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Damien High School

United States, La Verne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $13,300
Ages 14 - 18 years
Type Boys School
Opened 1959
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, French, German
Typical class size 21
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Damien High School is an all-boys Catholic secondary school in La Verne, California, affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The school provides a comprehensive, college-preparatory curriculum that fulfills California's A-G requirements and offers advanced pathways through Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and Project Lead The Way (PLTW). With more than 30 AP and IB offerings across multiple disciplines and a 14 to 1 student-teacher ratio, classes commonly average about 21 students. The 2025-2026 Program of Studies features eight academic departments and over 115 courses, with graduation requiring Service Learning in every year for 5 units per completed semester. Damien emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, collaboration, and technology integration, supported by a 1:1 Chromebook program. The campus includes facilities such as Dick Larson Stadium, a swimming pool, an on-site gym (Travers-Cronin Athletic Center), a renovated library, and an Academic Learning Center. Graduates regularly matriculate to leading universities across California and the nation.

2280 Damien Avenue, La Verne, CA 91750

The Essentials

Damien High School has typical class sizes of 21, instruction in English.

Location
The Damien High School campus is located at 2280 Damien Avenue, La Verne, California 91750.

Stages
High school; grades 9-12; boys only.

Type
All-boys Catholic high school.

Additional learning support
STEP Program (Academic Learning Center) provides academic support; ELL Support/Academic Learning Center is available for international students.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, United States.

Religious affiliation
Catholic.

School day structure
Regular day starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:45 PM.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Damien High School requires Damien-branded polo shirts and tan or black pants or shorts. On Mass days students wear a white dress shirt with a Damien tie. Shirts must be tucked in during liturgies; outerwear must be Damien-branded or solid-colored, and hats are not allowed.

Food Options
Damien High School publishes a daily lunch menu accessible via the Food Menu page. Lunch is served in the lunch pavilion or the covered lunch area, with the area south of the Senior Quad used during lunch.

Governance and Ownership
Damien High School is an all-boys Catholic high school staffed and administered by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. It is named after Saint Damien of Molokai, and the Congregation has staffed and administered Damien High School since its founding in La Verne.
Fees

Annual tuition at Damien High School ranges from USD 13,300 for 2026/27.

Application & Admissions Fees

- International student application fee: USD 150 (due with the international application).
- FACTS Grant & Aid assessment application fee (required only when applying for Damien's Spartan Grant): USD 40.
- Financial aid application/interview processing: USD 50 (payable by credit card for in-person CEF sessions / certain aid application steps).
- New-student/domestic application fee: a non‑refundable application fee is required at submission (amount is set by the admissions office).

Registration / Enrollment Deposit

- Non‑refundable registration fee to secure a student's place: USD 1,000. This fee may be paid in full at registration or split: pay USD 600 at registration and the remaining USD 400 billed monthly over four months (August through November 2026). A USD 50 discount applies if the full registration fee is paid by April 25, 2026.

Tuition (2026–2027 academic year) — per year group (Grades 9–12)

- Annual tuition (all high‑school year groups, Grades 9–12): USD 13,300 for the 2026–2027 school year.

Representative breakdowns by payment schedule (based on the USD 13,300 annual tuition)

- Annual payment: one payment of USD 13,300.
- Semi‑annual payments: two equal payments of USD 6,650 each (one payment in the first half of the billing cycle and one in the second).
- Ten monthly installments: ten equal payments of USD 1,330 each. The school offers multiple ten‑month start/end date options (month‑to‑month schedules available through the FACTS contract).
- Eleven monthly installments: eleven equal payments of approximately USD 1,209.09 each. (Installment plan timing is selected through the FACTS payment setup.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- All families must create a FACTS tuition account and select one of the available payment plans (annual, semi‑annual, ten‑month, eleven‑month, or other FACTS options). FACTS will send payment reminders per the chosen schedule. Returned or insufficient payments will incur returned‑payment fees. Annual discounts and sibling/sister‑school discounts are applied through the billing plan as described below.
- Annual discounts: sibling discount (brother attending Damien): USD 1,000; sister‑school discount (sister attending Pomona Catholic or St. Lucy's): USD 500. Discounts are prorated over 10 months when applied to an installment plan.
- FACTS tuition‑management fees are charged to accounts: USD 20 annually for families who pay tuition in one or two payments, or USD 50 annually for families who pay in three or more payments.

