OUR HISTORY
1959
St. Justin Martyr Catholic School opens in September with 300 students in Grades 1–3 and five lay teachers.
Mrs. Juliet Rock serves as the first principal.
1960
At the invitation of founding pastor Fr. Hugh O’Connor, the Felician Sisters arrive to administer and teach at the school.
Sister Mary Nazarita becomes principal.
1961–1964
One grade is added each year until the school includes Grades 1–8 by 1964.
1965
The first graduating class consists of 85 students in two classes.
1966–1986
The school is led by successive Felician Sisters as principals:
1966–1969: Sister Mary Theogenia (Jeanne Marie Slovina)
1969–1972: Sister Mary Bernardia Jenrush
1972–1978: Sister Joan Marie Slovina
1978–1983: Sister Mary Doris Scheberle
1983–1986: Sister Alice Mary Pruss
1976
The Diocese of Orange is formed; St. Justin Martyr School becomes part of the new diocese, transitioning from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
1981
A Parent-Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) Board is established to support school fundraising efforts.
1983
A Kindergarten class is added to the school.
Sister Christina Marie Conroy becomes principal (1986–1993).
1988
A School Board is formed (later renamed the Consultative Board) to advise the school administration.
1993
The Felician Sisters conclude their service at the school.
Mrs. Kathleen Falcone becomes the first lay principal (1993–2008).
2008–2022
Mrs. Janet Balsis serves as principal, continuing the school’s mission into the 21st century.
2014
A Transitional Kindergarten (TK) class is added to expand early childhood education offerings.
2022–2024
Mrs. Elva Pelayo is appointed principal.
TODAY
Mrs. Audrey Blanchette is appointed principal. Pax Christi Academies becomes the new governing body of the school, under the Diocese of Orange.