About Us
Principal’s Welcome
Welcome to St. Joachim Catholic School!
It is my sincerest pleasure to welcome you to our school as Principal. Founded in 1949, St. Joachim School has served the City of Costa Mesa and the Diocese of Orange by providing quality Christ-centered education for 75 years. Our school is a welcoming and inclusive community that strives to provide the best possible education for our students.
At St. Joachim School, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where your child can grow both academically and spiritually. Our dedicated and experienced faculty work tirelessly to provide a challenging curriculum that prepares our students for success in high school and beyond. We believe that every child has unique talents and abilities, and we work to foster these talents through a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs.
We also value the importance of faith and spirituality in our students’ lives. Our school is rooted in Catholic tradition, and we strive to instill in our students a love for God and a commitment to service. We believe that our students’ spiritual growth is just as important as their academic growth, and we work to provide opportunities for prayer and reflection throughout the school day.
As a member of our school, we want to assure you that we are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Our community is warm and welcoming, and we encourage you to get involved in the many activities and events that take place throughout the school year. We believe that parents play a vital role in their child’s education, and we look forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible educational experience for your child.
Once again, welcome to St. Joachim School. We are excited to have you as a part of our community, and we look forward to getting to know you and your child.
Sincerely,
Kelly Botto
Principal, St. Joachim School
Mission & Philosophy
MISSION
St. Joachim Catholic School, in partnership with parents and our parish community, forms disciples of Christ through a Catholic education that nurtures the whole child—mind, body, heart, and soul. We foster academic excellence, inspire service to others, and empower students to become life-long learners who transform the world through faith, leadership, and compassion.
PHILOSOPHY
At St. Joachim Catholic School, we believe that parents are the primary educators, and we work in close collaboration with families to support each child’s growth. Rooted in our Catholic faith and parish life, we cultivate an inclusive, faith-filled environment where students are known, valued, and challenged to grow. Through a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service to others, we guide students to think critically, act justly, and lead with integrity. Our community is united in forming disciples who live their faith with joy, purpose, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Student Learning Expectations
By the time your child graduates from Saint Joachim Catholic School, we would expect them to have developed the following schoolwide learning expectations:
Active Faith-filled Catholic who
a. prays and builds a personal relationship with God
b. demonstrates understanding of the Catholic faith
c. practices the teachings of Catholic social justice
Lifelong Learner who
a. takes initiative, exhibits self-control, and perseveres
b. utilizes problem solving and critical thinking skills
c. demonstrates responsible and ethical use of technology
d. appreciates the arts
Effective Communicator who
a. speaks and writes clearly
b. demonstrates active listening and participation skills
c. collaborates and cooperates with others
Responsible Global Citizen who
a. respects all of God’s creation
b. takes responsibility for one’s actions and resolves conflicts peacefully
c. develops global awareness of issues and respect for diversity
d. shares their God-given talents
ACCREDITATION
Saint Joachim Catholic School is proud to be accredited by both the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