Ancillary and Program Fees (charged to the FACTS account when applicable)

- Athletic participation fees: amounts vary by sport and may range broadly depending on the sport and season; individual sports may also require additional equipment, travel, or fundraising.
- Athletic processing fee (annual): USD 200 (paid at time of athletic clearance and physical submission; covers administrative costs and permits participation across multiple seasons; this is separate from per‑sport participation fees).
- Technology fee (annual): USD 300.
- Family fundraising obligation (annual): USD 500 minimum contribution per family (families are expected to fulfill this obligation through the school's fundraising programs).
- Co‑curricular fee (annual, per program): USD 100 for each co‑curricular program or team in which a student participates (additional program expenses such as competitions, travel, or materials may apply).
- Family service hours: families are required to provide service hours; unfulfilled hours are charged at USD 35 per hour not volunteered.

Items typically NOT charged to the FACTS account (purchased separately)

- Books, supplies and course‑specific materials: typical range USD 250–1,000 per student per year (charged separately through bookstore or vendors).
- Chromebook purchase: typical range USD 100–600 (students are required to have a Chromebook; model recommendations and purchasing guidance are provided).
- Replacement school ID card: USD 5 each.
- School uniforms and approved apparel: prices vary; approved apparel may be purchased new through the campus student store or via used‑uniform sales.

Boarding fees

- Boarding fees: Not applicable. Damien High School does not operate a boarding/residential program; therefore no boarding or room‑and‑board fees apply.

Refunds and non‑refundability

- The registration/enrollment fee (USD 1,000) is non‑refundable. Returned payment or insufficient‑fund incidents will incur returned‑payment fees. Accounts must be in good standing to receive transcripts or to sit for final exams. Specific tuition withdrawal and refund rules (if any) are handled under the school's enrollment/financial agreement and FACTS billing terms.

Fee payment options and processing

- All tuition and invoiced school charges are processed through FACTS Tuition Management; families select a payment plan and enroll in automatic billing via FACTS. FACTS supports automatic bank withdrawals (ACH/electronic check) and credit/debit card payments where the school's FACTS setup permits those methods; credit/debit card transactions and certain payment methods may carry processing or convenience fees. FACTS‑related convenience/processing fees and the school's FACTS annual fee (USD 20–50) are charged per the FACTS enrollment choices.

Contact & billing office

- For billing questions, payment arrangements, returned‑payment issues, or clarification about specific program charges, contact the Damien Business/Billing office or the staff contacts listed on the school's tuition and financial aid pages. Accounts must remain current to avoid holds on transcripts and final‑exam clearance.
Academics

Damien High School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 14 to 18.

Curriculum
Damien High School provides a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum that fulfills California's A-G requirements. It offers advanced pathways including Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses, with more than 30 AP and IB offerings across multiple disciplines. The program features a 14-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and classes averaging about 21 students. It emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, collaboration, and problem-solving, and it integrates technology to prepare students for higher education and modern careers. The school has a strong record of college matriculation, with graduates attending leading universities throughout California and across the nation. The 2025-2026 Program of Studies includes eight departments and over 115 classes, and graduation requires participation in a Service Learning program in each year with 5 units of credit per completed semester.

Student Teacher Ratio
14-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Classes average about 21 students.

Higher Education Progression
The curriculum is college-preparatory and ensures students meet CSU and UC admission requirements. Graduates matriculate at leading universities and colleges across California and the United States. School counseling and college advising supports students in pursuing higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Damien High School's Counseling program focuses on the academic/career, personal/social, and spiritual growth of each student. Counseling is delivered in a variety of forums, including individually, in small groups, in class sections, and in class-level assemblies. Students are assigned a counselor but may meet with any counselor depending on the situation. If specialized needs arise, students may be referred to an appropriate on- or off-campus specialist. Naviance is used to manage college information and planning, including college and scholarship searches, student GPA and testing information, and a resume builder.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Damien High School offers a STEP Program (Academic Learning Center) to provide academic support for students with learning needs. The STEP Program is listed as part of the school's curriculum and support offerings. The School Student Non-Discrimination Policy states the school does not discriminate against students with special needs, though a full range of services may not always be available. Admissions decisions consider the student's emotional, academic, and physical abilities and the resources available to meet the student's needs. Damien describes its STEP Program as a core part of its supports for learning differences.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
A facilitated self-study option is available in Chinese Literature for Mandarin-speaking students. The IB Language and Literature course notes that there is a cross-language approach and allows for literature study in translation, with a bilingual approach in certain areas. Those taking Area 1 courses in both English and Chinese are not required to take Area 2: Language acquisition. The school also offers World Language courses including AP Spanish Lang. & Culture, AP German Lang. & Culture, and AP French Lang. & Culture.

