A Legacy Rooted in Faith, Cultivated Through Community, and Carried Forward with Purpose

On what was once quiet Tustin farmland, surrounded by citrus groves and open fields, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School began its mission in 1961 with a preschool and convent, responding to a growing need for Catholic education grounded in faith, values, and personal formation. From the beginning, the school was envisioned not merely as a place of instruction, but as a formative community where children would be known, guided, and educated in the light of Christ.

As families placed their trust in this mission, the campus grew thoughtfully and purposefully. Additional classroom buildings and essential facilities were completed in 1973, followed by the construction of the theater and gymnasium in 1984, expanding opportunities for faith formation, the arts, athletics, and community life. In 2004, continued enrollment growth led to the development of the Field of Dreams and a new Junior High building, ensuring the school’s ability to serve future generations. Today, the campus spans 14 acres, reflecting decades of steady growth guided by vision, stewardship, and faith.

Throughout every stage of its history, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School has remained firmly committed to the Educational Project of the Company of Mary, an approach rooted in the Gospel and attentive to the signs of the times. Guided by this project, the school continually engages in ongoing reflection, evaluation, and adaptation informed by current educational research, ensuring that instructional practices meet the evolving academic, social, and developmental needs of students while remaining anchored in Catholic identity and mission.

Central to this work is the enduring charism of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, whose mission traces back to Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac in 1607. As the Company of Mary celebrates 100 years of presence in the United States, the Tustin school stands as a living testament to that legacy, namely, educating the whole child: mind, heart, and spirit.

This commitment extends beyond the classroom. A character-centered athletics program promotes sportsmanship, discipline, and ethical decision-making, while a comprehensive performing arts program fosters creativity, collaboration, confidence, and self-expression. Together, these programs support the school’s mission by developing well-rounded students who are prepared to lead and serve.

The school’s dedication to excellence and continuous improvement has been consistently affirmed through the accreditation process. Since its opening, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School has met or exceeded all accreditation criteria and has been recognized by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) for the quality of its academic program, Catholic identity, governance, and student support systems. This sustained record reflects a culture of accountability, mission alignment, and thoughtful growth.

Integral to the life and progress of the school is the Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Home and School Association, an organization of parents who choose to participate more fully in the service of the school. Through the organization of fundraising activities and the allocation of resources, the Home & School Association provides direct support for students, faculty, campus facilities, and essential equipment. With the support of parents, friends, and the local community, the Association has been instrumental in advancing the school’s mission and sustaining the undertakings that enrich student life and strengthen the campus.

Through faithful adherence to the Educational Project of the Company of Mary, responsiveness to educational research, and the shared commitment of faculty, families, and community partners, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School has emerged as a premiere learning center and has been widely regarded as one of the leading Catholic schools in Orange County for more than four decades.

As this centennial milestone is celebrated, the school honors the Sisters, educators, families, benefactors, alumni, and parent leaders who have carried the mission forward. From humble beginnings to a vibrant, faith-filled campus, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School continues to illuminate the path for future generations—rooted in faith, strengthened by community, and guided by purpose.

About the Company of Mary

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School is quite unique in that many of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, who own and operate the school are a visible presence in administration, supervision on the playground, and in the classroom alongside their lay collaborators.

The order was founded by Jeanne de Lestonnac in 1607 when girls did not have the opportunity to have a formal education in a school environment. Jeanne was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1556. She was the niece of the famed humanist French philosopher, Michel de Montaigne. For 24 years she faithfully lived the vocation of a loving wife and mother to five children. After the death of her husband, she felt God’s call to the religious life. Jeanne de Lestonnac founded an order of nuns approved by Pope Pius V to provide formal education for girls.

Today the Sisters of the Company of Mary’s mission as educators is expressed in the Educational Project of the Company of Mary in a variety of ministries in 26 countries across four continents. The Company of Mary schools serve over 60,000 students worldwide from preschool through university.