As a faith-based organization with roots dating back to the 1800s, Mission Dolores Academy develops character in a way that cannot be replicated at any other school.  Daily instruction in Religion and our partnership with Mission Dolores Parish, The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, and The Jesuits of the California Province help our students more deeply understand who they are and how they should relate to others and their world.

Our religious and character education program is overseen by Sister Ann Providence of The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

Combined with other initiatives like the school’s anti-bullying program, our school helps our students develop the moral foundation and compass to overcome challenges and guide them the rest of their lives.

Character formation at the school includes:

• Religion class taught daily in all grades; special classes taught to students preparing to receive the Sacraments
• Mass celebrated weekly at the historic Mission Dolores Basilica; students actively participate in all parts of the Mass
• Anti-bullying program taught in the classroom; teachers and staff are also trained to recognize any signs of bullying and intervene
• Teaching service to others and environment stewardship through regular community outreach
• Teaching empathy, a foundational trait in character development; one way this is taught at the school is through our Reading Buddy program, where students in the upper grades each “adopt” and read to the same lower-grade student regularly