News & Articles

Memorization is a dying art. An entire world of information is available at our fingertips. We can go online and read the books of millions of libraries, see the art of thousands of museums, and watch the videos of countless speeches. Why should we memorize anything? In contrast to this prevailing contemporary mood, declaiming is a profoundly embodied and meditative act in a disembodied and relentlessly dislocated age. There is no shortcut to wisdom, no quick workaround or online learning model that can accomplish the task of deep learning for you. As the world-famous mathematician, Terence Tao, recently said, AI tools are like taking a helicopter to the top of a mountain and missing the benefits of the journey itself. By contrast, the declaimer must sit with, ponder on, and connect with the text if it is to be declaimed with real understanding.

In returning from our 3rd annual Tolkien Retreat, we asked our travelers to share reflections from their week away together. Pacifica’s Tolkien Retreat invites our students and staff to experience an imaginative world at the beautiful grounds of Lake Leonard Reserve—as they take on the challenge of reading the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy together.

It is our distinct pleasure to announce our finalists for the 5th Annual TGC Declamations Contest! There were many qualified candidates this year, but these nine finalists rose to the top. These students will now move on to our Declamations Finals event on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Pacifica Christian High School is proud to celebrate the remarkable experience of Isadora Salekfard ('27), who recently took center stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ 51st Annual Candlelight Concert—their holiday gala that raises crucial support for arts education in our community.

As we wrap another year, we thank God for all that He has provided to us and for His provision ahead. From celebrating our annual Triton Traditions to inaugurating new teams and events, life and flourishing continues in all parts of Pacifica. Read just a few of our highlights from the year as we look forward to 2026!

Our Deans & Directors enjoyed a discussion led by Matthew Hall, Provost of Biola University, on Leading Through Criticism. You can read his full article here where he discusses 3 areas of consideration in upon giving and receiving critcism.

St. Mark's Junior and Senior Ladies Christmas Dinner was held on Thursday, December 11. The girls and their mentors got dressed up in their Christmas best for a night of celebration: featuring a delicious dinner on Christmas china, a hot cocoa and cider bar, and White Elephant sock exchange.

Inspired by the Pacifica Continuum—our picture of education as a joy-filled, freedom-shaping adventure—eight coins (2 per House) are awarded each month by faculty and staff to students who embody these attributes, accompanied by a personalized note.

Inspired by the Pacifica Continuum—our picture of education as a joy-filled, freedom-shaping adventure—eight coins (2 per House) are awarded each month by faculty and staff to students who embody these attributes, accompanied by a personalized note.

Ryan Martin began his journey with rowing at Pacifica and is now he's making strides in Washington and Team USA. We're excited to continue following and supporting Ryan's journey!