Archbishop Riordan High School

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, Archbishop Riordan High School has witnessed the city’s transformation since its opening in 1949. Originally named Riordan High School in honor of Archbishop Patrick William Riordan, the second Archbishop of San Francisco, the school officially added “Archbishop” to its name in 1990. For decades, Archbishop Riordan served as the city’s oldest all-boys high school, steeped in the Marianist tradition of faith, community, and service. However, in a landmark decision in 2020, Archbishop Riordan opened its doors to female students, ushering in a new era of co-education. This transition dramatically shifted the school’s dynamics. The inaugural co-ed class was composed of 23% female and 77% male students. The student body reflects the city’s rich diversity, with a current composition of 25% Hispanic, 24.5% Asian, 22.2% Caucasian, 13% multi-ethnic, 8% African American, 1.3% Pacific Islander, 1.2% Native American, and 4.6% unknown. Archbishop Riordan is more than just academics. The school offers a vibrant student life enriched by campus ministry activities and a robust house system. Four houses—Cana, Bolts, Russi, and Pilar—foster unity and friendly competition through events like the Crusader Games and Frosh Olympics. Students also participate in service initiatives like the “Every Penny Counts” campaign and blood drives. Archbishop Riordan’s band program is a source of immense pride. As the only high school in San Francisco with a marching band, they’ve graced numerous city parades and even international stages like Rome and London’s New Year’s Day parades. They’ve also performed at major events like Super Bowl 50 and the America’s Cup. With 160 students participating, the band represents nearly one-fourth of the student population. Beyond music, Archbishop Riordan boasts a thriving theater program with two annual productions in the impressive Lindland Theater. From academics to extracurriculars, Archbishop Riordan continues to provide a holistic education to its diverse student body. The school’s commitment to its Marianist values ensures that students are not just prepared for college, but also for life, equipped with the tools to become future leaders.