Spiritual Life

An Essential Part of BEING Human

Pacifica is founded on the fundamental belief that we are all God’s beloved creation and that spiritual refinement is an essential part of bringing communities together. At Pacifica, students learn that asking questions is more important than being fed the answers, and spiritual life at Pacifica is truly a signature part of the student experience. 

The anchor that makes our school a unique place for students to explore their faith is our staff, who are rooted in Christian faith and apt at artfully integrating the larger questions inside the classroom. Where appropriate, teachers engage with students’ naturally inquisitive selves about the great unknown as well as why a relationship with God matters.

Outside the classroom, Pacifica students learn to explore their faith through a robust calendar of co-curricular events, service opportunities, and on the All-School Retreat.

Pacifica Chapel

Students attend weekly chapel, which is a time reserved for prayer, singing, and a short teaching by our chapel director, a staff member, or a guest speaker. Everyone attends, making it a distinctive time during the week when the entire school is gathered together. The goal of chapel at Pacifica is to tell God’s story to all students so that they may walk further down the road on their spiritual journey. The amazing life of Christ and His gospel message is a message of hope and one that transforms lives. The Pacifica administration and faculty are devoted to living authentic lives and embracing all students regardless of their religious background. We believe that the pursuit of God happens as students, parents, and faculty engage in an honest and open conversation.

All-School Retreat

God’s love is ever-present at Pacifica, and nowhere is it more evident and alive than at the All-School Retreat. There, amid the games, mud pits, and ziplines, students can connect with their teachers in small group settings to talk about the real issues that affect their daily lives. When questions of faith come up, Pacifica staff do not put them on a shelf but rather lean into them with love, grace, and empathy.

Young Life

One of Pacifica’s strongest allies for serving the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of teenagers is Young Life. For over a decade, Young Life leaders have visited students on campus, forming friendships and serving as Christian role models. Young Life camps have served as the hosts of the All-School Retreat every year since 2007, and the entire school has traveled to San Diego, NoCal, and Arizona to enjoy the state-of-the-art adventure and retreat atmospheres provided by Young Life camps.