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Now viewing articles in the category News.
All School Retreat Highlight Video
September 30th, 2024
Nothing compares to our annual retreat into the Arizona mountains where our students experience joy, freedom, and connection. For 4 days, our ENTIRE school including students, staff, and faculty engage in hours of recreation, teaching, worship, community, and fun-filled traditions to create an unforgettable start to the school year.
Inhabiting the Immersive Studio Album
September 24th, 2024
"Inhabiting the Immersive Studio Album" explores American actor and musician Donald Glover's creative vision for the pop studio album as an immersive world with stories and lives inside. As pop studio albums become increasingly experiential and immersive, the piece draws a connection between Glover's vision and J.R.R. Tolkien's academic work on the literary writer as a "sub-creator" of fantasy worlds. The piece argues that Tolkien's theological reflections on fantasy literature, if applied to the medium of pop albums, points both the pop artist and the listener to the fullness of beauty only experienced in The Ultimate Artist's world.
The Pursuit of Excellence for His Glory
September 2nd, 2024
As you enter Pacifica this year, you are going to have the same kinds of choices in front of you each day: will you seek your own glory, or will you seek God’s glory and rest in His love for you? It’s a simple distinction, but it makes a world of difference.
The Launch of The Pacifica House System
August 28th, 2024
At our 10th All School Dedication Service, we unveiled the four new House crests that individually represent St. Matthew's, St. Mark's, St. Luke's, and St. John's House. Each House crest was crafted with great intention and took inspiration from the Saint's patronage and ministry. We invite you to dive into the world of The Pacifica House System and how it is further integrated into Pacifica as a whole.
Posted in: News, Student LifeCommencement Address: Cultivating a Magnanimous Life
June 24th, 2024
There is a word for a great soul—Magnaminty. This virtue is rarely talked about...Pacifica has taught you to notice that some friendships do more for you than others...The idea here is that there are people walking around who have great souls and others who have small souls. Some who are more substantial and some who are less substantial. Some who are more real, and some who are less real. Some who are in close communion with Christ, and some further away from Christ. Some who experience a sense of purpose that leads to a more joyful life, and some who find themselves lacking direction, and disillusioned.
2024 Valedictorian Address: Aubrey Callaghan
June 23rd, 2024
Valedictorian, Aubrey Callaghan gives a student address to her fellow graduates from the Class of 2024.
2024 Salutatorian Address: Mary Maruyama
June 22nd, 2024
Salutatorian, Mary Maruyama gives a student address to her fellow graduates from the Class of 2024.
2023-2024 Year-End Briefing
June 21st, 2024
As our ninth academic year comes to a close, we've compiled our annual progress into a 2023-2024 Year-End Briefing. As in years past, this briefing outlines the diligent work of our incredible faculty, staff, and student body toward the fulfillment of our strategic plan—Pacifica 2025.Junior Classical League Dominates State Competition
April 17th, 2024
Last weekend, for the second time in its history, the Pacifica Junior Classical League (JCL) sent a team to the 69th Annual California Junior Classical League (CAJCL) Convention at Menlo School in Atherton, CA. The convention consisted of two days packed with competitive academic testing in subjects related to the Classics, artistic and athletic contests, scholarly lectures from professors and educators, and a plethora of fun activities.
2024 International Trip: Spain & Portugal
April 15th, 2024
Another remarkable Pacifica International Trip has come to an end, and it was one for the books! Over the course of 12 days, 23 students and 4 staff members journeyed to Spain and Portugal, hitting major cities along the way including Lisbon, Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona.
A Look into Pacifica's Junior Classical League
March 27th, 2024
Pacifica Christian's Junior Classical League (JCL) has had an exciting year so far! They've studied and celebrated the Classical world with museum trips, themed parties, a regional convention, and many are about to embark on a trip to Northern California for the 69th state JCL Convention!
