ABOUT US
Our Mission
Central Catholic is an Archdiocesan Catholic high school that exists to give witness to the Gospel of Christ. The school offers students a transformational educational experience that forms the whole human person—mind, heart, body, and spirit—and is rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. With an emphasis on faith, intellectual formation, and service to others, students are developed into critical thinkers who are the best version of themselves, prepared for where their gifts meet the world.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every student becomes the best version of themselves and goes on to have a positive and purposeful impact on the world.
Our Values
Faith and Love, Community, Diversity, Academic Excellence, Compassion, and Integrity.
What Makes Central Catholic Unique?
History
In 1938, Portland’s Archbishop Edward D. Howard was seeking funds to build an all boys Catholic high school in Portland. With Christ the King as the School Patron, the first five classrooms, a library, office and recreation room were dedicated as part of the Archdiocese Centennial Celebration on May 9, 1939. The Archbishop along with the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Amleto Cicognani, blessed and dedicated the building.
On September 5, 1939, classes began with Fr. Francis Schaefers as principal and director of the school. The faculty during the first year included another priest and five sisters who taught classes. Only freshmen and sophomores attended Central Catholic, but the classes expanded over the next two years and Central Catholic soon became a four year school. In 1942, Central Catholic graduated its first class of 17 students. Central Catholic became coed in 1980, with the first coed class graduating in 1983 with 91 boys and 30 girls.
The school has grown considerably and serves students and families from every corner of the Portland Metro area, including southwest Washington. As we have grown in size, we have also developed stellar academic programs and outstanding athletic teams. Our students attend the best colleges and universities in the country and our athletes go on to play at the highest levels of competition. With our storied past in mind, we are hopeful that Central Catholic will continue to be a top provider of education in the Portland area long into the future.