History
Christ the King Catholic School opened its doors to two hundred students on September 5, 1961. Fifty students were enrolled in each of the first through fourth grade classrooms. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet were chosen to staff the school. The first year of operation the school was staffed entirely by religious. The original school consisted of eight classrooms, a library, a health room, faculty room and two offices.
With the addition of another first grade class of fifty students each September, the school reached its full capacity of 400 students, eight grades, and its first graduating class in June of 1966. This same year marked the beginning of departmental teaching in the three upper grades.
In the 1970’s Christ the King Catholic School added Kindergarten classes. The Parent Association (PA) was formed to provide fund raising, parent education, and social events. The first School Board was elected as an advisory body to assist administration in formulating school policy.
In the 1980’s the addition of a Learning Center brought much-needed technological advances to Christ the King. Extended Day Care was also introduced to provide before and after school care for students of working parents. The annual Parish Festival, which began as a one-day carnival, has grown to a two-day major event full of fun activities.
A new junior high wing was built and opened in January of 1999. The school suffered a devastating fire in its central school building in May of 1999. With much hard work, dedication, and loving hands a new school was constructed and opened its doors for the 2000-2001 school year. Christ the King Catholic School’s tradition of academic excellence was continued in March 2004 with the renewal of accreditations from the Western Catholic Education Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
2007-2008 saw a major upgrade to our classroom technology. ActivBoards and ActiVotes were installed in all classrooms to bring interactive technology to our students. Teachers received iMac laptops to incorporate their lessons with this new technology. The Media Center computers were upgraded to dual platform iMacs to allow both Microsoft and Apple technologies.
In 2009-2010 the beautiful Garden of Blessing and Prayer Gardens were completed. They provide a peaceful meditation space, an outdoor nature classroom, a fruit and vegetable garden and Stations of the Cross. Throughout their years at CTK, all students spend time working and learning in these gardens as part of the school curriculum.
2010-2011 began with a 6 year renewal of our accreditation from the Western Catholic Education Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It also brought the addition of an outdoor amphitheater to our campus. Located at the edge of our junior high wing, it provides open seating for classes, small performances, and many other school and parish activities. In 2011-2012 we celebrated 50 years of providing Catholic education to our community. Our amphitheater was dedicated in honor of this milestone.
In 2014-2016 we participated in the Western Catholic Education Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WCEA/WASC) accreditation process and were awarded a renewal of our accreditation for six years in the summer of 2016. A protective fence with vehicle and pedestrian gates was also completed in July 2016.
Our 2017 school year began with the opening of our newly renovated Media Lab and Library. It is a multifunctional space with mobile shelving and tables, regular and soft seating, whiteboards, a Lego wall, and wireless projection and technology capabilities. Its flexible design and welcoming atmosphere meet the needs of our youngest students up through our faculty and staff, as well as adult community members.
During the 2018-2019 school year, a Christ the King Catholic School Endowment Fund was established. In addition, a stealth safety committee was created whereby a robust emergency operation plan (new to CTK school) exists in all school building locations; with strong safety initiatives and goals shaping our days. Both CTK School and CTK Parish oversaw the completion of numerous construction and maintenance projects. A new roof for the main school building was completed in the summer of 2018. Further, solar panels were installed on both the school and gym, benefiting both CTK School and the parish. Additional bandwidth, a new public address system, and a new bell system were also installed during the year.
In the spring of 2019, the parish opened the new parish Ministry Center, further strengthening the spiritual foundation of our parish and school community. A comprehensive renovation of the gym complex—including the restrooms, foyer, and Parish Hall—was initiated. In addition, new plexiglass backboards were installed to all outdoor basketball court locations creating a modern-look. Lastly, in the summer of 2019, new flooring was installed in the main school building, and a new sewage system was implemented for both CTK School and CTK Parish.
