NORTH PARK – Situated just half a mile apart from each other in North Park, St. Augustine High School and St. Patrick School, both operated by the Order of St. Augustine, have finalized details for a new initiative to promote Catholic education in San Diego and strengthen their Augustinian relationship.
The Augustinian Promise is a guaranteed admissions program for eighth-grade boys graduating from St. Patrick School to St. Augustine High School if they meet certain criteria. To be eligible for the Augustinian Promise a student must have: attended St. Patrick School for at least five years (starting in fourth grade), maintained a 2.5 GPA and have no failing grades in junior high years (6th-8th), exemplary Christian conduct, and participated in a Christian service project.
Additionally, all students admitted to Saints under the Augustinian Promise must sit for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at Saints. This program will start with the 2020-2021 school year.
Jim Horne, principal of St. Augustine High School, initiated this program in cooperation with Hernán Valdivia, principal of St. Patrick School and a member of the Saints Class of 1993, in order to promote enrollment and advance the Augustinian mission.
“Both schools share the same mission,” said Horne. “This program represents our commitment not only to Catholic education in North Park, but to the advancement of our Augustinian charisms of unity, truth and love that are at the heart of both communities.”
In addition to the Augustinian Promise, the effort to strengthen the relationship between Saints and St. Patrick’s also includes collaboration in the areas of curriculum development, shared use of facilities, and joint opportunities for Christian service and ministerial formation for students.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said Valdivia, adding, “We’ve always had a great relationship with Saints and this program looks to build on that. This is a major win not only for our boys, but for all our students who will benefit.”
Founded in 1922, St. Augustine High School is the only all-boys Catholic high school in the Diocese of San Diego. Founded in 1944, St. Patrick School celebrates 75 years of providing Catholic elementary education in North Park.
The Southern Cross
