Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School Temecula: Programs and Admissions

Key Takeaways

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School, located in Temecula, California, provides faith-based education for students in grades 9–12, combining academic learning with character development, personal responsibility, and Catholic values.

The school promotes academic excellence through a college-preparatory curriculum, small classes, and individualized academic guidance. Its programs include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, STREAM education, and opportunities to earn college credit.

Through fine arts, performing arts, and extracurricular activities, students have opportunities to explore creativity, develop interests, and strengthen communication and teamwork skills.

The school's athletic programs encourage physical activity, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Students can participate in various competitive sports, including soccer, basketball, and track and field.

Parental involvement is an important part of students' educational experiences. Communication between families and educators can support academic progress, personal development, and a positive learning environment.

Community service is also part of the school's educational mission. Students are encouraged to develop responsibility and empathy through service activities, with 80 community service hours required for graduation.

For prospective families, the admissions process involves understanding the school's mission, completing an application, submitting required documents, and meeting applicable testing and enrollment requirements.

Why Choose Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School for Your Child's Education?

Emphasizing Faith-Based Learning: Building Character and Integrity

Parents often look for more than academic knowledge when selecting a school for their children. Character development, personal responsibility, and ethical decision-making can also influence their choices. Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School offers an educational approach that integrates Catholic faith and values with academic instruction.

The school is part of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School, an institution associated with the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady. Its mission focuses on academic learning, spiritual development, respect for others, and service to the community.

Rather than separating faith from classroom learning, the school incorporates Catholic teachings and ethical reflection into its educational environment. Students are encouraged to consider how personal values influence their decisions and responsibilities.

Faith formation also extends beyond regular lessons. The school's Campus Ministry, known as the Ministry of Magis, includes weekly Mass, retreats, worship nights, communal prayer, and service opportunities. These activities provide opportunities for spiritual reflection and community involvement.

For families seeking a Catholic education, this combination of academic study, religious instruction, and community participation may be an important consideration. Families should also consider how the school's religious practices and expectations align with their educational preferences.

Academic Excellence: Preparing Students for Future Success

Academic preparation involves more than memorizing information. Students also need opportunities to develop critical thinking, communication, research, and problem-solving skills. Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School aims to support these abilities through its college-preparatory curriculum.

The school reports an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and emphasizes small classes and personalized academic guidance. A student-to-teacher ratio is not the same as average class size, but it provides useful information about the school's staffing environment.

The curriculum includes traditional academic subjects alongside STREAM education, which combines Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

According to the school's published high school curriculum, students can access the following academic opportunities:

• Challenging Curriculum: College-preparatory instruction across mathematics, science, English, social studies, world languages, religious studies, and other subjects.

• Advanced Placement Programs: The school lists 14 AP courses, offering eligible students opportunities to study college-level material while in high school.

• Technical Learning: Project Lead The Way pathways in biomedical science, engineering, and computer science.

• College Credit Opportunities: Concurrent enrollment with Mt. San Jacinto College, allowing eligible students to earn college credits alongside their high school studies.

• Academic Guidance: Counseling services that support course selection, academic planning, college applications, and career exploration.

Graduation requirements include a minimum of 275 credits across the required subject areas, according to the school's current academic pages. Students must also complete a senior thesis with an ethics component and a senior exit interview.

These programs provide students with opportunities to develop academic knowledge and prepare for different educational pathways. Individual outcomes depend on academic performance, course selection, available support, and personal circumstances.

Discovering Extracurricular Opportunities: More Than Just Classrooms

A Thriving Arts Program: Cultivating Creativity and Expression

Education does not stop at the classroom door. Beyond academics, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School includes fine arts in its curriculum, while the wider school community provides performing arts opportunities.

Creative activities allow students to explore interests, develop artistic skills, and express ideas in different ways. Visual arts and theater can also provide opportunities to practice communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

The school's published curriculum and activities include:

• Visual Arts: Fine arts coursework, including AP 2-D Art and Design. Students must complete two semesters in the same fine arts discipline as part of their graduation requirements.

• Theater: The wider school community hosts theatrical productions, performances, and rehearsals. Families should confirm which activities are available to high school students.

• Music: Families interested in choral or instrumental programs should ask the school about current high school offerings, as specific options have not been independently confirmed.

Creative participation can provide students with experiences beyond academic study. Preparing artwork, rehearsing performances, or working on group projects may help students develop commitment, teamwork, and confidence through practice.

For prospective students with particular artistic interests, reviewing the current course catalog and activity schedule is important before making an enrollment decision.

Athletics and Team Spirit: Nurturing Physical and Emotional Resilience

Sports are part of student life at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School. Athletic activities provide opportunities to develop teamwork, self-discipline, physical fitness, and sportsmanship.

The school is a member of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), Southern Section, and lists sports including football, basketball, soccer, cross-country, track and field, volleyball, baseball, softball, swimming, golf, tennis, and cheer.

Participation depends on the requirements of individual teams, student eligibility, and program availability.

The benefits of athletic involvement can extend beyond physical activity. Working with teammates, managing competition, and responding to wins and losses can provide opportunities for social and emotional learning.

