Justin-Siena | School History

What's in a name?

We serve more than 580 students from the Napa Valley as well as the neighboring Solano County and Sonoma Valley. We have a strong commitment to serve those who could not otherwise afford a quality Catholic secondary school experience with one third of our student body receiving tuition assistance. The school operates a small on-campus boarding program for both domestic and international students as well as an international host family program. We offer a college preparatory curriculum, a competitive interscholastic athletic program, a highly regarded performing arts department, and an array of co-curricular opportunities. The campus is comprised of 40 acres and situated in northwest corner of the city of Napa.

As a part of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, Justin-Siena is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA). Justin-Siena serves a variety of students from Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties.

In 1966 two schools opened on adjacent campuses--Justin High School (for boys) sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and Siena High School (for girls) sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. The schools merged in 1972 and were co-sponsored until the end of the 2005-06 school year when the Dominican Sisters transferred their sponsorship to the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Justin-Siena High School continues today as part of a world-wide network of almost a thousand Lasallian schools found in 84 countries.

The School is administered by a President and Principal and is staffed by a dedicated community of De La Salle Christian Brothers, Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, and lay men and women.

50th Anniversary Video | 2016-17

List of 11 news stories.

Tom Durante '93 Honored at 50th Anniversary Theatre Gala
2/28/2019
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Justin-Siena High School Theatre program, we recognized Tom Durante, from the Class of 1993, for his tireless dedication, presence, and support of the performing arts at Justin-Siena High School. As a Lasallian Catholic school committed to quality education and service, we find Tom’s servant leadership exemplary to the students entrusted to our care.
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Justin-Siena Theatre—The First 50 Years
1/10/2019
Eileen Mize

It is not often that a school can celebrate fifty years of a stellar program that has touched the lives of so many, but we can! Enjoy this tribute to fifty years of Justin-Siena Theatre.
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On the Passing of Founding Faculty Member, Sr. Jeremy
11/17/2018
Let us remember . . . It is with a heavy heart we inform you of the passing of Sr. Jeremy Carmody, OP. Sr. Jeremy was part of the founding faculty of Justin-Siena and will forever be remembered for her compassion and wisdom.
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Remembering Brother Conrad Kearney, FSC
2/20/2018
Director of Communications Eileen Mize

It has been just one year since Justin-Siena celebrated its 50th anniversary, and woven through the stories and photos of those five decades is the solid presence of and the profound impact made by our dear Brother Conrad Kearney, FSC. So it is with a sense of sorrow and yet with a spirit of faith that we share the news of the passing of our dear Br. Conrad. He passed peacefully at his Mont La Salle home late Monday night, February 5, 2018.
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Golden Gala Honoree: Robert H. Zeller
4/6/2017
In the Words of Br. Conrad: Brilliant, Reserved, Dedicated. Bob Zeller has many memories from the early days of Justin and Siena High Schools. Back in 1966, Zeller and his late wife, Inge, convinced their eldest daughter, Cathy, to enroll as a freshman at a brand new girls Catholic high school in town.
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Justin-Siena Nominated for Member of the Year
1/4/2017
Justin-Siena has been nominated for Napa Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year! Now, we need your vote! Please take a moment to cast your vote before the January 12 deadline. VOTE
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Remembering Our Founding Principal, Sr. Carol Quinn, OP
10/27/2016
Eileen Mize, Director of Communications

In the midst of a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of our founding, Justin-Siena mourns the loss of an early pioneer in school history.
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A Brief History of Justin-Siena
8/9/2016
Former Principal Noel Hesser

The founding of Justin-Siena can be traced back to the vision of Archbishop Joseph Alemany, OP, in the Gold Rush 1850s, for the expansion of Catholic education in his then frontier Archdiocese of San Francisco. Two remarkable individuals responded to Alemany’s call: Sister Mary Goemaere, OP, who arrived from Paris with a small group of sisters in 1850, and became prioress of the first group of women religious in California that would later become the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael; and Brother Justin McMahon, FSC, who with a small band of Christian Brothers, arrived at Saint Mary’s College in 1868. Br. Justin was president of St. Mary’s College and the first Provincial (Visitor) of the Christian Brothers District of San Francisco.
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Getting to Know Br. Bede, Founding Principal
8/9/2016
Pat O'Brien

In 1966 Brother Bede Van Duren was appointed Principal of Justin High School and Religious Director of the Brothers’ community. He had taught at other Christian Brothers schools in California since 1956; he also held administrative posts as Vice Principal and served as basketball coach at La Salle High School in Pasadena where he had been a student favorite.
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In a Word: A Heritage Rooted in Lasallian and Dominican Traditions
8/9/2016
Former Principal Noel Hesser

Amid a series of questions regarding tradition, mission, and memories asked of those interviewed, the chance to offer one word to describe their Justin-Siena experience often led to heartwarming stories and reminiscing.
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Transforming Lives through Education: Exploring the partnership between the Gasser Foundation and Justin-Siena
8/9/2016
Director of Communications Eileen Mize

What do an old Napa card room and a cleverly named Pale Ale at Downtown Joe’s have to do with the history and viability of Justin-Siena? Fortunately in 1970s Napa, the early years of Justin-Siena, a few downtown businessmen and community leaders understood the important role a school like Justin-Siena played in their community and shared an interest in supporting the school.
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