St. John Paul II High School, located in Corpus Christi on the Texas Gulf Coast within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi, was officially announced and opened on December 8, 2005 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) by Bishop Edmond Carmody. The high school commenced its inaugural year on August 1, 2006, with a freshman class, adding a new grade level each subsequent year until it encompassed grades nine through twelve. The creation of the high school was the vision and inspiration of BishopEdmond Carmody,[3] aiming to provide a Catholic education that was accessible, affordable, and available to all students seeking such an education. As a Catholic institution, its mission is to offer a unique environment where students can experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, focusing on their spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development. The school graduated its first class of seniors in 2010 and is named in honor of Pope John Paul II. The mascot is the Centurion.[4]
On May 1, 2011, the high school changed its name to Blessed John Paul II High School, following John Paul II's beatification. It later adopted the name St. John Paul II High School, after John Paul II's canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church.
On January 27, 2025, it was officially announced that St. John Paul II High School would merge with its sister institution, Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School, to form "St. John Paul II Academy." The alignment began in the fall of 2025, with the high school being renamed St. John Paul II Academy - High School and the middle school becoming St. John Paul II Academy - Middle Level.[2]
Mascot
The Centurion was a Roman officer commanding a century or a company, the strength of which varied between fifty and one hundred men in this era. The centurion was the most important and most respected officer in the Roman Army. He was a leader who rose from the common ranks to high authority, selected for his excellence and example.
This type of character and virtue in this man is what John Paul II High School seeks to teach and instill in its students, both in the academic and athletic endeavors.[5]
The school has a college preparatory education. This means students are required to take four years of English, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Catholic Theology, as well as requiring several other non-core credits, those being in computer technology, communication applications, fine arts, and physical education. There are also a number of elective credits required for graduation.[6]
Athletics, Clubs, & Extracurriculars
Athletics include: football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, swimming, track & field, cross country, dance team, drill team, and cheerleading. The varsity baseball team won the TAPPS 4A State Championship 2 years in a row in 2010 & 2011.[7]
The school also competes in "Challenge!", a televised academic contest/tournament hosted by the local PBS station, KEDT. The Centurions typically make a strong showing each year, and won the competition outright in 2011 and 2012.[8]
Clubs at the school include Voices that Care (a public service club), Health Careers Club, Centurions for Life (an anti-abortion activism club), Student Council, and Pan American Student Forum, as well as three honor societies: Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish honor society), National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society.
Some areas are within Aransas Pass ISD; its high school is not in Nueces County Driscoll ISD does not operate any high schools La Gloria Independent School District was initially of Nueces County when it was established in 1909, but moved to Jim Wells County with its new name as of 1911.
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