From The Headmaster

Scuffs and Shine: Reflections on the Home Stretch

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:44:43 GMT

Saint Joseph Academy Families,

As we prepare for the Saint Joseph Academy Gala this Saturday, I spent some time this week polishing my dress shoes. Months of daily wear during this busy school year had left them scuffed and dull. After some elbow grease with a tin of polish and a rag, the leather was restored to a deep shine.

It reminded me that with two-thirds of the school year behind us, we have all walked a long and sometimes dusty road together. Between the rigor of schoolwork, the pace of spring sports, and the everyday demands of family life, it is natural to feel a bit worn down, perhaps even a bit "scuffed" by the routine of life.

In his Easter message , Pope Leo XIV speaks to this very feeling. He acknowledges the inner burdens that weigh us down: our disappointments, our fatigue, and the daily "sufferings and the daily grind of life" that can make us feel trapped in a tunnel. Yet, he offers a beautiful promise of renewal: “In the risen Christ, a new creation is possible every day.” The Pope reminds us that the Resurrection isn't just a past event; it is a "vital power" that allows us to spread our wings and take flight even when we feel tired.

As we gather for the Gala, let’s view it as more than just an event on the calendar. Let it be a moment of "polish" for our community, a chance to shake off the dust of the winter months, celebrate our children, and renew our spirits. Just as a bit of care can make old shoes shine like new, may this Easter season allow us to support one another with renewed patience and bring the light of the Resurrection back into our homes and classrooms.

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday. May we shine brightly together and finish the school year strong, as families renewed in the risen Christ.

Verso l’Alto,

Mark Kalpakgian
President

National Success! SJA Academic Decathlon Brings Home the Bronze

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:11:08 GMT

Following our Gold Team’s trip to the National Academic Junior High Decathlon, we are bursting with pride to share the final results!

Our students competed against the top schools in the country and once again proved that Saint Joseph Academy is a center for academic excellence.

Highlights from Nationals:

National Super Quiz Champions: For the fifth year in a row, SJA took home 1st Place in the Super Quiz! This incredible streak highlights the power of our students’ teamwork and collective knowledge.
Overall Performance: Out of the best teams in the nation, SJA earned 3rd Place Overall. This marks our fourth consecutive year on the national podium.
Individual Excellence: A special congratulations to Elsie Peschke, who earned 2nd Place in the Nation for her individual performance in Science!

We are so proud of every student who participated this year. Their dedication, from zoo field trips to early morning study sessions, has truly paid off. Thank you to the coaches, parents, and teachers for your unwavering support.

Congratulations, AcaDeca!

Strengthening Our Future: Welcoming Nick Madden to the Board of Directors

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:45:46 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Nick Madden has been appointed as the newest member of the Saint Joseph Academy Board of Directors!

This appointment fulfills our ongoing promise to the SJA community to ensure strong parent representation within our leadership. Nick and his wife, Kaci, are active members of our school family along with their daughter Isley who is currently in 1st grade.

Nick brings an exceptional background in strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, and faith-based mission work to the Board.

Catholic Mission: He is the CEO of SENT Ventures, a national network based in San Diego that supports Catholic entrepreneurs through mentorship and community.
Proven Growth: As the founder and CEO of Red Door Experiences, Nick scaled the business from a single location to 20 units nationwide, leading a team of over 400 employees.
Academic & Athletic Excellence: A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Economics, Nick also served as a two-year captain of the Harvard Varsity Volleyball team.

Deacon Frank Mercardante, Board President commented:

"We are incredibly blessed to have Nick join our leadership team. His proven track record of scaling mission-driven organizations and his experience as a CEO bring a high level of strategic vision to our Board. Beyond his professional accolades, Nick is a devoted father who deeply understands the heart of our school, making him an ideal leader to help us fulfill our promise of growth and excellence for every SJA family."

Nick Madden shared:

"As an SJA parent, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact this community has on our children, including my daughter Isley. I am honored to step into this role and apply my experience in building and leading organizations to help Saint Joseph Academy thrive. My goal is to ensure that the Academy continues to be a place where faith and excellence meet, providing a strong foundation for the next generation of Catholic leaders."