Math Day at the Beach: Long Beach Competition
March 23rd, 2024
Math Day at the Beach is a math competition held at California State University Long Beach. Students on the math team prepare all year long for this competition by solving challenging and creative problems together at team meetings. At the event, students compete both as a team and individually, and then cheer on their peers as the top students from the competition compete head-to-head in front of everyone.Aubrey Callaghan: 2024 National Merit Scholar
March 22nd, 2024
Pacifica Christian High School Orange County is pleased to announce that Aubrey Callaghan is a 2024 National Merit Scholarship Award winner. Less than 1% of all high school students in the nation achieve this honor, and this is the first time in the school’s history that a Pacifica student has attained the highest level of achievement for National Merit.
Recording Live: With Dr. Thomas Kidd
March 7th, 2024
Our gratitude and thanks to Dr. Thomas Kidd for coming to our campus for a discussion on his book, "Thomas Jefferson: A Biography of Spirit and Flesh." Dr. Kidd expounds on how Thomas Jefferson was both a brilliant and inspiring political writer and how the ethical realities of his personal life and political career did not live up to his soaring rhetoric. Learn how the tensions of democracy versus slavery, republican virtue versus dissolute consumption, and veneration for Jesus versus skepticism about Christianity defined his moral life.
Returning from the Inaugural Tolkien Retreat
March 5th, 2024
The first annual Tolkien Retreat is “in the books” as they say, and what a life-changing retreat it was! Sixteen upperclassmen and six faculty/staff headed to the majestic Leonard Lake Reserve for seven days and six nights of reading, reflection, fellowship, and worship. Each day began with a full breakfast and morning worship from The Book of Common Prayer and the singing of the school hymn. Then most of each morning was spent reading one of the six books of The Lord of the Rings.
3rd Annual Declamations Contest
March 4th, 2024
Last Friday evening, Pacifica hosted our Third Annual TGC Declamations Contest. Our nine finalists declaimed important works from The Great Conversation in the categories of Bible/Theology, Non-Fiction/Historical, and Literature. One winner from each category was named, as well as an overall winner.
We are so proud of our finalists who brilliantly modeled the school's mission of thinking well—through their preparation and memorization—and living well—through their courage and poise. Whether you were able to join us or want to relive every moment, you may view each performance on our Declamations Contest 2024 Playlist here.
We are confident you will be impressed, inspired, and blessed by these amazing young men and women.Working with Families for Student Formation
February 15th, 2024
Pacifica takes a fundamentally different approach to forming students than most schools across the country.
For many other schools, the primary focus is on the interaction between students and teachers; parents are often left out of the conversation. In some cases, public school districts are now creating a separation from families by setting policies that limit or prohibit information sharing between students and their parents. Pacifica takes the opposite approach.
Coach Marmelstein honored at The 2024 United Soccer Coaches Convention
January 16th, 2024
The 2024 United Soccer Coaches Convention is the world's largest gathering of soccer coaches. Soccer coaches and administrators of all levels were invited to unite with community for an unforgettable five-day convention experience in Anaheim, California.
During the convention, our Dean of Students and Head Coach for the Boy's Varsity Soccer Program was recognized by Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer for his dedication and commitment to youth development through the sport.
Johnny Marmelstein has 40 years of coaching experience and has been a Head Coach at Pacifica for two years. We echo this honor and gratitude to Coach Marmelstein for his investment in our students!
Pacifica builds on God's "sure foundation" through The Great Conversation
December 17th, 2023
Isaiah wrote that in the 8th Century, B.C. In this season of Advent, when we remember the coming of that “precious cornerstone”—Jesus—and anticipate his coming again, we can look back on what has been built on the “sure foundation” in the past year, and the past centuries. We see the prophet reminding us that our belief impacts our actions. Our thinking impacts our living, and vice versa. And there are two starkly different ways to approach life: building on God’s foundation or on man’s.
Pacifica’s Speech & Debate Takes Home Multiple Wins
November 1st, 2023
On Saturday, October 28, Pacifica Christian High School’s Speech & Debate team participated in the first tournament of the season and kicked off this year’s competition with great success! Pacifica’s team went up against six schools across several categories of speech and debate ...
Pacifica Students' Servant Hearts
October 5th, 2023
Our community at Pacifica is truly blessed by the servant hearts of these and so many other exceptional students.
