Founded in 1951, Mary Star of the Sea High School has a rich history rooted in faith and education. The school is located in San Pedro. It serves the Los Angeles Harbor and surrounding communities. Mary Star of the Sea High School operates under the supervision of the Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Monsignor George M. Scott founded Mary Star of the Sea High School. Sr. Nepomucen, IHM, was the school’s first principal. The school was initially staffed largely by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. Mary Star of the Sea High School graduated its first class in 1954. Brothers of the Holy Cross and archdiocesan priests also helped staff the school.
Fermin Lasuen High School for boys was established in 1959. Mary Star of the Sea High School transitioned from a co-ed school to an all-girls school. Fermin Lasuen High School closed in 1971. Mary Star of the Sea High School became co-ed again.
The last Immaculate Heart Sister left the school in 1992. The Norbertine Fathers have helped staff the school since 1991. St. Norbert founded the Norbertine Order in 1121. They combine priestly and monastic life ideals. They have been in education for over eight centuries. The current Administration and Faculty are predominately lay women and men.
In 2007, Mary Star of the Sea High School moved to a new campus on Taper Avenue. Cardinal Roger Mahony dedicated the new campus on September 30, 2007. The students and faculty held class at the new campus on November 28, 2007.
Mary Star of the Sea High School challenges students to reach their full human potential. This happens through a living faith in God. Mary Star promotes growth in self-discipline and responsibility. This happens through leadership, athletic, and service opportunities.
Mary Star focuses on four principal goals for each student. The goals are nourishing the soul, cultivating personal integrity, challenging the mind, and fostering social responsibility. Mary Star students must achieve a minimum of 240 academic units to graduate. Students must accumulate a minimum of 80 hours of Christian service.
Mary Star of the Sea High School offers 18 Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Mary Star offers exceptional students the opportunity to take additional Advanced Placement exams. Mary Star of the Sea High School provides for the needs of both college-bound and non-college-bound students. Mary Star teachers use a grading scale to compute assignments, tests, and report cards.
Honor roll status is based on the previous semester’s grades. Mary Star hosts 10 Honor Societies on campus. Mary Star of the Sea High School continues to play a vital role in the community. The school enriches the traditions begun in 1951. Mary Star of the Sea High School has graduated over 5,000 students. Ninety-eight percent of the class plans to attend the college or university of their choice.