The 2019-2021 school years presented unique challenges with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, schools were forced to close, and instruction was delivered virtually until March 2021, when students returned to campus for a modified hybrid learning model. Despite these challenges, CTK remained committed to academic excellence and Catholic faith-based education. A gifted and experienced CTK medical team of experts and school senior leadership met often as a committed Covid health task force leading the way. A fiber network was installed for faster internet access, new Promethean Smart Boards were placed in all classrooms, and all students transitioned to 1:1 devices to support at-home learning. The use of online technology increased exponentially. Thanks to the faith, perseverance, and dedication of our students, families, faculty, and staff, we overcame these difficulties with resilience and strength.
The 2021-2022 school year marked a return to a fully in-person learning environment, allowing students to once again experience the rich, faith-filled academic atmosphere that defines CTK School. Our library’s physical setting was updated, and funds were allocated to enhance literacy resources and materials in all classrooms. Additionally, a marketing and communication plan led to the launch of The CTK Ray, a biannual publication highlighting the school's Catholic identity, legacy, traditions, and commitment to academic excellence, distributed to all stakeholders. A new school logo, brand, and mantra—"One Community One Family"—were adopted to strengthen our marketing and communication efforts.
Two major capital projects were completed this year: the repaving and striping of campus-wide asphalt and a complete renovation of our outdoor Garden of Blessing, which now includes a greenhouse, outdoor classroom and benches, and a designated learning environment where students can connect faith with stewardship of God’s creation.
During the 2022-2023 school year, as part of our marketing and communication efforts, new signage was affixed to outdoor areas of the school, highlighting Christ the King Catholic School’s faith-centered mission, commitment to academic rigor, and community values. Additionally, four new water dispensing/filling stations were installed throughout the school and outdoor campus, and new air-conditioning units were installed in the middle school.
Following an 18-month in-depth study and report, CTK received high commendations for academic excellence and Catholic identity and was granted full-term, six-year accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) through June 30, 2029.
The 2023-2024 school year was marked by extensive campus improvement projects. Faculty and staff reviewed and adopted a new math curriculum—enVision by Savvas Learning—selected for its rigorous academic standards and ability to support diverse learners within our Catholic school environment. This new program was chosen for implementation in the 2024-2025 school year, accompanied by ongoing professional development opportunities. A math specialist was also hired to support differentiation and learning for students in grades 4-7.
A furniture committee selected and purchased new desks, chairs, outdoor tables, and umbrellas schoolwide, which were funded through a successful Fund-a-Need campaign and installed in the summer of 2024. The technology department focused on enhancing connectivity, efficiency, security, and network stability. Improvements included extending the Wi-Fi, phone, and loudspeaker system to the Parish Hall and gym, updating access points for faster speeds and greater coverage, improving security measures, and installing Redcat speaker systems in each classroom to enhance the learning experience within a Catholic academic environment.
The 2024-2025 school year began with maximum enrollment and active waitlists, a testament to the strength of CTK’s Catholic faith and academic tradition and commitment to excellence. Faculty and staff continued professional development initiatives, focusing on mathematics instruction, writing literacy, and faith-based formation. Additionally, new student leadership and academic initiatives were introduced, including the Moderator and Student-Led Spiritual Council, an Academic Decathlon Team, Art in Action, and Catholic Virtue Programming, reinforcing intellectual growth and moral development.
Educational sessions for parents and students were conducted, covering topics such as drug awareness through the Song for Charlie program and responsible social media use guided by Catholic ethical teachings. The year’s capital project, led by an ad hoc steering committee, focused on replacing the school’s "Big Toy" playground while integrating environmental enhancements that align with faith-based learning and stewardship principles. In addition, plans for a CTK Vacation Bible Camp are in the works for a June 2025 week of fun and spiritual discovery. CTK Vacation Bible Camp allows our students to feel empowered in learning and living their faith. Further, planning is in session regarding a late Spring 2025 CTK Arts Festival that profiles our students' creative works based on master artists; and expanding their knowledge in art techniques, cultural understanding, and creative design.
As we look ahead, Christ the King Catholic School remains steadfast in its mission to provide a faith-filled, academically rigorous learning environment where students develop the skills and virtues necessary to lead with faith, knowledge, and service in the world. We are inspired and immensely grateful for our students, present and past, who continue to excel and accomplish great heights of learning and discovery within and beyond our walls.