Loyola High School of Los Angeles

What if these walls could talk? Here at Loyola High School of Los Angeles, they’d spin tales of over 150 years of history. Loyola High School isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of education, faith, and service. Founded in 1865 as St. Vincent’s College, Loyola High School predates both the Los Angeles public school system and the University of California system. Imagine Los Angeles back then, a dusty pueblo, and this institution, a beacon of knowledge, taking root in the Lugo adobe in the downtown plaza. The Vincentian fathers nurtured its growth, moving it first to Hill Street, then to Grand Avenue. In 1911, the Society of Jesus took the reins, transforming it into Los Angeles College in Highland Park. Finally, in 1917, thanks to the generosity of Irish philanthropist Thomas P. Higgins, Loyola High School found its permanent home on Venice Boulevard. The campus itself has seen remarkable transformations. Think of the roar of the crowds in the 1980s as a new gym, track, and swimming pool arose. Picture the gleaming new science building, student centers, and the Hannon Theatre, a hub for both students and the wider Southern California acting community, all thanks to generous donations. Loyola High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a crucible forging “Men for and with Others.” Students here don’t just hit the books. They embrace a curriculum that challenges their minds and nourishes their souls. Four years of English and social studies, three years of foreign language and science, a year of fine arts, and eight semesters of theology create well-rounded individuals. And then there’s the service. Since the 1970s, Loyola students have poured over a million hours into serving the community. Picture them tutoring younger students, assisting with the Special Olympics, immersing themselves in senior service projects at shelters and soup kitchens. This commitment to service extends beyond Los Angeles, with service immersions in New Orleans, Appalachia, Mexico, Peru, and Argentina. Loyola High School is also a powerhouse of athletic achievement. Imagine the thrill of victory as the Cubs have clinched CIF titles in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and water polo. They’ve even achieved national championships in football and volleyball. From its humble beginnings in a rented adobe to its present-day stature, Loyola High School of Los Angeles has shaped countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on Southern California. As you stand here, consider the legacy of this institution, the echo of its motto, “Surgere Tentamus” – We strive to rise.