Celebrating our Milestone Employees!

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:42:17 GMT

We are thrilled to celebrate an incredible group of long-serving team members who have dedicated five or more years to our school community. Their unwavering commitment, passion, and exceptional contributions have been instrumental in shaping the success, spirit, and excellence that define Saint Joseph Academy today.

We proudly recognize:

Our 5–9 year service group
Our 10–14 year service group
Our 15+ year service group

These valued educators and staff have poured their hearts into nurturing our students, fostering growth, and upholding our mission every single day. Their experience, wisdom, and daily efforts make our school a truly special place.

During our March Assembly in the courtyard, these milestone employees were publicly recognized and celebrated by the entire school community—students, faculty, and staff alike joined in heartfelt applause and appreciation for their years of service.

As a small token of our deep gratitude and appreciation, they also received a special bonus based on their years of service.

Thank you for allowing us to share this joyful moment with you. We are deeply thankful for this remarkable team and the profound respect they have earned from all of us.

5-9 Year Milestone Employees

Left to Right: Damian Sagastume (8 years), Michellie Damuth (9 years), Trisha Aglialoro (9 years), Johnny Murray (6 years), Anamaria Wadds (7 years), Malika Morales (6 years), Johann Schoenfeld (5 years), Michelle Rice (9 years) , Zarina Berens (5 years).

Not Pictured : Monica Smith ( 9 years), Joe Cruz (6 years)

10 - 14 Year Employees

Kelly Telles (10 years) and Christa Breen (10 years)

15+ Year Employees

Left to Right: Barbara De La Torre (30 years), Ryan Hanson (17 years), Lea Aust (15 years), Paul Kerekes (26 years)

Victory for SJA! Academic Decathlon Heads to Nationals

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:55:19 GMT

We are thrilled to announce a historic performance by our Junior High Academic Decathlon teams ("AcaDeca" ) at this past weekend's Regional Competition. For the fourth consecutive year , SJA is advancing to the National Competition!

With 30 students from grades 5–8 participating, our teams demonstrated incredible dedication and school spirit.

The Results

Our two teams swept the top spots, continuing a 10-year streak of winning the Super Quiz:

Gold Team: 1st Place Overall, 1st Place Super Quiz, and 1st Place Logic.
Blue Team: 2nd Place Overall and 2nd Place Super Quiz.

Individual Gold Medalists:

Celine Banzon (Current Events)
Terri Bekhit (Religion)
Matias Ponce (Social Studies)
Anya Larrabure (English)
Elsie Peschke (Science)

Additional Honors:

Evie Malfavon: 2nd Place (Current Events - Blue Team)
Maite Larrabure: 3rd Place (Literature - Gold Team)
Julianne Chandra: 3rd Place (Fine Art - Gold Team)

More Than Just a Competition

The goal of AcaDeca is to make learning fun and inspiring. This year’s highlights included a field trip to the zoo to study mammals and a special blessing from Father Michael of St. Elizabeth Seton.

"The most rewarding part is seeing our students grow in confidence and leadership. They learn to work as a team while excelling individually." — Sylvia and Zarina Berens

What’s Next?

As our Gold Team prepares for the National stage—where SJA has placed 2nd for the last three years—we thank our former high school decathletes, all the parent volunteers, and the entire community for their support.

Go Crusaders!

A Masterpiece in the Making: Lessons from Barcelona

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:14:52 GMT

With the first week of Lent now in our rearview mirror, the "desert" doesn’t always feel like a spiritual journey; it often just feels like a long, exhausting week. Between the school runs, the sports schedules, and the Lenten sacrifices that seemed much easier to keep early on, we can all feel a bit "under construction."

That’s why a huge milestone happening in Barcelona this week, is so perfectly timed for us. The Sagrada Família —a church that has been a "work in progress" for over 140 years—has finally reached its full height. A massive, glowing white cross was just placed atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, making it the tallest church in the world.

Why this matters for us:

Antoni Gaudí, the architect, knew he would never see the finished product. He spent his life designing "twisting stone branches" and "organic flowers" made of rock, trusting that future generations would finish what he started. As parents, we are in the exact same position. We are building masterpieces every day, but we rarely see the "finished tower" in real-time.

