“No matter how much you have achieved,

you will always be merely good relative to

what you can become.” —Jim Collins

American Martyrs School is one of the jewels in the crown of American Martyrs Parish. It sparkles-with the laughter of children, the joy of learning, the light of loving parents and teachers. When our school began its first fall term on September 15,1947, eight teaching Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet were there to greet the 235 new students. The little brick schoolhouse had been built on sandy "wilderness;" it accommodated just six grades.

Over the last half century, American Martyrs School has mushroomed into an expansive academic complex-complete with a state-of-the-art science lab, library, extended care center, media lab, and dedicated rooms of instruction for music, art, and Spanish. Adjoining the elementary school campus is the parish Gymnasium and the AMS pre-school.

More than 600 children - in grades Pre-K through eight-attend American Martyrs School today. A dedicated staff of 60 lay professionals works in partnership with parents to provide our school children with a faith-based education that focuses on academic excellence and the development of Catholic values. Though we are a parochial school, our young students have strong links to Manhattan Beach and the surrounding communities. The Manhattan Beach Little League works in partnership with American Martyrs on the maintenance and use of the school baseball diamond; the gymnasium hosts many of the local youth basketball games. Most importantly, under the guidance and leadership of Principal Camryn Connelly and former Principal Wendy McLaughlin, our children are actively engaged in public service from the time they enter kindergarten until they leave the eighth grade. Over the last 58 years, 3,471 students have graduated from American Martyrs School. Each has left as a young Disciple of Christ-a shining reflection of His loving light.