School-wide Expectations
Character formation is more than a philosophy, it is a lived tradition. FAITH, EXCELLENCE, and SERVICE are the three pillars that shape daily life on campus.
What We Expect of Our Students
We expect our students to grow in faith, pursue academic excellence with discipline and curiosity, and serve others with compassion and integrity.
Our teachers set high standards, encourage thoughtful questions, and provide individualized support so each child can thrive. We ask our students to come ready to learn, grow, and treat others with kindness and respect.
STAR Virtue Program
The STAR Virtue Program here at St. Mary’s helps students grow in character by learning to live out our Catholic values daily. Through intentional lessons, classroom recognition, and school-wide celebrations, students are encouraged to make good choices, show respect, take responsibility, and serve others with kindness. The STAR Virtue Program helps students build strong habits, develop confidence, and become leaders who reflect Christ in our school community.
The 10 STAR Virtues:
Respect
Responsibility
Kindness
Honesty
Perseverance
Self-Control
Compassion
Gratitude
Courage
Service
Each month, students who demonstrate the featured virtue are recognized with a STAR Virtue Award at a school assembly following Mass, celebrating their growth in character and faith.
What Families Can Expect of Our Faculty
Families can expect every faculty member at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School to embody faith, excellence, and service in both word and action. Our teachers and staff are committed to nurturing the whole child through strong academics, moral guidance, and genuine care for each student’s growth. They lead with integrity, uphold Catholic values, and model respect, humility, and compassion in the classroom and throughout the community.
Families can trust that faculty will communicate clearly, set high expectations, provide thoughtful support, and partner with parents to help each child grow into a confident, capable, and faith filled young person prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Faith
“Our Catholic Faith is the guiding light of life at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School, shaping not only what students learn, but who they become. Here, children experience faith as something alive, joyful, and woven into every part of the day.
Students learn that God doesn’t expect perfection - He invites participation.
As students grow, they also become young scholars of the faith. They dive into Scripture, learn the beauty and meaning of the Sacraments, and explore the teachings and traditions of the Church with curiosity and respect. Religion class is not just memorization, it is formation. Children ask big questions, wrestle with ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to live out the Gospel in everyday life.
In this way, St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School helps students develop identity in something eternal and empowering. Students leave not only stronger in their faith but equipped to live it confidently, compassionately, and courageously.”
Yours in Christ,
Father Reynald Evangelista, St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish
Excellence
“Excellence at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School is built on the long tradition of classical Catholic education, an approach with a history of discipline, deep thinking, virtue, and a genuine love for learning. Students are encouraged not only to master the material before them but to understand the “why” behind what they learn. They are taught to think critically, communicate clearly, and pursue truth with confidence and curiosity.
An example of this commitment to academic growth can be seen in our participation in the San Diego Diocese Junior High Academic Decathlon, a prestigious academic competition that brings together top Catholic schools from across the region. This past year, five of St. Mary’s middle school students proudly represented the school, competing against more than thirty teams in logic, mathematics, theology, literature, science, current events, and more. Their hard work paid off! They performed with distinction, demonstrating teamwork, discipline, and poise under pressure.”
Yours in Faith,
Josh Englund, Principal
Service
“Service is a mindset, a habit of the heart, and an expression of gratitude for the blessings God has given us.
Our students and families regularly participate in community beach cleanups, caring for the coastal environment that makes our home in Oceanside so special.
These cleanups teach children stewardship, responsibility, and the understanding that God’s creation deserves protection and respect.
The entire school also comes together for fundraisers and charity drives, supporting local families, parish outreach ministries, and organizations in need. Through service, our students learn humility, empathy, and leadership. Most importantly, they learn that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of goodness.”
Many Blessings,
Mrs. Kathryn Nielson, Vice Principal