrepreneurship program. Additionally, she received a scholarship and admission to the Augustinian Scholars Program — a demanding yet stimulating program consisting of classical and contemporary readings, writing assignments, seminar discussions, guest lectures, external activities, and opportunities for spiritual formation. Since graduating, Lina has been in Dallas, Texas at UPPERROOM’s School of Ministry, serving in their House of Prayer, studying scripture and learning theological doctrine. Her goal is to serve the Church as a missionary, discipling people worldwide and planting Houses of Prayer, while also using her training in social entrepreneurship.

Pacifica was a deeply foundational experience for Lina. Its emphasis on excellence in all areas inspires Lina in her ministry, where she desires to be rooted in scripture and academic depth. She was inspired to seek God’s truth through her time at Pacifica, which continues to be her goal. In addition to ministry, Lina has plans to author a book — an aspiration she attributes to her time with the English Department at Pacifica, where she learned how to write soundly and read greatly impactful works of literature, which she now seeks to emulate in her own literary creations. Outside of the classroom, Lina was inspired by many people within Pacifica’s network. Specifically from an economic perspective, Lina met many people who work in the market who are wise, adept, kind, and excellent in their trade. She looks forward to joining them in some capacity in the future. As she continues on in her career, Lina remains inspired by Pacifica’s mission, drive toward excellence, and Christ-centeredness as she continues to discover how God wants to use her in His created world.

Hunter AlexanderAlumnus '19Hunter Alexander (Alumnus ‘19) transferred to Pacifica his sophomore year of high school and quickly integrated himself into the culture and made a mark on his peers. During his time here, he played soccer, participated in Associated Students (AS) and served as the Prefect to the Head of School. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Hunter brought deep insight, connective thinking and gracious conversation to our community. After Pacifica, Hunter attended UC Berkeley where he studied Political Economy, served as a department head in the Office of the President for Berkeley’s student government, worked on the Student Body President’s presidential campaign, and played intramural soccer. Hunter is a member of the Urban Land Institute’s student steering committee and currently works for Thomas Safran & Associates — a real estate developer in Los Angeles.

Hunter’s experience at Pacifica shaped him in deeply formative ways. Because of how community-oriented the experience is, Hunter knew that he was known and couldn’t blend in. Because of that, coupled with the love and care he received from his teachers, Hunter was encouraged to get involved and saw himself stand out in certain areas — both on the field or as a Prefect. As he transitioned into a large university with many qualified students, Hunter felt confident in areas he knew he could make his mark and stand out. The Pacifica experience empowered him to see who God made him to be and taught him to take initiative with his gifts. Even now, he continues to stand out in his workplace and uses his skills with confidence.

Pacifica News