Mental Wellbeing
Damien High School provides short-term personal counseling through Outreach Concern Counseling to address personal, behavioral, and family problems that interfere with student learning or social progress. Parents can refer their son to counselors, and students can self-refer to be seen. Counseling is delivered in multiple formats, with a counselor available to meet with any student depending on the situation. The Counseling Department uses Naviance to support college information and planning, including college searches, scholarships, GPA data, and a resume builder. Counselors also assist juniors and seniors with the college search, selection, and application process.

Safeguarding
Damien High School prohibits discrimination on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, or disability under its School Student Non-Discrimination Policy. The policy states the school does not discriminate against students with special needs, though a full range of services may not always be available. Admissions decisions consider the student's emotional, academic, and physical abilities and the resources available to meet the student's needs. Damien is a Roman Catholic, all-male Archdiocesan high school located in La Verne, California. Campus Ministry, Christian Service, Sacred Hearts, and St. Damien of Molokai support safeguarding and student well-being.
Parent Experience

History
Damien High School has served high school boys in the San Gabriel Valley for over 65 years. It opened in 1959 as Pomona Catholic Boys High School on the former Bonita High School campus after the Los Angeles Archdiocese purchased the site. In 1967 the school was renamed Damien High School in honor of Saint Damien de Veuster, and the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts has staffed and administered the school since its founding. The campus has been expanded and renovated many times: an eight-classroom wing and science labs plus Dick Larson Stadium opened in 1962, a 1964 campus facelift, and later additions in the 1970s–1980s including the Event Center, the 500 Building and the 600 Building; a music room was added and the library renovated in 1995; a swimming pool and locker rooms were built in 1996; and the Travers-Cronin Athletic Center opened in 2006.

Community
Damien High School has a connected community supported by the St. Monica's Guild, a parent association. St. Monica's Guild is comprised of volunteer mothers and operates with a Board and Committee Structure as an active part of the Damien High School community. The Guild focuses on the spiritual and emotional well-being of all Damien students and supports outreach, bereavement ministries, and fundraising. Meetings occur on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. The Annual Damien Gala is hosted by St. Monica's Guild and serves as a signature community celebration to raise funds for the school, with this year's Palm Royale theme.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
St. Monica's Guild is the Damien High School parent association. It is comprised of volunteer mothers and operates through a Board and Committee Structure, focusing on the spiritual and emotional well-being of Damien students and on fundraising. Guild activities include outreach and bereavement ministries and year‑round fundraising; participation is encouraged and meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm. The Annual Damien Gala is hosted by St. Monica's Guild and is a signature community celebration to raise funds, featuring a Palm Royale theme and activities such as cocktails, dinner, auctions, and dancing.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Damien High School is located on Damien Avenue in La Verne, California. The campus has grown through expansions that added classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities. A wing opened in 1962 with eight classrooms and science labs, and Dick Larson Stadium was completed that year. The Event Center, the 500 Building, and the 600 Building were completed in the 1970s and 1980s. A music room was added and the library renovated in 1995, followed by a swimming pool and locker room in 1996. In 2006 the Travers-Cronin Athletic Center opened as the on-campus gymnasium.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes Dick Larson Stadium, completed in 1962. Six tennis courts were built near the priest's residence, with a ticket/snack bar and restroom facilities added to the stadium. A swimming pool and locker rooms were constructed in 1996. In 2006 the Travers-Cronin Athletic Center opened as the on-campus gymnasium.

Academic Facilities
The 1962 wing opened with eight classrooms and science labs. The Event Center, the 500 Building, and the 600 Building were completed in the 1970s and 1980s. A music room was added and the library renovated in 1995. The Academic Learning Center provides resources such as six study carrels, long tables, resistance bands, color overlays, and bean bags to support learning. Damien also operates a 1:1 Chromebook program to integrate technology into teaching.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Damien High School offers a robust student life program including the Associated Student Body, Debate, Damien Connect, Robotics, Spartan Ambassadors, Music Program and Spartan Regiment, Spirit Squad, and Sports Medicine. The school hosts numerous clubs as part of student life. These opportunities provide leadership, service, and collaborative experiences alongside athletics and academics.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has over 33 clubs on campus representing academic, service, sports, and special interests. Damien offers 27 AP courses as part of a college-preparatory program, along with specialty courses such as Computer Game Development, Drama, Architectural Design Concepts, Creative Writing, and Jazz Band. The co-curricular program supports broad opportunities in debate and robotics competitions. The co-curricular development fosters leadership, self-discipline, and social-emotional growth.

