Oceana High School is a 2009 California Distinguished School in the Jefferson Union High School District, which…More covers Pacifica, Daly City, Brisbane and Colma. A segment of schools are selected by the California Department of Education (CDE) for the award based on a written application showcasing a school's curriculum and programming, followed by a visit from a CDE evaluation team. </p> <p>Block scheduling--meaning students on average have just three classes a day--at Oceana High aids teachers and students alike in projects-based and hands on learning rather than just fact memorization or the use of textbooks and worksheets.</p> <p>Oceana High offers its students an array of extracurricular activities and sports teams in which to participate. The revamped Oceana Pool, now called the Jean E. Brink Swimming Pool, had its grand re-opening on August 28. The pool is open to use by the public through the Pacifica Parks Beaches & Recreation Department. </p> <p>According to the state, Oceana High is one of the 25 most diverse schools in California. A survey taken during the 2008-2009 school year showed that 7% of students were African American, 35% were Caucasian, 0.62% were Native American, 11.47% were Asian, 2% were Filipino, 21% were Hispanic, Other 0.25%, 1.74%were Arabic, 0.8% were Pacific Islander, and 0.12% were Indian. One quarter of one percent of students listed themselves as "other."</p> <p>In 2007, 58% of graduating seniors at Oceana attended a junior college, 28% higher than the state average. 11% attended the University of California, 3% higher than the state average and 18% of Juniors and Seniors passed their AP exams, 9% lower than the state average. </p> <p>In the subjects of English/Language Arts, Biology, Geometry, Algebra, U.S. History and 10th grade Life Science, Oceana High School had less advanced students, according to state standardized tests, in all subjects but English/Language Arts and Life Sciences compared with a statewide average.</p> <p>Oceana did not meet its API schoolwide growth target for the 2008-2009 school year, and in fact fell 12 points from the previous school year. </p> <p>Teachers at Oceana High School have an average of 8 years experience, four years less than the county average and five years less than the state average. </p>

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormon Church, grew rapidly in the 20th…More Century and continues that trend thanks to an intent focus on missionary programs. It is now an international organization. </p> <p>Mormon values favor the nuclear family structure and a sense of community within the church, but some of its beliefs have brought the church into the international spotlight, most recently when it sponsored opposition to making same-sex marriages legal in the state of California. </p> <p>Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints shares the same Christ-centric doctrine and reliance on the Bible as a holy book with other Christian denominations, it also incorporates other texts, supposedly prophetic, which were written by Joseph Smith, Jr. in the 19th Century. And, much like the Catholic Church believes the Pope is a conduit by which God's will may be known, Mormons believe the president of their church is a prophet through which the will of Christ may be known.</p> <p>Pacifica's branch of the Mormon Church might be hard to spot as one is driving up Sharp Park Road. The entrance to its parking lot is located just before Milagra Ridge's entrance going east. </p> <p>The San Francisco West Stake Family History Center, a branch of a national organization that collects historical materials so individuals may identify who their ancestors are, is also housed at this location. </p>