Early History
CCHS was founded in response to the growing need for Catholic secondary education in Portland. The first classes were held in a temporary location at St. Mary's Academy before the school moved to its current campus in 1931. The original school building was a three-story structure that housed classrooms, a library, a chapel, and a gymnasium.
Growth and Expansion
In the years that followed, CCHS continued to grow and expand. In the 1950s, a new wing was added to the original building, and a separate gymnasium was constructed. In the 1960s, the school opened a new science building and a library addition.
Co-education
CCHS became co-educational in 1971, and the school's enrollment has increased steadily since then. In the 1990s, the school added a new performing arts center, and in the 2000s, a new athletic complex was constructed.
Today
Today, CCHS is a thriving Catholic high school with over 1,000 students. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and performing arts. CCHS is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to academic excellence.
Notable Alumni
CCHS has produced a number of notable alumni, including:
- Dave Frohnmayer, former Oregon Attorney General and President of the University of Oregon
- Tom McCall, former Governor of Oregon
- Robert Pack, former NBA player
- Steve Prefontaine, legendary distance runner
- Mary Schmich, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
- Terry Stotts, former NBA head coach
Conclusion
CCHS has a long and rich history of providing quality Catholic education to the students of Portland. The school is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community service.