A group of parents came together in January 2017 to explore bringing classical education in the Catholic tradition to Bakersfield. Those parents wanted a education for their children grounded in Catholic tradition and teaching that would form their children intellectually and spiritually.

Those parents formed a board which has been working with the community to bring this model to fruition. The board has also worked with the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE). The ICLE is an organization that "exists to give Catholic educators a clear understanding of the riches of authentic Catholic education, yesterday and today, and to help them implement the Church’s vision in their institutions. The Institute is committed in a particular way to recovering and adapting the classical liberal arts tradition as the best foundation for a full flowering of Catholic education at all levels" (see the ICLE website for more info).

Although we are inspired by Catholic teaching and are faithful to the Magisterium, we have not been recognized by the diocese of Fresno at the present time.

The SJVA family encourages you to contact the headmaster with questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to discussing with you the classical curriculum model and the possibility of your family joining our family as we lift up our hearts to our Lord who is the Way, the Truth and the Life - sursum corda!