Servite High School

Servite's curriculum is designed so that its graduates meet entrance requirements for the University of California or California State University systems. The core curriculum including classes in English, fine arts, world languages, health and physical education, mathematics, theology, science, and social studies. Courses are designated as "College Preparatory," "Honors Placement," or "Advanced Placement" depending on their level of intellectual intensity.

The school's educational philosophy reflects the Catholic concept of formation, i.e. discovering and becoming the person God has intended one to be. The school motto Credo ut Intelligam ("I believe so I may understand") illustrates the emphasis the school places on developing leaders who are faith-filled men of God.

Since 2007, the student body has been grouped into eight student-led communities called "Priories," named after St. Philip Benizi and each of the Seven Holy Founders, and 48 smaller student-led homeroom communities. Each week, a block period is dedicated to student-led leadership activities. Additionally, students must perform 100 hours of "Christian service" over four years in order to graduate.{{citation|url=https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1681494894/servitehs/nc1y6mua48buil7pvtjn/2023-2024CourseCatalog3-24-2023FINAL_3.pdf|title=Graduation Requirements|work=Course Catalog 2023–2024|publisher=Servite High School|access-date=2023-09-01}}

In 1957, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles invited the Servites to open a school.{{cite web|url=https://www.servitehs.org/about/history|access-date=2023-09-01|title=History|publisher=Servite High School}} The school opened the following fall under principal Fr. Maurice Gillespie, OSM, who had previously served at St. Philip Basilica High School (closed 1970) in Chicago. As the academic buildings were not yet completed, some classes were taught at nearby St. Philip Benizi Elementary School, also operated by the Servites. The priory also being under construction, the priests lived on the second floor of the main building.{{citation|url=https://www.servitehs.org/uploaded/A_ALUMNI/REUNIONS/Fall_2015_Legenda.pdf|magazine=Legenda|title=New Facilities for Our Faith-Filled Leaders|first=Jim|last=Carter|date=Fall 2015|access-date=2023-09-12}} The main building was officially dedicated by Cardinal McIntyre on February 12, 1959, the feast day of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order.

From early on the school developed a strong athletic tradition. Its inaugural football team, fielded in 1960 and consisting of all sophomores and juniors, was CIF Southern Section co-champion in the Small Schools division.{{citation|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2012/05/08/column-class-of-62-launched-servite/|title=Class of '62 launched Servite|work=The Orange County Register|first=Frank|last=Mickadeit|date=May 8, 2012|access-date=2023-09-01}} Head football coach George Dena created Servite's Hut Drill in 1961, a choreographed formation drill performed at the start and end of every football game, and one of the school's most noted football traditions.{{citation|url=https://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/football/manu-in-the-middle-servite-hs-linebacker-prep-teammates-hope-to-jump-start-wildcats-program/article_b42b1cbe-3d29-11ec-9c46-6314f52953d0.html|title=Manu in the middle: Servite HS linebacker, prep teammates hope to jump-start Wildcats program|first=Justin|last=Spears|work=Arizona Daily Star|date=November 21, 2021|access-date=2023-09-01}} The same year, Servite joined the newly formed Angelus League with other Catholic schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties; Mater Dei in Santa Ana would become its principal football rival.{{citation|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-20-sp-186-story.html|title=Gone but Not Forgotten: Angelus League, Disbanding After 31 Years, Has More Than Its Share of Memories|first=Chris|last=Foster|date=May 20, 1992|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2023-02-03}}

Major campus expansions include a gym and aquatics facilities (in 1967), theater (1977), new classrooms (1984), and new science and library facility (1998). Servite's wrestling room was also a recent addition to the school on the campus' priory lawn (2006).{{Cite web|title=Servite High School: Campus Map/Tour|url=https://www.servitehs.org/about/campus|access-date=March 30, 2023}} In 2016 and 2017, the school constructed a new baseball complex, practice fields, weight pavilion, and new aquatics complex.

In 2017, the new $5.7 million aquatics facility opened and was dedicated to Fr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, who had worked at the school from 1970 to 1992 as swim and water polo coach as well as an algebra and religion teacher.{{citation|url=https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/servite-high-school-celebrates-grand-opening-of-father-kevin-fitzpatrick-aquatic-center/|title=Servite High School celebrates grand opening of Father Kevin Fitzpatrick Aquatic Center|magazine=Angelus|publisher=Archdiocese of Los Angeles|date=August 30, 2017|access-date=2023-09-12}}{{citation|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-08/servite-lawsuit-sexual-assault|title=New allegations of sexual abuse against a Servite High School priest surface in court|first=Salvador|last=Hernandez|date=December 8, 2022|access-date=2023-09-12}} After the passage of California AB 218, which gave a three-year window to file allegations of child sexual abuse beyond the statute of limitations, a former student brought suit in 2022 against the school claiming Fitzpatrick had abused him repeatedly. Lawsuits from other former students followed, and in July 2022 the school removed his name from the aquatics center.{{citation|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2022/09/22/four-more-former-servite-students-allege-fitzpatrick-sexually-assaulted-them/|title=Four more former Servite students allege Fitzpatrick sexually assaulted them|newspaper=The Orange County Register|date=September 22, 2022|access-date=2023-09-12|first=Scott|last=Reid}}

