History

For over 130 years, Cathedral School has been a cornerstone of education and community in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1896 by Archbishop William Gross and guided by the Sisters of the Holy Names, our school’s roots are deeply embedded in a tradition of faith, service, and academic rigor. Originally located at northwest 16th Avenue and Everett Street, our school has grown and evolved, always remaining committed to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.

Our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to create a faith-based environment where every child can thrive and grow into a compassionate leader. Through the decades, we have built a reputation for academic excellence—supporting each student’s unique educational journey with personalized attention, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who inspire curiosity and critical thinking.

At Cathedral, community is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to serve families from across Portland—drawing students from over 32 zip codes—and creating a vibrant, city-wide tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Yet, amid this richness of backgrounds, our school remains a close-knit family. Our families know each other, support each other, and share a commitment to raising children rooted in values like kindness, respect, and service.

While our school is rooted in Catholic tradition, our community welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds, united by shared values and a common goal: to prepare our children not just for high school, but for life. Every grade level engages in service projects that teach empathy and social responsibility, ensuring our students grow into caring, confident individuals who lead with integrity and purpose.

Choosing Cathedral School means choosing an environment where your child will receive rigorous academics, personalized support, and opportunities for holistic growth—including arts, sports, leadership, and social-emotional development. Our dedicated educators are invested in your child’s success, continually growing and adapting to meet each student’s needs. Our story is ongoing, but our mission remains clear: to create a community rooted in values, fostering confident, compassionate leaders prepared for the future.

At Cathedral, we don’t just educate students; we nurture them to become the best versions of themselves—ready for anything the future holds.

Where Values Take Root and Futures Soar