Palma School


Palma School is a grade 7-12 Catholic boys school located in Salinas, California, United States. Located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Monterey, its motto is "Palma Merenti," which translates in English as "Palms to the Victor."

History

Palma School was founded in 1951 through the efforts of Monsignor Thomas J. Earley and dedicated laymen, among them the late Joseph Piini and the late Lloyd Stolich. Their collective dream of Catholic secondary education was realized in September, 1951 when Palma opened its doors to boys and girls as a co-institutional school. The boys were instructed and have continued to be instructed by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The Christian Brothers, known internationally as Catholic educators, were founded in 1802 by Brother Edmund Ignatius Rice who was beatified in Rome on October 6, 1996; his feast day has been set as May 5. His goal was to give the youth of his time a unique Christian education. Palma continued to be operated as a co-institutional school for thirteen years when, in 1964, a separate facility for girls was opened a few blocks away. At that time, Palma became an all-boys school and the Christian Brothers assumed administration of the entire facility.
A chapel was built in the front of the school in 2003. It has been named the Brother Edmund Rice Chapel. It is used by the students and staff to enhance the religious education program at Palma School.
Palma is located one block away from a Catholic all-girls school, Notre Dame High School.

Sports

The football and basketball programs have won state titles. The football, basketball and cross country teams have won NorCal and/or section championships. The golf program has been on the rise, garnering a fourth-place finish in the 2008 CIF State Championship.
Football Championships
Basketball Championships