WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD You’re in!
NO MATTER HIS PATH OR PASSION
each SerraPadre thrives
in our inclusive, transformative environment and graduates from Serra academically prepared, intellectually curious, socially responsible, emotionally grounded and spiritually centered.
Serra is more than academic excellence. It is a journey of transformation.
Your choice of high school is a pivotal decision that transforms your adolescent years into a foundation for lifelong success. At Serra, we understand the significance of this transitional period, and we are committed to walking with you every step of the way.
Our passionate faculty inspires students to achieve their personal best through an engaging, college-preparatory curriculum. We focus on developing critical thinking, creative problem-solving and personal growth. Our goal is to prepare compassionate leaders ready for college, career and life.
Personalized guidance is at the heart of our approach. Our counselors will work closely with you to design a tailored academic path and ultimately identify colleges matching your aspirations, all while helping you to maintain a balanced, fulfilling high school experience.
Coaches, club moderators, the Campus Ministry staff—every member of our collaborative and dedicated team—is committed to the holistic development of each Padre.
By choosing Serra, you’re joining a diverse, supportive community that celebrates individual potential. Here, you’ll be challenged to become the best version of yourself—not just a student, but a Padre committed to academic excellence and equipped with foundational values that extend to all aspects of life.
Your transformative journey starts now. Are you ready?
Choosing Serra means joining a community that celebrates and embraces differences, fosters empathy and ensures that everyone feels welcomed in our brotherhood.
Your journey begins now! Scan here to accept your offer.
Plan Your Journey
Registration Fee
Registration is due by 12 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025. Your registration must be received by this deadline to ensure your place in the Class of 2029. Please refer to the Registration and Tuition Information document included with this packet.
Student Records and Eighth-Grade Final Grades
Acceptance to Serra is conditional upon successful completion of eighth grade, review of all middle school records and assurance that your final grades are in line with those provided during the application process. It is the responsibility of the accepted student’s family to disclose any academic or disciplinary issues that arise after the offer of admission.
The issuing school must submit official final transcripts and student records by June 15, 2025. Please request that your school mail all records, including final transcripts, to Serra High School, Attn: Vinay Shahi, Registrar, 451 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403.
Should Serra not receive the final records and transcripts before we start school in August, Serra reserves the right to revoke admission based on our assessment of the final transcripts and student records, regardless of the student having started the fall term at Serra High School.
Course Registration and Elective Options
Upon completing your TADS agreement, please log into your applicant portal, navigate to “My Course Enrollment” in the top navigation bar and complete the form by April 4, 2025. This form includes class selection for your son’s freshman year.
Our four-year academic program currently includes 40 honors and advanced placement (AP) courses, offered in nearly all subject areas. Initial placement into honors courses for freshman year is determined using transcripts, teacher recommendations and HSPT scores. However, all students have the opportunity to take honors or AP classes sophomore through senior years with demonstrated ability.
Freshman Welcome
Upon completing your TADS agreement, you will receive an email directing you to register for our Freshman Welcome event in your application portal. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each incoming freshman and his parent(s) must attend this mandatory event. We will be welcoming you to Serra and providing you with important information about joining the Serra High School community.
Note: Electives have limited space. Priority will be given based on date and time course registration forms are received.
*Please contact Joe Murphy at jmurphy@serrahs.com
ENGLISH
Honors English 1-2
Honors English 3-4
Honors Senior Literature and Composition
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Seminar
AP 2-D Art and Design
AP 3-D Art and Design
AP Drawing
AP Art History
Honors World History 1
Honors World History 2
AP U.S. History
AP Government and Politics
AP Psychology
Theology:
Honors Philosophy
Honors and AP Courses
Advanced Solutions for the Global Good
AP Computer Science A
ANDINNOVATION
Honors Anatomy and Physiology
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry
Honors Physics
Honors Diseases and Human Physiology
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics 1
SOCIALSTUDIES WORLDLANGUAGE
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
SCIENCE
For more detailed information on our academic program and course progression, scan here.
Honors Algebra 1
Honors Geometry
Honors Algebra 2/ Trigonometry
Honors Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP French Language and Culture
AP Chinese Language and Culture
Honors Spanish II
Honors Spanish III
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER (ARC)
Accepted students who submitted an ARC Supplemental Application and the required documentation are automatically accepted into the ARC. Prior to starting classes, please direct all ARC questions to the Admissions Office.
The Director of the ARC will reach out to families at the beginning of the school year to discuss individualized learning plans. Be on the lookout for a meeting the first week of school for all new ARC students.
at Summer Serra!
Summer Programs
Jumpstart your Serra experience! From high school advancement classes, to one-week enrichment courses, to a variety of sports and music camps, incoming freshmen have many opportunities to be on campus this summer.
