Ramona Convent Secondary School
Encyclopedia
Ramona Convent Secondary School is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school for girls grades 7-12. Established in 1889 by the Sisters of the Holy Names, Ramona is one of the oldest continually operating schools in the same location in California and has graduated over 8,300 students. Today, more than 5,600 alumnae located throughout the world serve their communities both professionally and personally. Ramona is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
and was a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence recipient in 1993 and 1998. 99-100% of Ramona graduates enter college directly after graduation.
school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
is to provide an educational program that results in graduates who are well-rounded young women characterized by academic excellence, spiritual depth, moral strength, and personal grace, open to the wisdom of other cultures and traditions, and prepared for leadership in the twenty-first century.
service to the community. The school offers a wide-range of co-curricular activities and sports. Ramona high school students compete in eight sports: basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming,tennis, track & field, tennis and volleyball, in the Sunshine League of the CIF
, under the California Interscholastic Federation
and the Catholic Athletic Association.
families interested in the Catholic education of their daughters. The James de Barth Shorb Family donated fifteen of the thirty-one and a half acres of the original property. The first building to be built was a four-story red brick building on the knoll that dominated the Convent grounds. The dedication ceremony was presided over by the Right Reverend Bishop Mora of Los Angeles on January 29, 1890. The first commencement exercises were held on June 23, 1891. The groundbreaking ceremony for the major part of the school, took place April 18, 1910. Three years later the new chapel was dedicated by the Right Reverend Bishop Conaty of Los Angeles
. In the years that followed, several additions were made, including the boarding school housing, gymnasium, Junior Living Room, swimming pool, English Wing, Science Building, Sister's Residence and the stables.
In 1939, 3 acres (12,140.6 m²) were sold to the State of California for the San Bernardino, Interstate 10 Freeway.
In 1967 a Master building plan was developed and implemented, first adding the library with computer and language labs in 1967.
Approximately four acres of the southwestern section of Ramona's property were sold In 1979 in order to help fund further implementation of the Master Plan. Additions to the Plan included the 16-classroom Dufresne Building and the multi-purpose gymnasium. Those buildings were dedicated in February 1981. Because of extensive damage caused by the October 1, 1987, Whittier Narrows earthquake
, the main buildings built between 1889-1912 were soon demolished. A building to house administrative offices, kitchen and dining facilities, and a chapel was dedicated on November 12, 1989, the beginning of Ramona's second century of excellence. Ramona received Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status from the U.S. Department of Education in 1983 and again in 1998.
Foundation, and FSC
International, just competed in its sixth FIRST
Robotics Competition at the San Diego Regional Competition. Ramona students compete in eight sports in the Sunshine League of the CIF
.
A woman of faith who can
A well-rounded person who can
A critical thinker who can
A communicator who can
A leader who can
Religious Affiliation: 88.0% Catholic, 12.0% other faiths
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is one of six official academic bodies responsible for the accreditation of public and private universities, colleges, secondary and elementary schools in the United States and foreign institutions of American origin. The Western Association of...
and was a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence recipient in 1993 and 1998. 99-100% of Ramona graduates enter college directly after graduation.
Mission statement
Ramona's mission as a CatholicCatholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary is a teaching order founded at Longueuil, Québec, Canada in 1843 by Blessed Mother Marie-Rose for the Christian education of young girls.Their motto is: "Jésus et Marie, Ma Force et Ma Gloire" .Since 1843, the...
is to provide an educational program that results in graduates who are well-rounded young women characterized by academic excellence, spiritual depth, moral strength, and personal grace, open to the wisdom of other cultures and traditions, and prepared for leadership in the twenty-first century.
High School Program
Ramona offers a wide variety of activities to its students - academic, service, and cultural. The challenging academic program includes 25 Honors and Advanced Placement classes. Its campus ministry involves the students in social action through ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
service to the community. The school offers a wide-range of co-curricular activities and sports. Ramona high school students compete in eight sports: basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming,tennis, track & field, tennis and volleyball, in the Sunshine League of the CIF
California Interscholastic Federation
The California Interscholastic Federation is the governing body for high school sports in the state of California. It mirrors similar governing bodies in other states; however, it differs from some of the others in that it covers most high schools in the state of California, both public and...
, under the California Interscholastic Federation
California Interscholastic Federation
The California Interscholastic Federation is the governing body for high school sports in the state of California. It mirrors similar governing bodies in other states; however, it differs from some of the others in that it covers most high schools in the state of California, both public and...
and the Catholic Athletic Association.
Junior High Program
Ramona Convent Preparatory School offers an uncommonly known benefit in that it provides an exceptional 7th and 8th grade program. Younger girls benefit by entering into a challenging curriculum that especially prepares her for high school. The junior high features small class sizes, and the early opportunity for advanced placement in foreign languages and mathematics for qualified students. Junior high students may participate in three sports.History
Historical Ramona Convent Secondary School's first building was dedicated at Ramona Acres, on January 29, 1890 on the expansive property that was later called Shorb, and is now part of the City of Alhambra. The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary came from Oakland at the request of several prominent San Gabriel ValleySan Gabriel Valley
The San Gabriel Valley is one of the principal valleys of Southern California, United States. It lies to the east of Los Angeles, to the north of the Puente Hills, to the south of the San Gabriel Mountains, and west of the Inland Empire. It derives its name from the San Gabriel River that flows...
families interested in the Catholic education of their daughters. The James de Barth Shorb Family donated fifteen of the thirty-one and a half acres of the original property. The first building to be built was a four-story red brick building on the knoll that dominated the Convent grounds. The dedication ceremony was presided over by the Right Reverend Bishop Mora of Los Angeles on January 29, 1890. The first commencement exercises were held on June 23, 1891. The groundbreaking ceremony for the major part of the school, took place April 18, 1910. Three years later the new chapel was dedicated by the Right Reverend Bishop Conaty of Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. In the years that followed, several additions were made, including the boarding school housing, gymnasium, Junior Living Room, swimming pool, English Wing, Science Building, Sister's Residence and the stables.