The school's athletic programs emphasize three areas:

1. Team Sports: Students practice cooperation, communication, and responsibility while working toward shared goals.

2. Physical Fitness: Regular training and participation encourage movement, fitness, and healthy activity habits.

3. Leadership: Team participation and leadership roles allow students to practice decision-making, accountability, and sportsmanship.

Through athletics, students may develop skills that are useful in school and other areas of life. These benefits depend on the individual student's experience, interests, and participation.

Community Involvement: Strengthening Family and Social Connections

Parent Engagement: Partnering Together for Student Success

Family involvement can contribute to a supportive educational environment. At Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School, communication between families and educators is relevant to understanding students' academic progress, educational needs, and personal development.

Parental engagement is not limited to attending school events or volunteering. It can also include discussing academic expectations, helping students manage responsibilities, communicating with teachers, and supporting learning at home.

Research on parental involvement in education suggests that meaningful family engagement is associated with positive educational outcomes, although the relationship varies according to the type of involvement and students' circumstances.

Effective communication between teachers and parents can help identify learning difficulties, clarify expectations, and support students when they need additional guidance.

Families can consider several forms of involvement:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Discussing academic progress, learning needs, and educational expectations with teachers through available school communication channels.

• Volunteering: Participating in school activities or community events when opportunities are available.

• Parent Information Sessions: Attending counseling nights, admissions events, or other school-organized meetings to understand programs and requirements.

The school publishes counseling nights and family information events as part of its academic calendar. Availability and participation arrangements should be confirmed directly.

Parental involvement is most useful when it supports students' growing independence and respects their individual learning needs. Regular, constructive communication between families and educators can contribute to a more informed approach to student development.

Service Projects: Instilling a Sense of Responsibility and Giving

At Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School, community service is connected to the institution's Catholic mission and its emphasis on responsibility, compassion, and service to others.

Students are encouraged to participate in service opportunities through the school's Campus Ministry and community activities. Such experiences can help students understand social needs, work with others, and consider their responsibilities beyond the classroom.

Community service is also part of the school's graduation expectations. The high school counseling department states that students must complete 80 hours of community service.

These opportunities include several areas of involvement:

• Community Service Activities: Students participate in eligible service opportunities and complete the required service hours.

• Campus Ministry: Weekly Mass, retreats, worship activities, and service opportunities support the school's religious education mission.

• Community Outreach and Immersion Activities: Programs may provide opportunities to interact with communities, understand social needs, and practice service.

Specific activities, participating organizations, eligibility requirements, and service-hour approval procedures should be confirmed with the school.

Through meaningful participation, students can develop a greater awareness of community needs while practicing responsibility, cooperation, and empathy.

Admissions Insights: What to Expect During the Enrollment Process

Preparing Your Application: Key Steps for a Smooth Experience

For parents considering enrollment, understanding the admissions process at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School is an important part of planning.

The school welcomes applicants from Catholic partner schools, public schools, charter schools, other faith traditions, and homeschooling backgrounds. It gives admission priority to students from its affiliated elementary school and Catholic partner schools, while other applicants are considered according to available space.

First, prospective families should familiarize themselves with the school's educational mission, academic expectations, religious environment, and available programs. This helps determine whether the institution aligns with the student's needs and the family's educational preferences.

Next, applicants should review the school's requirements and prepare the necessary documents. The admission process involves submitting an application, completing the required checklist, providing supporting academic records where requested, and paying applicable fees.

For students entering Grade 9, the school also requires a high school placement test. Interviews are explicitly included in the international student admissions process, but should not be assumed to be a requirement for every domestic applicant.

Families should follow these steps:

• Research the School's Programs: Review academic subjects, faith-based activities, extracurricular opportunities, and graduation requirements.

• Complete the Application: Submit the required application form through the school's official admissions process.

• Prepare Documentation: Collect academic transcripts and other records specifically requested by the admissions office.

• Review Testing Requirements: Check placement test arrangements for incoming Grade 9 students.

• Check Tuition and Financial Aid: Confirm applicable tuition, registration fees, scholarships, and financial assistance requirements.

• Monitor Deadlines: Complete the required steps within the published admissions schedule.

Open House Events: Exploring the Campus and Getting Involved

Open house events at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School provide an opportunity for prospective families to explore the campus, learn about academic programs, and understand the school's educational environment.

These events allow parents and students to review available facilities, discuss academic expectations, and learn about extracurricular opportunities.

Families considering enrollment can use campus visits to explore several aspects of school life:

• Campus Tours: Observe the learning environment and available facilities.

• Meet School Representatives: Ask questions about curriculum, graduation requirements, student support, and admissions.

• Engage with Current Students: Learn about daily routines, academic expectations, and extracurricular experiences when student ambassadors are available.

Campus visits can help families compare the school's offerings with their educational priorities.

Prospective students should also ask about class schedules, learning support, transportation, tuition, and any extracurricular programs relevant to their interests.

Open house dates and participation requirements may change. The school also provides opportunities to request campus tours outside scheduled open house events.

By reviewing official information and visiting the campus where possible, families can make a more informed enrollment decision.

Families should use the latest information published by the school and confirm any unclear or inconsistent requirements directly with its administration.