Admission to Servite is based on academic aptitude and leadership potential as assessed through 7th and 8th grade academic transcripts, standardized test and entrance exam scores, separate parent and student interviews, and letters of recommendation.{{cite web|url=https://www.servitehs.org/admissions/application-process|title=Application Process|access-date=2023-09-20|publisher=Servite High School}}

Base tuition for the 2023–24 school year of $19,995 could be offset by discounts. Servite also offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships; over half of students receive financial aid in some form.{{citation|url=https://www.servitehs.org/admissions/financial-aid|title=Financial Aid & Scholarships|publisher=Servite High School|access-date=2023-09-01}}

Servite's sister school is Rosary Academy, Fullerton, an all-girls Catholic institution. It also had a similar relationship with Cornelia Connelly High School in Anaheim before it closed in 2020.

Servite also has exchange programs with Servite schools around the world including Collège Notre-Dame des Servites (Ayer's Cliff, Quebec), Servite College (Perth, Western Australia), Blanche de Castille (Villemomble, France), Marian High School (Omaha, Nebraska), San Pelligrino (Misano, Italy), and Mary Star of the Sea (Zululand, South Africa).

Servite currently competes in the Trinity League in 13 CIF sports:

• Fall: cross country, football, water polo
• Winter: basketball, soccer, wrestling
• Spring: baseball, golf, lacrosse, swim, tennis, track & field, volleyball

Additionally, ice hockey and rugby are offered on a non-CIF, club sport basis, and all athletes are supported by sports medicine and strength and conditioning staff.

Servite's historic football rival is Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, having played every year since 1961. In 2018, MaxPreps rated it the 22nd greatest high school rivalry in the United States, and "the best rivalry in the toughest league in the nation."{{citation|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/5diPGPH_OEaQNDYX6OfVRw/top-25-greatest-high-school-football-rivalries.htm|title=Top 25 greatest high school football rivalries|first=Kevin|last=Askeland|date=November 15, 2018|access-date=2023-09-01}} In some years, there has been enough interest in the football game for it to be played at Angel Stadium.

Although the Mater Dei game has determined the league champion on a number of occasions, 2021 has been the only time the two have met to decide the CIF championship.{{citation|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/newsletter/2021-10-18/mater-dei-servite-football-prep-rally|date=October 18, 2021|title=How good is Servite football? We'll find out Saturday against Mater Dei|first=Eric|last=Sondheimer|work=The Los Angeles Times|access-date=2021-09-01}} Mater Dei prevailed 46-37{{citation|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-23-2021/football-21/mater-dei-vs-servite.htm?c=X6xc87HTd0q2UFuBlJH8pg|title=Servite Friars vs. Mater Dei Monarchs|date=October 23, 2023|publisher=MaxPreps|access-date=2023-09-01}} in that game, and has overall dominated the rivalry, with 44 victories to Servite's 17, and 2 ties, as of the 2022 season.

• Football: 1982, 2009, 2023
• Basketball: 1990
• Golf: 2011
• Cross Country:{{citation|url=https://www.servitehs.org/athletics/sports-teams/cross-country|title=Championships|publisher=Servite High School|work=Servite Cross Country website|access-date=2023-09-12}} 2004
• Soccer: 2015, 2020, 2022, 2024

Servite High School offers arts courses including classical guitar, choir, drawing, film production, art history, and music theory. In partnership with Rosary Academy, it offers Fundamentals of Theatre as an elective, and many extracurricular classes partnering with its all-girls sister school Rosary Academy, including: acting, musical theatre, technical theatre, playwriting, directing, and dance.