The "Slow Build": The new cross is made of 15,000 individual ceramic pieces. Think of those as the tiny, often invisible things you do: the late-night comfort, the math help, the 500th reminder to say "thank you." They don't look like much on their own, but they are the literal stones of your child’s growth and character.

Verso l’Alto (To the Heights): Our school theme isn’t about being perfect right now; it’s about the climb. Like the proposed grand staircase at the basilica, our kids (and we!) grow step by patient step.
The Beauty in the Unfinished: Gaudí is currently a "Servant of God" on the path to sainthood. He didn’t become holy because he finished the building; he became holy through the mission of building it.

Lifting Our Eyes
In these desert-like days between Lent and Easter, when motivation wanes and the finish line feels distant, let the Sagrada Família remind us: greatness is built slowly, joyfully, toward the heavens. It took over a century of "showing up" to reach the sky. Whether it’s a difficult math concept, a struggle in friendship, or a Lenten sacrifice, every small effort is a "porcelain piece" in the larger masterpiece of your child’s life.

The heights await—keep climbing!

Saint Joseph Academy Earns Newman Guide Recommendation

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:19:19 GMT

We are thrilled to share that Saint Joseph Academy has just been named a Newman Guide Recommended School by the Cardinal Newman Society!

This prestigious designation places our school among a select group of faithful Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the country that are publicly committed to the highest standards of authentic Catholic education.

The Newman Guide highlights schools that:

Maintain a clear and vibrant Catholic identity

Integrate the truths of the Catholic faith across every subject
Prioritize the spiritual formation and moral growth of students
Uphold fidelity to Church teaching in curriculum, policies, and community life
Partner closely with parents as the primary educators of their children
Provide regular access to the sacraments, especially weekly Mass and frequent Confession

The Newman Guide recognition is a beautiful affirmation of the mission we share together: to form young men and women who love God, pursue truth and virtue, and are equipped to live their faith with courage and joy in today’s world.

We are especially thankful for our dedicated faculty, staff, and—most of all—our families, whose trust, prayers, and partnership make this mission possible.

You can learn more about the Newman Guide and see the full list of recommended schools at:
https://cardinalnewmansociety.org/newman-guide/

Catholic Schools Week: A Letter of Thanks

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:28:05 GMT

Dear Parents and Families,

As we begin Catholic Schools Week, I want to pause and express our profound gratitude for the journey we share together at Saint Joseph Academy. When you first chose Catholic education for your child, you made a decision that went far beyond academics—you entrusted us with something sacred. You chose to partner with us in forming not just students, but souls. Thank you for that trust and thank you for walking this path with us day after day.

Preparing for Life

Right now, in classrooms across our campus, your children are growing in remarkable ways. They're developing critical thinking skills, discovering their gifts, and learning what it means to serve others with compassion and selflessness. We're teaching them not just to succeed, but to lead Christ-centered lives of meaning and purpose, to see their talents as gifts meant to be shared, their knowledge as a tool for building up the common good, and their character as the foundation for everything they'll become.

But we know this formation doesn't happen in isolation. You are their first and most influential teachers. The virtues we reinforce at school—kindness, integrity, perseverance, courage—take root because you model them at home. The works of mercy we undertake echo the generosity you demonstrate. The respect for human dignity we teach finds its deepest expression in the love you show your children each day.

Forming for Heaven
Even more importantly, we share a mission that transcends this world. Together, we're united in faith and community, forming your children for their ultimate destination: eternal life with God. Every religion class, every prayer before class, every moment we pause to acknowledge Christ's presence among us is oriented toward this magnificent end. We're not just helping students pass exams; we're helping them fall in love with the One who made them and who calls them by name.

This week, as we celebrate all that makes Catholic education distinctive, we're also looking ahead with hope. The seeds being planted now, seeds of faith, wisdom, and virtue, will bear fruit in ways we may never fully see. Some will bloom in college classrooms and career choices. Others will flourish in future families and communities. And ultimately, by God's grace, they will bear fruit for eternity.

