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SMPREP Students Explore the World

Korean exchange program launches
SMPREP Students Explore the World

This year at Saint Monica Preparatory, we are launching an exchange program with Cheonan Jungang High School, located just outside of Seoul, Korea. The prestigious school has a 54-year tradition as the only male public high school in the region. SMPREP recently hosted a delegation from the school including Principal Jeon Jong-Hyeon for a signing ceremony and exchange of gifts. Next month, 10 students from Cheonan Jungang will join SMPREP and take part in a weeklong, collaborative PBL (Project Based Learning) program that will explore a variety of topics around climate action. Korean students will immerse themselves in our day-to-day school life. SMPREP students, in turn, will have the opportunity to experience Korean life and culture during the week of January 6, 2025 as part of this exchange program.

"We look forward to this collaboration and building of a global dialogue and competency with our two schools," shared Rob Greene, SMPREP's Dean of Experiential Education. He also noted that during this year's annual Wintersession, where students in grades 6 through 12 experience a week out of the classroom immersed in activities around Los Angeles, California, the U.S. and the world, new opportunities for Upper School students will include a literary tour of Ireland and a STEM tour of Germany. The focus of Wintersession is on cultural and service learning and self-discovery, and last year SMPREP students toured Costa Rica, Japan, Washington, D.C., New York City, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, and more.

Two years ago, SMPREP launched its exchange program with Koyasan High School in Mount Koya, considered one of the most sacred places in Japan. SMPREP students have enjoyed collaborating with their Japanese counterparts both on our campus and in Japan. At the Lower School, we hosted two French exchange students last year from our partner school, Saint-Denis International School in Loches, France, for a month of immersive learning. In turn, a small group of our 8th grade students took advantage of the exciting opportunity to participate in the Festival of Arts & Sciences Saint-Denis hosted a couple of months later.

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Curiosity in Action: A Snapshot of TK-8 Learning at Saint Monica Prep
Curiosity in Action: A Snapshot of TK-8 Learning at Saint Monica Prep

From hands-on research to real-world exploration, learning across Saint Monica Preparatory’s TK-8 program is anything but ordinary. This winter, our seventh graders returned to the Academic Junior High Decathlon for the first time since 2020.

Lower School students celebrated the 100th Day of School with creativity, curiosity and plenty of counting. Meanwhile, the school transformed into a lively zoo during the second grade Animal Wax Museum. Fourth graders visited the San Gabriel Mission as they study California’s history, culminating in essays and 3D mission models.

Experiential learning continues beyond the classroom with visits to the Getty Villa, California Science Center and Museum of Tolerance, capped with the upcoming rising freshman trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City.

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Real Love That Carries the Cross: Saint Monica at Youth Day & RECongress
Real Love That Carries the Cross: Saint Monica at Youth Day & RECongress

Saint Monica Preparatory students and faculty took part in the 2026 Youth Day in Anaheim, joining more than 11,000 young people from across the Archdiocese for a powerful day of prayer, music, speakers and more. Our freshman class and Campus Ministers celebrated alongside their peers. Under the joyful direction of our Director of Music, Jeffrey Bonilla, Saint Monica was blessed to help lead the day, with our Mariners taking the stage to perform, moderate and guide fellow students in prayer. Centered on the theme, “Real Love Carries the Cross,” Youth Day invited participants to reflect on love as a daily, sacrificial choice.

The following day, our Lower School faculty and staff continued that spirit of renewal at the 2026 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. They gained powerful inspiration to bring back to our classrooms.

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Catholic Schools Week Traditions Continue
Catholic Schools Week Traditions Continue

To kick off Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2026, Saint Monica Preparatory students and families shared personal reflections at all weekend Masses, offering a meaningful glimpse into how faith, learning and community shape the Mariner experience. Julia Parra ’26 shared, “This school gave me a community where I felt safe enough to grow, brave enough to speak, and supported enough to be myself.” Look back at all of the CSW reflections here.

The week also offered a beautiful reminder of what makes a Catholic education at Saint Monica so special — faith lived joyfully through service and community. Our students stepped beyond the classroom to express gratitude to local organizations, while Fr. Eusebio visited Theology classes, reflecting on his call to serve.

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