{{see also|:Category:Servite High School alumni}}

• Michael Bandy (2016),{{citation|url=https://www.servitehs.org/about/news/~board/news/post/usd-toreros-michael-bandy-16-becomes-a-2x-all-american|date=January 3, 2020|title=USD Toreros: Michael Bandy '16 Becomes A 2x All-American|first=Karlie|last=Carlson|publisher=Servite High School}} NFL wide receiver for the Denver Broncos
• Steve Beuerlein (1983), Notre Dame and NFL quarterback{{Cite news |last=Osterman |first=David |date=1993-01-26 |title=High School Lessons Carry Pros Through Careers - Discipline, Appreciation Recalled Most Often |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0EB043445DE6CE63&f=basic |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250407191807/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0EB043445DE6CE63&f=basic |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2025-04-07 |work=Orange County Register |page=C5 |via=NewsBank |quote=Servite's Steve Beuerlein is ...", "Others have included Blaine Nye, a 1964 graduate of Servite, who played on three Dallas teams.}}
• Derek Brown (1989), NFL running back{{cite news|title=Panthers Cut Greene, Sign Turnbull|work=Long Beach Press-Telegram|date=1997-08-25|quote=New Orleans running back Derek Brown, a former Servite star}}
• Steve Buechele (1979), MLB third baseman{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Sarah |date=1985-07-31 |title=Steve Buechele of Servite High Is Trying to Replace a Legend at Third Base for Texas, So It's No Wonder He Finds Himself in a Hot Spot |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-07-31-sp-5394-story.html |access-date=2025-04-07 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |department=Sports |page=1 |edition=Orange County}}
• Patrick Cantlay (2010), professional golfer
• Dale A. Drozd (1973), United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California and former chief United States magistrate judge of the same court.{{cite web|url=http://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/index.cfm/judges/all-judges/5017/united-states-district-judge-dale-a-drozd-dad|title=Official Site of United States District Court, Eastern District of California|access-date=2020-02-28}}
• Sean Estrada (2003), University of Pennsylvania and San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman,{{cite web|url=http://www.sf49ers.com/team/roster_detail.php?PRKey=146§ion=TE%20Roster|title=Official Site of the San Francisco 49ers - TE Roster|access-date=2008-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121055841/http://www.sf49ers.com/team/roster_detail.php?PRKey=146§ion=TE+Roster|archive-date=2008-01-21}} NFL Attorney for Labor Relations
• Cody Fajardo (2010), quarterback for University of Nevada and CFL's Edmonton Elks
• Noah Fifita (2022), quarterback for the University of Arizona
• Ben Francisco (1999), former MLB outfielder for Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians
• Chris Galippo (2007), middle linebacker at USC and US Army Bowl MVP
• Ryan Garko (1999), MLB first baseman for Seattle Mariners, college baseball coach
• A. J. Gass (1993), former CFL football player{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Tom |date=1992-10-03 |title=A.J. Gass Powers Servite Past Edison, 28-6 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-03-sp-138-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250407191256/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-03-sp-138-story.html |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2025-04-07 |work=Los Angeles Times |edition=Orange County}}
• Mason Graham (2022), Defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns{{cite web |title=Mason Graham - Football |url=https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/mason-graham/24350 |website=University of Michigan Athletics |language=en}}
• Dennis Sean Houlton (1997), Major League Baseball pitcher{{cite news|url=http://www.ocregister.com/sports/st-msonormal-class-1769422-moyer-place|title=Dodgers display rare power - Kent, Kemp both homer and the team bangs out 10 hits|last=Zupke|first=Curtis|work=The Orange County Register|access-date=2008-04-15|date=2007-07-16}}
• Cole Irvin (2012), former MLB pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, KBO pitcher for the Doosan Bears
• Frank Kalil (1977), NFL and USFL center
• Ryan Kalil (2003), offensive lineman at USC, center for Carolina Panthers, author, filmmaker[http://www.nfl.com/players/ryankalil/profile?id=KAL275632 Ryan Kalil bio]
• Matt Kalil (2008), former offensive tackle for USC and Carolina Panthers
• Craig A. Kelly (1972), former Ambassador of the United States to Chile{{Cite web |url=http://www.servitehs.org/apps/memoirs/show_memoir.jsp?REC_ID=11070 |title=Servite High School website |access-date=2008-04-15 |archive-date=2008-03-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315103051/http://servitehs.org/apps/memoirs/show_memoir.jsp?REC_ID=11070 |url-status=dead }}
• Keiro Kitagami (1985) Japanese politician, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
• Brian Lee (1989), entrepreneur, founder LegalZoom.com, Shoedazzle.com and The Honest Company
• Rex Lee (1987), actor, Entourage
• Bruce Marchiano (1973), actor, filmmaker, and attorney
