Here you will find information on the school’s patron saint, the founders, the mission, and pedagogical approach.
OUR PATRON
Serra was born and baptized on November 24, 1713 in the town of Petra, Mallorca, Spain. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. He grew up in a poor and deeply religious community. He had a sister. His teachers were Franciscan priests who noticed his deep faith and intellect when he was just a young boy.
In 1737, after many years of study, he was ordained a Catholic priest of the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the Franciscans. He would take the name Junípero, after Saint Francis’ sidekick. His main ministry from 1740-1749 was Professorof Sacred Theology and Philosophy at Lullian University in Palma, Mallorca. He was very popular with his students. Yet something gnawed at his heart. He felt God calling him to serve in some other way. When the call came from New Spain for missionaries, he responded with a resounding YES. On December 17, 1749, after a difficult time crossing the Atlantic, he landed at Veracruz (in modern-day Mexico). For the next twenty-years he served communities, mainly the Pame Indians, who were already Catholic. His dream had always been to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who never heard it before. He would get his wish in 1769, a few days journey south of San Diego.
For the next 15 years he would set-up nine missions in present-day California, from San Diego in the south to San Francisco in the north. He died at Mission Carmel on August 28, 1784.
ABOUT US
Founded in 2026 by wife and husband team Iris L. Clifford and Christian Clifford to meet a need of assisting Filipino preschoolers. Serra’s motto ¡Siempre adelante! has become theirs too, believing that with the right tools and strategies, one can accomplish great things.
Together they have over 60 years teaching experience, both in the Philippines and United States. Learn more about them on the Staff Page.