Arts & Creative
The Music Program includes the Spartan Regiment. Damien Drama Club provides opportunities for student performances. Damien Artisans Art Club offers visual arts activities. Film Club and Video Game (VG) Music & Art provide avenues for film-related and cross-media creative work.

Cultural & Language
International Exchange Society fosters cross-cultural understanding. Middle Eastern Culture Club explores regional cultural topics. Tri School Social Club promotes collaboration among Damien, St. Lucy's Priory, and Pomona Catholic.

Social & Hobbies
Airsoft Club and Road Biking Club are recreational clubs on campus. Video Game Music & Art combines gaming with music and visual arts. Damien Off-Road Club is a hobby-focused group.

Community & Service
Christian Stewardship is a service-focused club. Damien Tutoring Club provides tutoring support for peers. Palo Alto Project and Pomona Valley Hospital Volunteers Club are service-oriented groups. Campus Ministry fosters service through retreats and community outreach.

Leadership & Professional
Associated Student Body (ASB) is the student government that plans rallies, dances, house competitions, and school service projects. Spartan Ambassadors and Leaders for Life are leadership programs. Damien Connect is a campus outreach program. These activities support leadership development and community engagement.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mass is celebrated daily in the Chapel, with monthly school-wide Mass and various liturgical celebrations. The Retreat Program includes Adelphoi (Freshmen), Sophomore Retreat, Emmaus (Juniors), and Kairos (Seniors). The Pit serves as the student section at sporting events, complemented by fall and spring semester sports rallies. Damien offers 15 athletic programs across CIF and non-CIF competitions to support student-athlete wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
French, German, and Spanish are taught. French 1-3, German 1-3, Spanish 1-3, and AP courses (AP French Language & Culture, AP German Language & Culture, AP Spanish Language & Culture) are offered. Courses meet CSU/UC 'e' requirement and are NCAA Approved. World Languages Department Chairperson is Mr. Luis Hernandez.

Immersion Programs
Advanced Spanish 2 is conducted exclusively in Spanish. This represents an immersion-style approach within the World Languages program.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Sign up for the Class of 2030 Welcome & Schedule Planning Nights. The student and at least one parent must register to attend one of two evenings, March 19 or March 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., via the SchoolAdmin portal. The Welcome Night provides essential information to help transition to Damien High School. Attendees meet with academic department representatives and counselors to discuss the full schedule and submit elective and world language course preferences.

2. Complete enrollment documents. In the SchoolAdmin parent portal, read, complete/submit, and sign-off on all of the following forms: Parent-Student Handbook Agreement Form; Student Emergency Information Form; Consent for Counseling Form; Technology & Acceptable Use Policy; Boundary Guidelines and Code of Conduct Form; Permission for the Publication of Student Work/Pictures Form.

3. Complete your 2026-2027 registration — opens March 20, 2026. Starting on March 20, 2026, you will be able to access the final registration forms to complete enrollment in Damien High School for the 2026-27 academic year. The available forms include Registration and Parental Agreement Form and the option to Set up a Tuition Payment & Billing Plan with FACTS Tuition Management. All enrollment steps are accessed through the SchoolAdmin parent portal.

4. Summer 2026 athletic & extracurricular activities. Damien High School provides summer school options and summer athletic camps. Plans and schedules are announced later; families can review options when published. Summer offerings help students stay engaged and ready for the fall term.

Scholarships
Damien High School offers scholarships to incoming and current students. Scholarships are funded by donors and coordinated by a scholarship committee; the application processes vary for each named scholarship. Most freshmen scholarships are based on financial need and require completing the on-line FACTS Grant & Aid Application; if FACTS determines no financial need, the tuition assistance committee may review an appeal. After a family receives tuition assistance (Spartan Grant), the scholarship committee may supplement, replace, or enhance the grant with a named scholarship. The donor-supported scholarships include many named awards with different eligibility and nomination requirements. Examples include: Anthony M. Schiro Memorial Scholarship (junior only; faculty/staff nominated); Bill Hannon Foundation (incoming freshmen and current students; some awards require financial need; no application required); Cameron Mitchell '15 Memorial Scholarship Fund (junior only; faculty/staff nominated); Tom Carroll Memorial Scholarship Fund (sophomore/junior; faculty/staff nominated); and others. Scholarship descriptions may change and students are advised to review each donor's criteria carefully.
School Events
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