The power of ONE.
Welcome to Saint Monica Preparatory.
Here, you belong.
The 2022-2023 school year marked a new chapter in our nearly one hundred year history. The two schools formerly known as St. Monica Catholic Elementary School and St. Monica Catholic High School came together to form a single, TK-12 co-educational parish school. As one school Saint Monica Preparatory offers a dynamic, cohesive and comprehensive learning environment where students are known, seen, challenged and nurtured.
Founded in 1930, we are just seven blocks from the beach and nestled in the heart of the community of Santa Monica, California. We offer a place for students to grow in body, mind and spirit within a diverse Catholic community.
Letter from the President
Thank you for taking the time to explore Saint Monica Preparatory. I welcome you to learn more about our outstanding school and our work in preparing your child for success, whether they are a 4-year old in Transitional Kindergarten or a 17-year old in 12th Grade.
The administration and faculty of Saint Monica Preparatory share a dedication to the educational, social/emotional, and spiritual exploration of the students in our care. Together we provide an environment in which students thrive in the development of their faith and their academic and co-curricular interests.
We are an incredibly diverse but close-knit school community, drawing from over 70 zip codes spread across Los Angeles, but all finding a common home here on our four-acre site in beautiful Santa Monica.
Saint Monica Prep is a ministry of St. Monica Catholic Community, a parish that is graced with the decades-long leadership of Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson, a pastor who places Catholic education at the top of his priorities.
After perusing our website, please, come for a tour; meet some of our students and staff first hand. I am sure you will be impressed.
Dn. Kevin McCardle, Ph.D.
President
VISION, MISSION and PHILOSOPHY
A CELEBRATION OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
As Saint Monica Preparatory, our amazing students, leaders, teachers and staff continue a tradition of excellence in our value-rich learning environment. Here, the principles of Catholic education remain strong. Each individual is encouraged to explore, develop their unique gifts and talents, and share them with the world. Our history runs deep:
School Profile
Download and view our 2024-2025 School Profile.
Accreditation
Saint Monica Preparatory is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We are a member of the National Catholic Education Association and the Western Catholic Educational Association.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty members at Saint Monica Preparatory participate in the life of the Saint Monica community through their classroom teaching as well as involvement in campus activities and athletics. A large number of our faculty hold advanced degrees (including seven doctorates) and utilize varied teaching strategies to enable students to succeed— not only at Saint Monica Preparatory but in college as well.
Ensuring a Safe Environment
Safeguard the Children is a comprehensive program designed to promote a safe environment for children, youth and vulnerable adults. All volunteers, clergy and staff are required to attend a VIRTUS session, “Protecting God’s Children” adult awareness training session and submit to a background check in the form of fingerprinting by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Click here for additional details.
Saint Monica Preparatory Board
Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson
Pastor, St. Monica Catholic Community
Dn. Kevin McCardle, Ph.D.
President
Dr. Neil Quinly
Principal, Lower School
Mr. James Spellman
Principal, Upper School
Mary Flaherty
Chairperson
Darcy Cobb
Michael DiPaolo, Ph.D.
Antonio Felix
Veronica Grazer Vice-Chair
Edward Hartman
Robert "Bob" Klein '65
Angelo Mazzone
Daniel O’Brien Secretary
Irma Vargas '72
Mary Byrnes Advisor/non-voting
Nicole Sinkys MPA Advisor/non-voting