Posted in: News, Student Life2nd Annual Triton Pickleball Tournament
September 26th, 2023
Join us for our 2nd Annual Triton Pickleball Tournament! Brought to you by The Triton Athletic Booster Club, the tournament will be held on October 22, 2023 from 1 - 4 PM. Proceeds from this event benefit The Triton Lab, a new facility that allows Pacifica Christian High School to increase enrollment to 385 students, includes a state-of-the-art sports performance and recovery center, and provides additional office space and parking.
Register today as a Spectator, Player, or Court Sponsor! We look forward to seeing you there.
Mr. Vincent Speaks on Do Diligence
August 30th, 2023
On Friday, August 28, 2023, over 800 people gathered for Pacifica's 9th Annual Dedication Service, the first official event of the 2023-2024 school year. During the service, our speakers shared advice and wisdom for finding joy during this incredible high school season. Then yesterday, we welcomed our largest class of students back to campus for the first day of school.
Watch, Mr. Vincent speak on Do Diligence:
Mr. O'Neil Speaks on the Love, Fortitude, and Forgiveness Experienced in his Family
August 28th, 2023
On Friday, August 28, 2023, over 800 people gathered for Pacifica's 9th Annual Dedication Service, the first official event of the 2023-2024 school year. During the service, our speakers shared advice and wisdom for finding joy during this incredible high school season. Then yesterday, we welcomed our largest class of students back to campus for the first day of school.
Watch Mr. O'Neil, Head of School, share a personal story of love, fortitude, and forgiveness that transformed his family:
Pacifica Receives Historic Approval
August 21st, 2023
Last week, after two years of work, we were given permission by the City of Newport Beach and the Planning Commission to increase our enrollment cap from 305 students to 385 students.
Pacifica Students Attend the Latin Academy at the Getty Villa
August 2nd, 2023
Over the summer, Pacifica rising seniors and 4th-year Latin students, Evan Hong and Parker Phillips, took part in the prestigious Summer Latin Academy (Academia Aestiva) hosted at the Getty Villa in Malibu. The week-long program gathered Latin students from all over the country for a deep dive into Roman culture and exclusive access to the Villa’s antiquities collection...
Introducing Pacifica's Brand-New Website
July 26th, 2023
We are thrilled to announce that our brand-new website is now LIVE! With exciting new features such as a Virtual Campus Tour, an outward-facing Calendar, statistically driven Fast Facts, and detailed information about our Curriculum, the goal of this site is two-fold...
Pacifica Releases 2022-2023 Year-End Briefing
June 24th, 2023
As our eighth academic year comes to a close, it is my honor, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, to share with you our 2022-2023 Year-End Briefing. As in years past...
Posted in: Academics, Admissions, Advancement, Alumni, Arts, Athletics, College Counseling, Head of School, News, Student LifePacifica Hires New Marketing & Communications Strategist
June 21st, 2023
With the continued growth of Pacifica’s student body, we are thrilled to share that we have hired an additional staff member for the 2023-2024 school year! Ms. Kellie Chou...
Pacifica Hires New History & Theology Faculty
June 6th, 2023
With the continued growth of Pacifica's student body, we are thrilled to share that we have hired an additional faculty member for the 2023-2024 school year! Mr. Justin Solis...
Pacifica's Math Team Multiplies Successes in Its First Year
May 3rd, 2023
The Math Team at Pacifica exists to inspire our students with challenging and engaging mathematics. This year, our founding team of fifteen students met every week to enjoy time together while working on math problems. The problems we focus on solving are not stereotypical high school math problems ("solve for x using this process")...
Pacifica Hires New Mathematics Faculty
April 26th, 2023
With the continued growth of Pacifica's student body, we are thrilled to share that we have hired an additional faculty member for the 2023-2024 school year! Mr. Craig Bruinsmawill be joining our Mathematics Department team in the fall and is excited about Pacifica's mission of freeing the next generation to think and live well.
Pacifica's Junior Classical League Foundations & Successes
April 17th, 2023
The 2022-23 school year has seen the foundation of a new Academic Team at Pacifica — our very own chapter of the California Junior Classical League! The Junior Classical League (JCL) is a national organization founded in 1936...
Save the Date for Bloom - April 29, 2023!