You are irreplaceable in this mission. Your partnership, your prayers, and your witness make all the difference. Thank you for choosing this path, for walking it with faith and commitment, and for trusting us to help form the hearts and minds of those you love most. May this Catholic Schools Week be a reminder of the hopeful work we do together, and may God continue to bless our students, our families, and our school community.

With gratitude and thanks,
Mark Kalpakgian
President

Welcoming the New Year: Choreographers of Hope

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:40:56 GMT

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we begin this new semester and step into 2026 together, I'm filled with gratitude for our shared journey at Saint Joseph Academy.

In a world that often feels chaotic and disjointed, our school community stands as a beacon of hope—a place where education means more than transmitting information. Here, we're forming young hearts and minds in truth, goodness, and beauty, preparing them to flourish as faithful disciples and culture-builders.

Pope Leo XIV's recent Apostolic Letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope (October 2025), beautifully captures this vision. He calls us to be "choreographers of hope" and "credible creators of expressions of beauty" through Catholic education. What a privilege to answer this call together.

We live this mission daily: through the wonder sparked by great books and rich conversation, through acts of service that build compassion, and through prayer that draws us closer to Christ. Your partnership makes all of this possible. As primary educators, your love, example, and encouragement at home are foundational cornerstones that help our students become young men and women who live by biblical principles and advance God's Kingdom with excellence and joy.

As we draw these new maps of hope side by side this semester, let us hold fast to the promise that "hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5). May this new year be a season of discovery, growth, and shared delight as we guide our children toward the truth that sets them free.

Forming Fully Human Hearts and Minds in an Age of Artificial Intelligence

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:30:06 GMT

Last week, Pope Leo XIV sounded a clear and urgent warning about artificial intelligence, asking leaders in Rome a question that now hangs over our entire civilization: What does it mean to be human in this moment of history?

He reminded the world that our dignity does not lie in processing data faster than a machine, but in our ability to reflect, to choose freely, to love without conditions, and to enter into real, living relationships.

At St. Joseph Academy, we are intentionally choosing a path that protects and nourishes that dignity:

Phones are banned so that faces, not screens, remain at the center of our school day.
Children play outdoors, sing real hymns, and serve real people—not virtual avatars.
Socratic seminars, memorization, and collaborative projects require students to think, argue, and create for themselves.
Small classes and personal mentorship ensure that no child is ever reduced to a “data point.”
Daily prayer, weekly Mass, retreats, and time in silence before the Blessed Sacrament open hearts to wonder and to God.

In an AI age that can produce brilliant but hollow men and women, we are working with you to raise young people who know how to think without a search engine, to love without a filter, and to wonder without a simulation. Even if every server on earth went dark tomorrow, our graduates would still know who they are and how to live with courage, joy, and generosity.

Saint Joseph Academy Excels Amid National Academic Challenges

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:52:33 GMT

While national assessments reveal ongoing declines in student performance, Saint Joseph Academy continues to shine with exceptional PSAT results in fall 2025, far surpassing averages and demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence.

National Context: Declines in NAEP Scores
The recently released 2024 NAEP results for 12th graders show significant drops in math and reading since 2019, hitting 20-year lows. Nearly half (45%) scored below basic in math, with only 22% proficient or above, while 32% were below basic in reading and only 35% proficient. These trends, exacerbated by pandemic disruptions, highlight broader challenges in foundational skills and college readiness.

SJA's Outstanding PSAT Performance
In contrast, SJA students are excelling across grades. On the PSAT 8/9, our average total score was 957—138 points above the national 819—with Reading and Writing at 507 (vs. 412) and Math at 450 (vs. 407). Tenth graders averaged 1057, over 150 points higher than the national 902, and 11th graders scored 1059, exceeding the national 930 by 129 points. These place SJA in the 75th percentile nationally, outperforming three-quarters of peers.

Factors Behind Our Success
In my short time here, I believe SJA's academic achievements stem from:

Classical pedagogy emphasizing foundational skills, including poetry memorization and novel reading.
Dedicated teachers who prioritize student well-being and provide after-class mentorship.
Engaged parents partnering in their children's education.
Flexible math tracks and honors classes tailored to individual abilities.
A small, collegial environment fostering discussion and idea-sharing.

