Servite High School

Servite High School is a Catholic preparatory school which accepts young men of all religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Recognizing that parents are primary educators, we develop faith-filled leaders through an intentional and multidisciplinary formation process founded upon the Catholic Faith and the charism of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary (Servite Friars).

Traditions are the customs, rituals, stories and ways of thinking that those in earlier generations hand down to us and we in turn hand down to future generations. Traditions are very important because they help us understand life, who we are, where we fit in our community and world, and how the story of our life fits in the larger stories of our community and world.

In 1957, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles invited the Order Friar Servants of Mary (Servites) in Chicago to come to Orange County to open an all-male Catholic high school in Anaheim.

Father Maurice Gillespie, OSM, arrived in May, 1958 with a small band of Friars as well as equipment, supplies and personnel from St. Philip High School in Chicago. They got an unfinished brick building and 110 boys that would comprise the inaugural freshman class.

When school started in the fall of 1958, Servite was holding classes in borrowed classrooms at St. Philip Benizi Elementary School while the administration worked out of a windowless storage room. The main building was finished in December, 1958 and was dedicated by James Francis Cardinal McIntyre on the Feast of the Seven Holy Fathers, February 12th, 1959. Servite has grown immensely over the years, and today more than 750 students call themselves Friars.

Each year, a class of approximately 200 young men graduate from Servite High School, prepared to go forth and become the leaders that the world needs. A Servite High School graduate is a leader who, through a deliberate process of formation:
-Develops a lifelong desire for learning that culminates in wisdom.
-Demonstrates mastery of the academic curriculum in order to succeed in post-secondary education.
-Exhibits intellectual maturity by evaluating multifaceted challenges and opportunities and creating innovative solutions.
-Demonstrates proficiency in the use of current technologies relevant to higher education and the workplace.
-Communicates effectively and respectfully with persons and groups from diverse backgrounds.

Servite High School is committed to providing a high-quality, faith-based education that fosters leadership, academic excellence, and character development. However, to continue fulfilling this mission and ensuring equitable access to resources for all students, additional funding is needed to enhance educational programs, modernize facilities, and support financial aid initiatives.

As a private institution, Servite High School relies heavily on tuition, donations, and grants to maintain and improve its academic offerings, extracurricular programs, and campus infrastructure. While many families make significant financial sacrifices to provide their children with a Servite education, a growing number of students require tuition assistance to access the same opportunities. Currently, over 54% of our student body receives from financial aid, and demand continues to rise. Without additional funding, some deserving students may be unable to attend due to financial barriers.

Additionally, advancements in technology and curriculum development necessitate ongoing investment in STEM education, arts programs, and athletic facilities. Upgrading classroom technology, expanding hands-on learning experiences, and maintaining competitive sports and arts programs are essential for preparing students for college and career success. These initiatives require substantial financial resources.

Orange County, CA