Bishop Montgomery High School (commonly referred to as "BMHS" or simply "Bishop" by students) is a Catholic high school serving twenty-five parishes in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. BMHS was founded in 1957, and staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Conventual Franciscans, and lay faculty. The campus is located in Torrance, California, in southwest Los Angeles County, one mile (1.6 km) from the Pacific Ocean and the Del Amo Mall. The coeducational student body is approximately 900 students in grades 9 through 12, making BMHS the sixth largest private high school in Los Angeles County. The faculty is headed by Principal Dr. Jim Garza. The school is named for the first American-born Bishop of Monterey-Los Angeles, the Most Reverend George Thomas Montgomery. As the ordinary of the diocese from 1896 to 1902, Bishop Montgomery demanded that government recognize the right of parents to send their children to schools of their choice. BMHS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum combined with Christian values. Advanced Placement courses are offered in all major subjects, and 98 percent of graduates pursue higher education. Athletics Bishop Montgomery competes in most high school sports, playing in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Del Rey League against Bishop Amat (La Puente), St. Bernard (Playa del Rey), St. Paul (Santa Fe Springs), and Junipero Serra (Gardena). Other local rivals include Torrance High School, St. John Bosco (Bellflower), and St. Joseph (Lakewood). BMHS has been particularly successful in its basketball and volleyball programs, frequently appearing in the California state quarterfinals or higher. The school's teams go by the name "The Knights", and the team colors are black and gold. The following sports are offered at Bishop Montgomery: Football Volleyball Softball Soccer Cross country Track and Field Golf Tennis Basketball Baseball Swimming Song Team Pep flags / Short Flags Surf eSports Music Department The BMHS Music Department includes academic classes, campus music ministry, and performing ensembles. Academic classes are offered during the day, and include Music Theory, Music History, and Music Production. Campus music ministry meets after school, and prepares music for school masses. Performing ensembles include: Knight Band and Guard, the school marching band; Wind Ensemble; Jazz Band; Jazz Combo; Vocal Jazz; Indoor Drumline; and Winter Color Guard. Most recently, the department has hosted a spring SCSBOA (Southern California School Band and Orchestra