Saint Joseph Academy

High School Profile

Saint Joseph Academy

(TK-12th)

2025-2026

High School Profile

CEEB Code: 053155

Saint Joseph Academy

President: Mark Karpakgian

Dean of Academics: Paul Kerekes

500 Las Flores Drive

San Marcos, CA 92078

Main Office: (760)305-8505

www.saintjosephacademy.org

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Founded in 1995, Saint Joseph Academy (SJA) is an independent, TK-12, classical school that is faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. We have 350 students, 89 of whom are in the High School. Our mission is to form vibrant young men and women who, committed to live by Catholic principles and follow the personal calling of God in each of their lives, will advance and transform human culture for the sake of the kingdom of God.



The class of 2025 graduated 30 students, and the high school student population ranges from 92-97 students with a faculty student ratio of 1:19. Students come from all over North San Diego County and beyond (some even driving more than an hour each way) to take advantage of our unique offerings. We offer generous need-based financial aid, as well as merit-based scholarships; in addition, 16% of our families utilize our tuition-assistance work-study program. Over 33% of the fulltime faculty hold advanced degrees. SJA is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) until 2028 and holds membership with the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS) and the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE). SJA is recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as an Honor Roll school (2018-2023). 

Curriculum

230 credits are required for graduation:
  • 40 credits (4 years) English (Ancient Literature, Medieval Literature, American Literature, British Literature)
  • 40 credits (4 years) Mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus 1, Calculus II)
  • 40 credits (4 years) Science (Zoology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • 45 credits (4 1/2 years) Theology (Introduction to Theology, Biblical Theology, Moral Theology, Spiritual Theology)
  • 35 credits (3 1/2 years) History (Ancient & Medieval History, World History, U.S. History, Civics/Economics)
  • 20 credits (2 years) Language other than English (Spanish)
  • 10 credits (1 year) Writing (Rhetoric/Senior Thesis) 
  • 10 credits (1 year) Visual and Performing Arts (Art History)
  • Electives: 2.5 credits/semester (Choir, Yearbook, Drama, Dance, Computer Science, Robotics, Associated Student Body)

Weighting of Grades and Ranking

Honors courses are weighted by one point. All credit classes are  included in computing grade point averages. Grade point averages (GPA) are computed by semester. We do not rank.

CLT Results (120 total) 

SJA Average (Class of 2025) 70
National Average 67

SAT Results

Subject SJA National
Math 565 523
ERW 615 527
Total 1180 1050

National Merit Scholars

National Merit Finalist: 1 (2016/17)

National Merit Commended Student: 4 (2017/18, 2019/20, 2022/23, 2023/24 2024/25) 

Honors Courses

(88% of our students take Honors)

Grade Assignments

SJA assigns letter grades using a 4.0 system. Letter grades are assigned as follows:
Grade Percentage
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 59% or below

The Cardinal Newman Society Awards:

In 2018-2023, the Cardinal Newman Society recognized Saint Joseph Academy as a Catholic Education Honor Roll School and was further elevated to the highest level as a Catholic Education Ambassador School. Schools receiving this designation are marked by the integration of Catholic identity throughout all aspects of their programs and excellence in academics. This award is granted every five years. We are the only high school in San Diego and one of only four in California to win this award.

SJA's 2017-2025 Graduates (156 Students Total) Were Accepted into the Following Colleges and Universities

Alaska Pacific University

*Ave Maria University

Azusa Pacific University

*Baylor University

*Belmont Abbey College

Bellus Academy

*Benedictine College

*Cal Poly Pomona

*Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Cal State- Fullerton

Cal State- Long Beach

*Cal State- San Marcos

Carroll College

Catholic University of America

Chapman University

*Christendom College

*Franciscan University of Steubenville

*Grand Canyon University

Hawaii Pacific University

*Hillsdale College

Hollins University

International Theological Institute (Austria)

*John Paul the Great Catholic University

Loyola Marymount University

Montana State University

Honors College

Mount St. Mary's University

*Mira Costa College

*Northern Arizona University

Oregon State University

Pepperdine University

*Purdue University Saint Louis University Saint Mary's College San Diego State University *Thomas Aquinas College (CA & New England) *UC Berkeley *UC Davis, *UC Irvine, *UC Riverside *UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz University of Colorado *University of Dallas *University of Mary *University of Notre Dame University of the Pacific *University of San Diego University of Tampa University of Texas, Austin University of Tulsa University of Wisconsin (Madison) *indicates more than one acceptance 

Grade Distribution Class of 2025

There were 30 graduates in the Class of 2025

Weighted Non-Weighted
12 earned a 4.25+ 11 earned a 3.75-4.0
7 earned 4.0-4.24 12 earned a 3.5-3.74
8 earned a 3.5-3.99 5 earned a 3.0-3.49
3 earned a 3.0-3.49 2 earned less than 3.0
0 earned less than 3.0

Athletics

SJA is a member of C.I.F.


  • Boys 8 Man Football (CIF Division VI Runner-up 2022, 2023, CIF Division VI Championship 2024)
  • Girls Volleyball, Boys Volleyball
  • Cross Country
  • Boys Basketball (CIF Division V Section Champions 2022)
  • Girls Basketball (CIF Division III Section Champions, 2021)
  • Boys Baseball (CIF Division V Runner-up 2023)
  • Girls Softball (CIF Division V-AA Runner up 2024)
  • Boys Soccer (CIF Division VI Runner up 2024, CIF Division V-AA Championship 2025)
  • Golf
  • Track and Field 


Over 75% of our students participate in athletics. We are a member of the Virtue Equals Strength Program.

Post High School Academic Activities

99% of graduates go on to college

92% matriculate to 4-year universities

Community Service

Students record at least 30 volunteer hours of required community service per year of
high school. 

Testimonials From High School Teachers, Parents and Students