SCHOOL GOVERNANCE

Archdiocesan high schools are administered by principals, and where applicable, presidents. Parish high schools are administered by pastors and principals. All high schools in the archdiocese, whether archdiocesan, parish, or private, are missioned to serve the young people from the entire archdiocesan community and those from outside the archdiocese who attend the school. 

Archdiocesan high schools are organized and governed by the archdiocese through the Department of Catholic Schools. 

Parish high schools are organized and financially supported by specific parishes but serve the community of students who attend. The principal of a parish high school is responsible to the pastor and accountable to the Department of Catholic Schools for the implementation of archdiocesan policies and procedures.

Private high schools are directly accountable to the religious institute or the governing board that owns and sponsors the school according to its individual bylaws. Private schools exist in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with the approval of the archbishop.

All high schools in the archdiocese have a written statement of philosophy that explains the purpose of the institution. The philosophy is based on the archdiocesan mission for Catholic education, follows the guidelines of the Western Catholic Education Association and Western Association of Schools and College​, and is approved by the Department of Catholic Schools.

All high school boards, organizations, and/or committees are advisory to the president or principal. These groups include parent-teacher organizations, booster clubs, development boards, and any official organization of the school. No school organization may operate independently of the school principal. All activities of the organization must receive the approval and permission of the president or principal.