In 1939, 3 acres (12,140.6 m²) were sold to the State of California for the San Bernardino, Interstate 10 Freeway.
In 1967 a Master building plan was developed and implemented, first adding the library with computer and language labs in 1967.
Approximately four acres of the southwestern section of Ramona's property were sold In 1979 in order to help fund further implementation of the Master Plan. Additions to the Plan included the 16-classroom Dufresne Building and the multi-purpose gymnasium. Those buildings were dedicated in February 1981. Because of extensive damage caused by the October 1, 1987, Whittier Narrows earthquake
Whittier Narrows earthquake
The 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake struck the southern San Gabriel Valley and surrounding communities of southern California at 7:42 a.m. on October 1, 1987. The magnitude 5.9 earthquake was originally assigned a magnitude of 6.0 but was revised a few days later when additional data became...
, the main buildings built between 1889-1912 were soon demolished. A building to house administrative offices, kitchen and dining facilities, and a chapel was dedicated on November 12, 1989, the beginning of Ramona's second century of excellence. Ramona received Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status from the U.S. Department of Education in 1983 and again in 1998.
Co-Curricular activities
Ramona offers an extensive variety of co-curricular activities to its students. . Ramona’s Campus Ministry involves the students in social action through Christian service to the greater community. Options for student travel led by teachers during the last three years have been London/Dublin, Italy, Paris/Madrid, and Quebec. In 2007-2008 our students traveled to Italy/Sicily and Japan. Students are encouraged to audition and perform in Ramona’s productions. The music department presents two choral concerts and offers a spring concert tour. Other clubs include Student Council and the American Technology Honors Society. Ramona’s Robotics team, sponsored by the Margaret Hall Foundation, Wells FargoWells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational diversified financial services company with operations around the world. Wells Fargo is the fourth largest bank in the U.S. by assets and the largest bank by market capitalization. Wells Fargo is the second largest bank in deposits, home...
Foundation, and FSC
Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder organization established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. Its main tools for achieving this are standard setting, independent certification and labeling of forest products...
International, just competed in its sixth FIRST
First
First or 1st is the ordinal form of the number one.First or 1st may also refer to:* First , minor summit below the Schwarzhorn in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland* First , mountain in Bernese Alps in Switzerland...
Robotics Competition at the San Diego Regional Competition. Ramona students compete in eight sports in the Sunshine League of the CIF
California Interscholastic Federation
The California Interscholastic Federation is the governing body for high school sports in the state of California. It mirrors similar governing bodies in other states; however, it differs from some of the others in that it covers most high schools in the state of California, both public and...
.
Student Learning Expectations
A Ramona graduate is . . .A woman of faith who can
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic faith and heritage.
- Explain her own spirituality while respecting other belief systems.
- Share her time and talents with others through service.
- Identify and act against injustice and prejudice.
- Participate willingly in the development of her spiritual life.
- Apply moral and ethical values to decision making.
A well-rounded person who can
- Demonstrate behaviors that promote physical and emotional well-being.
- Demonstrate an understanding of personal responsibility in the global community.
- Demonstrate the ability and confidence to learn independently.
- Demonstrate personal integrity.
A critical thinker who can
- Identify, evaluate, organize, and synthesize information.
- Transfer learned skills and knowledge to new situations.
- Question assumptions, identify biases, support assertions, make references, and make predictions.
- Develop and evaluate hypotheses.
- Develop solutions to problems.
A communicator who can
- Read, write, listen and speak reflectively and critically.
- Present work using a variety of technologies and media.
- Contribute effectively in collaborative situations.
- Express ideas in a variety of contexts with poise, a command of language, a clear organization of ideas, and a sense of appropriateness to audience, purpose, and context.
A leader who can
- Develop self-discipline and accept responsibility.
- Resolve conflicts constructively.
- Show respect and acceptance of individual differences.
- Give service to improve the lives of others.
- Initiate new ideas and work cooperatively to accomplish a goal.
2008 Demographics
Ethnic enrollment (approx.): 70.0% Hispanic, 15.0% Asian, 4.0% Non-Hispanic Caucasian, 10.0% Multi-Ethnic, 1.0% African-American.Religious Affiliation: 88.0% Catholic, 12.0% other faiths
Notable alumnae
- Lucille Roybal-Allard, Member of Congress
- Marisa RamirezMarisa RamirezMarisa Carolina Ramirez is an American actress.-Early life:Ramirez attended an all-girls' school in Alhambra, California at the Ramona Convent Secondary School. Her career began at age 13 when she was brought to the attention of a major L.A...
- Actress - Loretta YoungLoretta YoungLoretta Young was an American actress. Starting as a child actress, she had a long and varied career in film from 1917 to 1953...
, Actress