Pacifica Christian High School

Our daughter loves Pacifica Christian high school. Not only is she engaged with a rigorous curriculum delivered by an outstanding faculty who are passionate about learning and students, she is becoming a better person. She is encouraged by her peers and teachers to make good decisions. Her teachers are strong role models who reach out, make time for students and help them reach high standards. Outside the classroom she is engaged in sports, student leadership and is taking advantage of the travel program. The school is a true community with strong leadership. We can't wait for our son to apply. Pacifica is a gem!
--Submitted by a parent

Pacifica is a dream come true for our family and my daughter is thriving at the school. There are a few things that really stand out about Pacifica. First, they fill the administrative positions with quality people with excellent leadership skills and the ability to relate well to parents, staff and students. Second, the teachers are some of the best I have ever seen. They are passionate about what they do and develop a warm relationship with the students. I would even say that my daughter is inspired by them. She has made many new friends and for a rather shy kid, is opening up and getting quite involved. She is trying new sports and activities that are new to her. I think the relatively small size of the school easily allows for this. No doubt, this has been an excellent experience for us.
--Submitted by a parent

Please think very carefully before sending your child to this school. Apparently it works for some kids, but my child had a terrible experience there. It seems like they try to break down the students in order to rebuild them to conform to their particular idea of what students should believe and do. They're good at the breaking down, but not so good at the building up. My child and many others have left after a year or two at the school. Many of the staff and faculty are arrogant amateurs. They're so pleased with themselves that they dont realize what a poor job they're doing. Strangely, even though it's a very small school, never once did the principal deign to speak to my child.
--Submitted by a parent

Pacifica is changing and not for the better. It is the school's stated goal to grow to 500 or more students within the next couple of years (they currently are at 210, which is itself almost double from what it was when my son enrolled). Unfortunately they simply are in no condition to do so. Their facilities are cramped and overcrowded (the school is housed in the facilities of a pre-school) and most of their staff is brand new to teaching. That inexperience makes for very poor classroom management skills, which in itself is detrimental to student learning. A lot of their previous staff (which was excellent) has left over the summer. Right now, this place reminds me of an out-of-control corporation which cares nothing about its staff, only looks for ways to maximally exploit its customers (aka students) and its only goal is to please the shareholders short term. We're currently looking for transfer to better opportunities. Btw., the Principal's message posted here speaks both of a lack of importance of academics (just look at the writing skills at work here) and an overemphasis on things that are not really important in the long run.
--Submitted by a parent

We couldn't be more pleased with the experience our children have had at Pacifica Christian High. AP scores just came out and all the hard work that the students and teachers put in over the year really paid off. Our kids have recieved high quality instruction from faculty that are truely skilled in the art of teaching. Pacifica provides a great environment for learning...highly challenging as well as a lot of personal attention. We are so grateful for this outstanding school.
--Submitted by a parent

Pacifica is an outstanding school. We couldn't be more pleased about the experiences our kids have had at the school -- academically, athletically and socially. Students are challenged to take risks and get involved in the many activities on campus. The teachers are excellent. It is a very rigorous academic program but there is plenty of support if needed. If your child doesn't want to work hard and doesn't want to get involved, this is not the place for you. But if you want your child to learn to think and live well, Pacifica is a great place to be.
--Submitted by a parent

Pacifica is amazing. I love this school so much, and they're not only teaching me, but forcing me to think as well. As a transfer, PCH made the transition extremely smooth, and within a month, I felt at home. The teachers are all so young and chill, so it's easy to approach them for help or just to talk. But, this is is not for everyone. While I love it, I know some people hate Pacifica. If youd prefer to go through school without being involved in a large environment,. you probably shouldnt come to PCH. I don't have enough good things to say; im proud to call myself a seawolf!
--Submitted by a student

This school was a disaster for my son. Fortunately, we were able to pull him out after one year. He is at a much better school now, but he is still recovering from his Pacifica experience. Poor academics, problem students, inadequate campus, amateurish yet arrogant faculty and administration. It's not what it holds itself out to be.
--Submitted by a parent

As an Alumni of Pacifica Christian High School, I can tell you from honest experience that this school is amazing. I loved every day I spent there. However, this rose of a high school has its thorns. Those thorns are ultimately the administration. I have never felt so unworthy and useless by people who promised nothing but praise. Unfortunately, it seems as though Pacifica suffers from Poster Child Syndrome. They will pick out five or six "Poster Children" and use them to glorify the school. They don't care how the "Poster Child" actually cares about the school. I know several of them personally, having been friends with them and they all have one thing in common- They can t stand the school. Take my word for it, myself being one of the past "ugly children" of Pacifica. Unless you donate lots of money and time to the school, Your child will not be given a second glace when you aren't around. Of course, if you are around they will treat you and your child well. Do not be fooled. Regardless of my rants and raves, I do love the school. This school is worth going to for the teachers, for the education, and most importantly for the relationships I promise your child will make there.
--Submitted by a student

This year our son began having some academic problems. The school, both teachers and administrators, went out of their way to work with us. They are very caring about each individual student. The academic standards are high but the atmosphere is one of community, Everyone knows everyone else. All are welcome to play sports yet our teams still are at the top of their divisions. This is the way school should be...challenging, personal, nurturing.
--Submitted by a parent