Opened in 1920, St. Anthony High School has quite a story to tell. It all began with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They established Long Beach’s first Catholic secondary school. Imagine those early days. A simple two-story building housed a small group of students seeking an alternative to public education. St. Anthony High School quickly gained recognition. In 1922, it received accreditation from UC Berkeley. This allowed graduates to enter any university without exams.
The growth of St. Anthony High School mirrored Long Beach’s own expansion. The discovery of oil on Signal Hill fueled a population boom. By 1926, the school needed more space. A new building program began. New Collegiate Gothic style buildings were dedicated in 1927. This marked a new chapter for St. Anthony High School.
Disaster struck in 1933. The Long Beach earthquake severely damaged the school buildings. The grammar school was repaired. However, the high school building was beyond saving. Despite this setback, St. Anthony High School persevered. Classes continued in the repaired grammar school. The school even launched its athletic legacy. The Saints won their first football league championship in 1935.
Monsignor Dolan, a key figure in the school’s history, envisioned separate boys’ and girls’ high schools. In 1941, a new building for the boys’ school was constructed. The Holy Cross Brothers joined the faculty. They led the boys’ school, while the IHM Sisters continued teaching the girls. This era saw a flurry of “firsts” for St. Anthony High School. The student newspaper, The Paduan, was first published. The first Girls’ Athletic Association Basketball Tournament was held. The girls’ team quickly secured their first championship.
In 1947, Clark Field became the home of the Saints. This athletic field has witnessed countless victories. It is especially famous as the site of the 1948 and 2016 CIF Championship Football victories. The late 1940s marked a golden age for St. Anthony High School athletics. Numerous championships and awards followed. In 1948, the “St. Anthony Catholic Center” gymnasium opened. Its inscription, “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” (Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies), still graces the entrance today.
The 1950s highlighted the importance of Catholic education during the Cold War. St. Anthony High School continued to grow. The Alumni Association was founded. The 1960s brought both growth and challenges. The school reached its peak enrollment, becoming the largest Catholic high school west of Chicago. However, the Watts Riots and the passing of Msgr. Dolan brought difficulties. The departure of the IHM Sisters in 1969 marked the end of an era.
In the 1970s, St. Anthony High School returned to a co-educational model. The Second Vatican Council changes influenced the school. New religious congregations joined the faculty. The 1980s brought economic downturn and urban decline to Long Beach. Despite these challenges, St. Anthony High School maintained its commitment to excellence. Academic and athletic achievements continued.
The 1990s brought both triumphs and trials. The girls’ volleyball team won the school’s first California State Championship. The school also faced the Rodney King Riots and economic hardship. The departure of the Holy Cross Brothers and Franciscan Sisters marked a significant change.
The new millennium posed a stark choice: viability or closure. The school chose viability. Led by its first President, Gina Maguire, St. Anthony High School embarked on a path of renewal. Significant donations and dedicated leadership fueled this revitalization. Millions were invested in campus improvements. The school adopted a president/principal leadership model. Enrollment began to climb.
The 2010s were a decade of athletic and academic success. Multiple CIF championships were won. The curriculum expanded to include Advanced Placement and STEAM courses. St. Anthony High School has truly experienced a renaissance. The school continues to thrive. It stands as a testament to the dedication and spirit of the Saints community. It continues its mission of providing quality Catholic education in Long Beach.