Smart Start

Since 1851, Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have been part of the cultural, social, and educational fabric of Southern California. During that time, our school ministry has encountered many challenges and overcame them with deep faith and conviction in our Gospel values. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has been the most disruptive event we have faced as a global society in modern times. For our schools, it represents an existential threat to the sustainability of our mission, particularly for the poor who have suffered most from the impact of the virus. Yet, over these past several months, we have collectively demonstrated who we are during this moment of great crisis. Through our resiliency and commitment to our students and their families, we have shown the very best of ourselves and our ministry. As we prepare to welcome our families back to campus, we will need to use that same resiliency to ensure our school environments maintain a high standard of health and safety for students and staff. This document (Guidance from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for On-Campus Instruction for the 2020-2021 School Year) represents the work of many in our archdiocese and colleagues from around the country. It is rooted in our Catholic tradition of education and represents our unique approach to student formation. We remain in a fluid and dynamic situation, so we must be flexible as public health circumstances change. Thank you for your faith, love, and labor through this extraordinary time. The Department of Catholic Schools is committed to journeying with you into this new school year.

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–CPHD Guidance for Schools