• Jacob Manu (2022), linebacker for the University of Washington{{cite web |last1=Spears |first1=Justin |title=Arizona Wildcats land Anaheim Servite LB Jacob Manu for 2022 |url=https://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/football/arizona-wildcats-land-anaheim-servite-lb-jacob-manu-for-2022/article_b1f30248-2a1b-11ec-a448-6b6b92b2b741.html |website=Arizona Daily Star |date=10 October 2021 |access-date=14 June 2024}}
• James D. McCaffrey (1970), software research and author
• Mike McDonald (1983), comedian, actor
• John McEntee (2008), former political advisor
• Tetairoa McMillan (2022), wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers{{Cite web |last=Sondheimer |first=Eric |date=May 19, 2019 |title=Servite freshman Tetairoa McMillan is making an impression |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/varsity-times/la-sp-vti-tetairoa-mcmillan-servite-20190519-story.html |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}
• Richard McWilliam (1971), founder of Upper Deck Company
• Matt Moran (1980), NFL offensive tackle and high school football coach
• Troy Niklas (2011), former tight end for Notre Dame and NFL's Arizona Cardinals
• Father Brian Nunes (1978), Auxiliary Bishop-Elect of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
• Blaine Nye (1964), former NFL offensive lineman, and economics consultant
• Chris Pontius (2005), former soccer player, D.C. United midfielder
• Michael A. Rice (1973), university professor and Rhode Island state representative{{cite web|title=Michael A. Rice, Rhode Island General Assembly|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=204829 | publisher= Our Campaigns}}
• Mike Robertson (1987), former MLB first baseman and left fielder{{cite news |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |date=1994-05-07 |title=No Minor Mania Robertson Plays in Shawdow of Birmingham's Most Famous Baron |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-05-07-sp-54968-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250407191339/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-05-07-sp-54968-story.html |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2025-04-07 |work=Los Angeles Times}}
• Marc Rzepczynski (2003), former Major League Baseball pitcher for Seattle Mariners
• Vincent Bevins (2002), journalist for Washington Post, LA Times and Financial Times
• Joseph Sanberg (1997), founder CalEITC4Me and co-founder, Aspiration.com
• Turk Schonert (1975), Stanford and NFL quarterback, former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator{{cite web |title=Turk Schonert |url=http://www.buffalobills.com/team/coaches/turk-schonert/11dca9c7-0d74-4696-b8bc-738b89634a77 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307212521/http://www.buffalobills.com/team/coaches/turk-schonert/11dca9c7-0d74-4696-b8bc-738b89634a77 |archive-date=2009-03-07 |website=Buffalo Bills |access-date=2009-03-17}}
• Zach Shallcross (2014), star of season 27 of The Bachelor{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Aaron|title=Newest 'Bachelor' Zach Shallcross was high school football player at Southern California's Servite|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/3cKspdV__E2a0tRTHdfZqw/newest-bachelor-zach-shallcross-was-high-school-football-player-at-southern-californias-servite.htm|date=September 22, 2022|accessdate=October 2, 2022|work=MaxPreps}}
• Matt Slater (2003), former captain and wide receiver for New England Patriots
• Equanimeous St. Brown (2015),{{Cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Chris |date=July 18, 2014 |title=Equanimeous St. Brown: Meet college football's most interesting recruit |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2014/07/18/equanimeous-st-brown-most-interesting-prospect|access-date=October 30, 2018}} former NFL wide receiver
• Keith Taylor (2017), NFL cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons
• Kurt Vollers (1997), former NFL tackle{{cite news|title=Live and Learn; Servite's Volelrs Hopes to Teach Mater Dei a Lesson This Time|last=Terry|first=Mike|date=1996-10-11|page=8|work=Los Angeles Times}}
• Patrick Warburton, (1982) actor (did not graduate; transferred out)
• Ed Whelan, (1978), American lawyer, legal activist, and political commentator.
• Matt Willis (2002), former wide receiver for UCLA and Denver Broncos
• Mike Witt (1978), MLB pitcher, pitched perfect game on September 30, 1984 for California Angels{{cite news|title=Former Angel Finds Baseball Salvation at Dana Hills; High school: Pitching coach Mike Witt enjoys teaching Dolphin players more about the game|work=Los Angeles Times|last=Terry|first=Mike|date=1997-08-10|quote=Witt was a standout baseball and basketball player at Servite High in 1975-78}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.servitehs.org/ Servite High School Official Site]
• [https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_detail.asp?ID=01604147 NCES: Servite High School]
• [https://www.servitepriory.org/ Servite Priory Website]
• [https://www.servitefootball.com/ ServiteFootball.com]

{{Anaheim, California}}

{{Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange|state=collapsed}}

{{Orange County, California Schools}}

{{Boys' schools in California}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Boys' schools in the United States

Category:Educational institutions established in 1958

Category:Catholic secondary schools in California

Category:Catholic preparatory schools in California

Category:Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

Category:Servite schools

Category:High schools in Anaheim, California

Category:1958 establishments in California