Serra’s Freshman Bridge Program
The Freshman Bridge Program will help students shape their English and math skills in a supportive learning environment before they start school in the fall. This two-week, full-day course reviews and introduces foundational curriculum and includes completing a portion of the required summer reading and math assignments.
Academic Advancement Courses
Incoming freshmen who have been approved to take a summer advancement course by Assistant Principal: Academics Rita Lee can complete a full semester of Honors Algebra 1, Geometry, Honors Geometry or Spanish 1. Successful completion of the summer course will give you a head start on building your high school resume.
Christian Service
Christian service is another way to begin your Serra journey. Students will take part in a week of service with their new Padre brothers, helping out at local food banks and social service agencies. You’ll not only build your sense of social responsibility through hands-on projects and team-building activities, but you’ll also complete your required Christian Service hours for freshman year.
Enrichment Courses
Enrichment courses are designed to pique curiosity and inspire learning. Topics include robotics, mock trial, forensics, physics in motion, chemistry and cooking, mythology, storytelling and smart money. Each one-week course will be led by experienced teachers from the Serra community who are excited to lend their creativity to courses that will involve hands-on learning and group projects.
Camps and Athletics Programs
What’s your game? If it’s crew, wrestling, aquatics, soccer, basketball, football or cross country, you’ll find a camp or program this summer at Serra. Music you say? We’ve got that too!
Every Summer at Serra opportunity will introduce students to other incoming Padres, who will be classmates and brothers for the next four years.
Steps for a Successful Start
Required Summer Homework
Summer homework is an important way for students to retain the skills and knowledge developed over the school year and help with the smooth transition into a new school. It is expected that students will have completed the required math and summer reading prior to the first day of classes in August.
Math
All students will have math homework over the summer regardless of math level. Homework will be available by logging in to PCR after June 1.
English
Summer reading is located on the Serra website under Academics on the main menu. It will also be available through PCR after June 1.
Required Summer Technology Orientation
Incoming students are required to complete a technology orientation program in the summer.
All students attending the Summer Bridge Program or classes for advancement must attend the technology orientation prior to starting their summer program.
Log in to your applicant portal to register for the Summer Technology Orientation.
Session 1: Thursday, June 5, 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Session 2: Monday, June 9, 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Session 3: Thursday, June 19, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Session 4: Thursday, June 19, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Session 5: Friday, June 20, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
LSession 6: Tuesday, June 24, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Session 7: Wednesday, June 25, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Session 8: Thursday, June 26, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Session 9: Monday, June 30, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Session 10: Monday, June 30, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL) Program:
Students are required to bring a portable internet access device (e.g. Mac or PC laptop) to school daily.
Scan the barcode for minimum device requirements and examples of acceptable portable devices.
Bring your own laptop
Ordering Textbooks
Students will receive their class lists in June. You can order books online through MBS Direct, which details the textbooks required for each course, beginning in July. Some courses require online textbooks, some require physical textbooks, and some require a combination or let students decide. Each teacher selects the materials that best support the class curriculum.
If a physical book is required, MBS Direct may have used textbooks available for sale. If you are interested in purchasing used books, be sure to order early as they often sell out.
Ordering Serra Gear
Families can order Serra gear through the Padres Sideline Store. Since this is a print-on-demand company, items can take six to eight weeks for fulfillment. We recommend ordering as soon as possible.
Scan to order your Serra gear TODAY!
DATES Important
FOR THE CLASS OF 2029
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Friday March 28, 2025
COURSE REGISTRATION DEADLINE Friday April 4, 2025
CLASS OF 2029 WELCOME NIGHT Wednesday April 9, 2025
CHALLENGE TESTS
WORLD LANGUAGE (MUST REGISTER DURING COURSE REGISTRATION)
MATH (MUST REGISTER DURING COURSE REGISTRATION)
Mon|Wed May 5 or 7, 2025
Tues|Thur May 6 or 8, 2025
PHYSICAL FORM DUE Monday June 30, 2025
* Students participating in summer sports at Serra must submit their physical form prior to the start of the summer program. Students will not be able to participate without the physical form.
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS DUE Monday June 30, 2025
FROSH STUDENT REGISTRATION AND PICTURES T hursday August 14, 2025 NEW FAMILY WELCOME AND PRAYER SERVICE (MANDATORY)
16,
Start of School
CHECKLIST
Purchase your laptop
Complete required summer reading and math homework
Complete required summer technology orientation
Order textbooks
Order Serra gear
Log in to PCR to set up access
Download the Serra app (You will receive an email in August with login details.)
Note important school dates on family calendar
Need more information? Check out our Class of 2029 Welcome page.