March 23rd, 2023
This year, it's going to be different. Bloom is a celebration, and celebration is vital to thinking and living well. When we celebrate, we recognize the good work of others, the generosity of the human spirit, and the abundant life of the Christian faith. We believe it is important that...
Pacifica Hires New English Faculty
March 20th, 2023
By God’s grace, Pacifica is growing. In addition to adding more classes, Academic Teams, and other exciting aspects to our program, this fall we will have the biggest freshman class in Pacifica's history. We are deeply grateful for God’s goodness to us, and look forward with great anti...
WATCH: Senior Nathan Kopel Wins the 2023 Declamations Contest
March 20th, 2023
Our 2nd annual TGC Declamations Contest was a great success. This inspiring evening of oration showcased the talents of Pacifica's students as they declaimed masterfully crafted works—both new and familiar—from The Great Conversation. Having progressed through several rounds of comp...
Pacifica Boys Basketball Headed to State Championship After Winning SoCal Regional Title
March 10th, 2023
Our Pacifica Varsity Boys Basketball team will play in the CIF State Finals on Saturday, March 11 against San Joaquin Memorial at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Tip off is set for 4 PM and the game will be televised live via Spectrum SportsNet. Read the article below from the OC Register...
Former Member of the National Security Council, Dr. Inboden, Launches 2023 TGC Season with Insightful Lecture
January 30th, 2023
On Thursday, January 19, Pacifica continued The Great Conversation with a forum and Q&A featuring Dr. William Inboden on his book, The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, & the World on the Brink. Dr. William Inboden is currently the Executive Director and William Powers, Jr. Chair a...
Pacifica's Constitutional Academic Team Proceeds to State Finals in Its First Year
December 8th, 2022
This year, Pacifica Christian High School founded a We the People Academic Team comprised of its Honors United States History students. This team joins the prestigious and competitive We the People program that was developed through an act of Congress, and led by Chief Justice Warren Burger in 1976,...
Chapman University President Speaks to Pacifica Students About the Value of Latin & Classical Studies
November 16th, 2022
On Tuesday, November 15, Pacifica welcomed Chapman University President, and Pacifica parent, Dr. Daniele Struppa for a lecture on Why Latin & Classical Studies?Struppa, the Donald Bren Presidential Chair in Mathematics, invited students to discover how studying Latin can enhance their skills across...
Introducing "Pacifica 2025: The Hope Set Before Us"—A Strategic Vision for Pacifica
October 5th, 2022
Dear Pacifica Community, On behalf of Pacifica Christian High School, it is our pleasure to introduce Pacifica 2025:The Hope Set Before Us—a strategic vision for Pacifica. We believe thoughtful planning, prudent execution, and intentional resource development are critical to any non-p...
World-Renowned Artists Speak to Pacifica Students
February 22nd, 2022
Pacifica Fine Art students were delighted to meet with and learn from two extraordinary Danish artists, Peter Brandes and Maja Lisa Engelhardt. A married couple from Denmark, Brandes and Englehardt are world renowned for their work restoring and beautifying Danish churches. Additionally, Brandes hol...
Pacifica Christian Opens New Center for Learning
February 8th, 2022
Learning and community are now underway in The Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Center for Learning. Opening festivities began with a Celebration Chapel on gratitude, Triton's Trumpet, bagpipes, and the joy of our students experiencing this new beautiful building for the first time. Our community is ...
Pacifica Publicly Launches Building A Home Campaign
March 8th, 2021
Purpose, direction, goodness, and belonging. In the midst of our culture’s confusion, teenagers yearn for things that help them flourish—things beyond themselves. By providing our students with a superior academic experience steeped in faith and community, Pacifica Christian High School exists t...
Pacifica Christian Plans for the Future
February 26th, 2021
Pacifica Christian High School's mission is to teach students to think and live well. At the heart of that mission is a deeply-held desire to help young people flourish in school and for all of life. Over the past five and a half years, we have built a strong foundation in support of this missi...
Good News from 2020
January 26th, 2021
Dear Friend, 2020 was a year like no other! It challenged our way of thinking, operating, and relating to each other. Despite these challenges, Pacifica has remained steadfast in our mission to help teenagers flourish academically, spiritually, and socially. To that end, in September...
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