We, the undersigned, urge the City of Laguna Beach to lease PART of St. Catherine’s (LB community and rec center) to a homeschool hybrid or private school and return a school to south Laguna, while retaining community programming. 

With the growing demand for alternative education, this iconic space can once again serve our community by providing much-needed options for families seeking flexible or hybrid school education.

Why This Matters:
The City bought this facility for $23M in 2022. It is severely underutilized and does not offer significant, tangible benefits to the community despite promises made at the time of purchase. On Dec. 29, 2022, former Mayor Bob Whalen was quoted in the Daily Pilot: “I want to thank the Diocese for [...] allowing this property to remain as a community-serving facility. This property will be of tremendous benefit to residents, as we now have the space to accommodate added programs and services.”

Instead, we have ocean-view staff offices, a few small programs, and a mostly vacant building. The facility costs the City a significant amount annually, with no current plans to recoup or cover these expenses. This is fiscally and socially irresponsible.

The St. Catherine’s building was built as a school and is perfectly suited to serve our community in this way once again. The facilities include a well-stocked children’s library, playground, outdoor areas, gym, and excellent classrooms—such as cannot be found elsewhere in Orange County.

As local parents, we are deeply invested in providing quality, individualized, and flexible education for our children. Unfortunately, there are limited options in Laguna Beach (and South Orange County), forcing parents to look far and wide for suitable educational choices.

Why Now?
Homeschooling and private school enrollment have been steadily increasing in California. As many as 8.8% of students attended alternative schools as of 2023, with homeschooling rising over 50% since the pandemic. This is the perfect time to invite a school such as Seashore Academy into our community.

Why It’s Beneficial for Laguna Beach:

Educational Diversity: More local options for families seeking alternative education, such as private schools or hybrid homeschool programs. Leasing the St. Catherine’s building back to a school allows local families to stay connected to their community. This will also bring back a grade school to South Laguna Beach.

Financial Return for the City: Leasing the property to a school helps the City recoup the cost of acquiring the property and generates a much-needed, steady source of income. A successful school will financially benefit the City in every way. The income can help pay for building expenses, keeping the cost of recreational activities lower. 

Community Use: A school at this site would still allow other community uses for the remainder of the building during and after school hours. The gym is separate from the main school, so recreational uses are still possible. The facility can host community events, meetings, or recreational activities, maintaining its role as a community hub while fulfilling its primary purpose of education.  This allows the property to be fully utilized in its current configuration. 

Economic Stimulus: Many local families inside and outside of Laguna Beach are actively seeking innovative education. With few options available on the coast, St. Catherine’s is an ideal site to fulfill this growing demand. Bringing families to South Laguna will benefit local businesses and retail stores in the area.

 

What You Can Do: Sign this petition to show your support for returning part of the building to its original purpose as a school. Let the Laguna Beach City Council know that we want to see this space restored to its intended use—benefiting families, children, and the entire community. Together, we can ensure that Laguna Beach remains a place where families thrive, learn, and grow.

Sign the petition today and share your voice for the future of our children and our community!

Photo Credit:Mary Hurlbut