These elements create a supportive culture that builds strong academic foundations and prepares students for future success.

A Proud Path Forward
As national scores signal the need for improvement, SJA's results affirm our effective approach while still showing room for improvement. Overall, we're grateful for our community's efforts and excited for continued growth.

St. Joseph Academy rolls to second straight 8-man football title

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:17:41 GMT

ESCONDIDO — For an encore, the St. Joseph Academy football team delivered an award-winning performance.

St. Joseph won its first-ever CIF championship in football last year, and the San Marcos-based school followed up by claiming its second straight San Diego Section title on Saturday.

The Crusaders achieved the feat by rolling to a 68-13 triumph over Borrego....

St. Joseph Academy Captures First-ever CIF Title In Girls Volleyball

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:56:35 GMT

Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball Team, who won their game last night and are now CIF Champions!!!

This is the first volleyball title in school history! What an incredible accomplishment!

Here is an article from the San Diego Union Tribune! https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/11/06/st-joseph-academy-captures-first-ever-cif-title-in-girls-volleyball/

A huge shoutout to Coach Ryan Hanson for leading the team to this historic victory and an unforgettable season!

Why Classical Catholic Education Matters Today

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:03:30 GMT

As we enter Quarter 2 and find new rhythms in the school year, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the higher purpose of the education we offer at Saint Joseph Academy. Our approach—classical and Catholic—is part of a rich tradition dedicated to forming the whole person, not just filling job roles or imparting technical skills.

This month, Dr. Jonathan Sanford, President of the University of Dallas, published an article for First Things that beautifully articulates these goals and ends. His insights remind us what makes our schools unique and why this vocation matters today.

As Dr. Sanford says, the reigning assumption in higher education is often that the purpose of college is to produce workers, not persons; technicians, not thinkers. This utilitarian mindset has crowded out the great tradition of liberal learning—education that frees the soul by opening it to truth, wisdom, and virtue.

A truly liberating education does what its name implies: it liberates. Catholic, classical education seeks the harmony of faith and reason and refuses to reduce itself to market utility. The genuine task is the formation of free and virtuous persons who can fully engage with the world as citizens and children of God.

Confident Catholicism welcomes honest dialogue, never wavering in fidelity to the magisterium, and always inviting students to seek truth in community. Education here is more than gathering information—it’s about entering a meaningful narrative, becoming pilgrims rather than tourists, experiencing transformation instead of mere accumulation of skills.

Beauty, festivity, and wonder are not luxuries in classical education. They express our deepest longing for the eternal. The “inefficiencies” of small classes, reading the Great Books, sharing in beautiful traditions, and study abroad experiences are not obstacles but catalysts for true human flourishing.

At Saint Joseph Academy, we educate so our students may be free to think, love, and worship—so they may seek wisdom, live virtuously, and ultimately glimpse the divine. As the Church Fathers taught, our destiny is nothing less than theosis—becoming “fully alive” to the glory of God.

This is why classical Catholic education matters today. Anything less is unworthy of what it truly means to be educated.

To read Dr. Sanford’s full article, visit First Things .

SJA Students Featured In National Catholic Register

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:47:22 GMT

On “Pro-Life Day” in early October each year, St. Joseph Academy (SJA) in San Marcos, California, a San Diego-area classical school, becomes especially abuzz with activity.

After some of the school’s roughly 375 kindergarten-through-12th-grade students — many wearing red “lifeguard” T-shirts and calling themselves “Crusaders for Life” — help assemble and hang over the school a 110-foot helium balloon “rosary,” they place pro-life sayings all over lockers and floors.

High School Football Team Sings the Ave Maria After Every Game, Honoring Our Lady in Viral Video

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:03:30 GMT

One Catholic high school football team in California went viral after sharing how they honor the Blessed Mother after each game.

Saint Joseph Academy High School Football Team in San Marcos, Calif. kneels while singing the Ave Maria after every football game.

The school recently published the video on YouTube, which quickly gained traction throughout other social media networks...