Our journey of faith and learning

Discover the inspiring story of San Mateo Catholic Academy of Bacolod, Inc. From its humble beginnings as a community-driven initiative, we have grown into a vibrant institution dedicated to providing quality, faith-centered education for every child. Join us as we explore our roots, values, and unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and hearts.

A foundation built on faith and community

San Mateo Catholic Academy's story began with the St. Matthew Quasi-Parish, formerly the San Mateo Chaplaincy. In 1990, a change in access to the Sta. Clara Chapel sparked a remarkable community effort. Through the dedication of the Sta. Clara Tithing Community, who allocated 25% of their tithes to school construction, and the vision of our first priest, the late Msgr. Rodolfo Pacheco, the academy was built in 1995. His aim was to provide free education to poor but deserving children, spreading Christian values from their homes into the community. We opened our doors on June 10, 1996, with 85 children in nursery, kindergarten, and preparatory classes, operating with a two-classroom building. Government recognition soon followed, ensuring quality and accredited education. Today, we stand proud in our 2-storey building, continuously growing our facilities to better serve our students and community. We are now a 2-storey building with 7 classrooms, 1 faculty room, a small library, principal’s office and 2 comfort rooms. The K-12 Curriculum, mandated by the Department of Education (DepEd), is fully implemented, with Christian Doctrine as the core of our educational philosophy.

Why SMCA-BI stands out

San Mateo Catholic Academy of Bacolod, Inc. offers a truly distinct educational experience. We are deeply rooted in a mission to provide accessible quality education to deserving children, believing education can transform lives and communities through Christian values. Our strong Christian foundation places Christian Doctrine at the heart of our curriculum, nurturing character, values, and moral compass alongside academic excellence. We are community-built and community-driven, a testament to collective efforts that create a warm, family-oriented school environment. Students benefit from accessible quality education, fully recognized by the Department of Education with its K-12 curriculum, ensuring both academic rigor and affordability. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, nurturing learning environment, fostered by well-maintained facilities, a small student population, and close teacher-student relationships where every child is known and valued. Our approach to formation goes beyond academics, educating the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit—through prayer, discipline, service, and community involvement. We are more than a school; we are a faith-centered community shaping morally upright, compassionate, and socially responsible individuals.

Nurturing hearts, inspiring minds

At San Mateo Catholic Academy of Bacolod, Inc., we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and faith-filled environment where every child feels valued, respected, and supported. Our school culture is designed to feel like an extended family, encouraging academic, spiritual, emotional, and social growth. Classrooms are spaces of discipline with compassion, active participation, and mutual respect, where teachers serve as mentors modeling Christian living through patience, care, and service. Prayer, reflection, and love for God and neighbor are integral to daily school life, cultivating a strong sense of purpose. Our core values guide every student: **Faith** (trust in God, active Christian life), **Love and Compassion** (care for others, especially the marginalized), **Respect and Integrity** (honesty, responsibility, respect for self, others, and creation), **Service** (willingness to help and serve the community), **Excellence and Discipline** (perseverance, self-control), and **Unity and Community** (harmony, cooperation, valuing diversity). Through this rich environment and these steadfast values, we aim to form students who are not only academically prepared but also morally upright, compassionate, and socially responsible individuals, ready to serve both Church and society.

"Choosing San Mateo Catholic Academy of Bacolod, Inc. was the best decision for our child. The spiritual foundation, coupled with excellent academics, has truly shaped them into a compassionate and disciplined young person."

A proud parent