Beneath the forest green arctic white and royal blue banner awaits a story of faith. This is the story of Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. Commonly known as SHC it stands as a beacon of Catholic education in San Francisco.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory’s story began with two schools. These were St. Vincent’s and Sacred Heart High School. St. Vincent’s was founded in 1852 by the Daughters of Charity. It served as both an orphanage and a girls’ day school. In 1874 the Christian Brothers established Sacred Heart College. This institution offered a comprehensive curriculum. It spanned grammar school high school and a three-year college program.
Both Sacred Heart and St. Vincent’s faced devastation in 1906. The San Francisco Earthquake and subsequent fire destroyed their buildings. Yet both schools demonstrated resilience. St. Vincent’s was rebuilt and later renamed Cathedral High School.
The two schools recognized their shared mission. They began collaborating in 1967. By 1987 they officially merged. The unified institution became Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. SHC embraces its role in San Francisco. It prepares students to be service-oriented leaders. Their mission is rooted in Catholic values.
The campus comprises two main areas. These are the De Paul Campus for the Arts and the La Salle Campus. The De Paul Campus was once Cathedral High School. It now houses arts and language departments. It also features the Sister Caroline Collins DC Theater. Pope John Paul II stayed here during his 1987 visit. A plaque marks the rectory entrance.
The La Salle Campus is named for St. John Baptist de La Salle. This building houses administration offices. You will also find the library and various academic departments. The library occupies the entire sixth story.
Completed in 2004 the Student Life Center offers modern facilities. It includes a 1500-seat gym and a 1000-seat dining hall.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is known for its academic rigor. It provides college preparatory honors and Advanced Placement courses. Students explore visual and performing arts.
The Fightin’ Irish compete in the West Catholic Athletic League. Their rivalry with St. Ignatius College Preparatory is legendary. It is embodied in the Bruce-Mahoney Trophy. This trophy honors alumni who died in World War II.
Many notable figures have walked the halls of Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. These include boxer James J. Corbett and baseball player Joe Cronin. Mayors Joseph Alioto and Frank Jordan are also alumni. Olympic silver medalist Jim Delaney once roamed these grounds.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory continues to evolve. It embraces technology and innovative teaching methods. It remains committed to its founding mission. It is dedicated to serving San Francisco’s youth. Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory creates leaders for tomorrow.