ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Our Mission
At Holy Innocents Catholic School, our mission is to provide a transformative Catholic education, working in partnership with parents to instill values of truth, goodness, and the love of beauty in our students. Through our devoted faculty and staff, we impart the invaluable treasures of Western Civilization and Catholic Culture, fostering young minds and hearts to become exemplary pillars of society and citizens of heaven.
Holy Innocents Parish was established in 1923, dedicated to the memory of the Holy Innocents, the first martyrs who bore witness to Christ through the shedding of their blood. In 1927, during a time of religious persecution in Mexico, Mother Luisita and two Carmelite sisters sought refuge in the United States. At the direction of Cardinal John Cantwell, they found their home at Holy Innocents Parish.
As Carmelite religious, Mother Luisita and her sisters, known as the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, were called to lead a life that blended contemplation with apostolic work. In the late 1950s, responding to Cardinal James Francis McIntyre's vision of providing Catholic education to the children of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Carmelite sisters played a pivotal role in establishing a parish school for Holy Innocents.
Since its founding in 1958, Holy Innocents Parish School has been guided and nurtured by the Carmelite sisters. They provide not only administrative and staffing support but also embody the charism of the order, striving to educate students with the Mind and Heart of Christ. The Mother Luisita Beatification Prayer, crafted by the Carmelite Sisters, is recited by students, staff, and parishioners during morning assemblies after daily Mass, serving as a connection to the school's founding sisters and their charism.
Holy Innocents Parish School is a co-educational Archdiocesan Catholic TK-12th Grade institution located in the heart of Long Beach, California. Over the course of nearly 65 years, more than ten thousand students have had the privilege of experiencing the unique qualities of a Holy Innocents education. The school has continuously adapted to the changing demographics of the south bay communities, with a significant portion of students hailing from within the Holy Innocents Parish boundaries.
Six years ago, Holy Innocents Parish School embarked on a transformative journey by transitioning to Catholic Classical Liberal Arts Education. This profound shift in our educational approach reflects our commitment to nurturing the intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth of our students. Catholic Classical Education is a time-tested pedagogical approach that draws upon the rich traditions of classical education and integrates them with Catholic principles and values. It emphasizes the development of well-rounded individuals who excel in critical thinking, eloquent expression, and a profound understanding of the world. In Catholic Classical Education, students engage in the study of classical subjects such as Latin, literature, history, mathematics, and the natural sciences. They also explore the great works of Western civilization, gaining a deep appreciation for the wisdom of the ages.
At Holy Innocents School, we are not just an educational institution; we are a faith community. Rooted in Catholic values, our school offers opportunities for students to live a Christian way of life. Today, this tradition lives on through dedicated teachers who center their work around the Eucharist, joyful students eager to learn, and families committed to the faith formation of their children.
