University of San Diego High School
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University of San Diego High School (USDHS) was a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school located in San Diego, California. After the move to Del Mar in 2005, the name was changed to Cathedral Catholic High School.
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[edit] Campus History
University of San Diego High School was founded as a boys school in 1957 and was located adjacent to the University of San Diego. It was merged with the Cathedral Girls' High School in 1970 to become a co-educational campus. The USDHS campus is today located in Linda Vista. The campus consists of small buildings and portable classrooms surrounding the "Quad", all facing towards the "west wall", which from that wall you can see the beautiful Mission Bay. In the 1970's, a gymnasium and chapel were established.
[edit] New Campus, New Name
In 1999, Bishop of San Diego Robert H. Brom announced the controversital plans to move USDHS. A site was chosen in the Carmel Valley / Del Mar area, and construction began immediately. A new name was also chosen, creating even more controversy amongst families and alums, citing USDHS would no longer be in proximity to the USD campus. Cathedral Catholic High School was chosen as the new name, due to the many benefactors of the new campus being alumni of the original Cathedral Girls' High School.
In June 2005, USDHS closed it's doors for the final time. Books, supplies, smart-boards, and athletic equipment were loaded up and moved to the new campus. But the USDHS legacy is not over yet, as Cathedral Catholic High School is taking up the legacy mascot, "The Dons", and has a special place to honor The University of San Diego High School on its new campus and journey.
From September to December 2005, the diocese's new formed elementary/middle school "Notre Dame Academy" functioned out of the old USDHS campus, until their new campus was completed in Carmel Valley, just down the road from CCHS.
August 2006 Update!
As of 2006, the USDHS campus is closed, and is maintained under daytime security. With proper identification and reason, photographers, artists, former students and faculty are allowed to enter the campus for viewing, with a security escort.
Demolition plans have not been announced. Though rumored that the land has been sold to condominium developers, it is unsure whether the campus wall should be destroyed or not, due to its fame.
[edit] Notable Alumni
- Cameron Crowe - Academy Award-nominated director for Almost Famous, which was shot at the USDHS campus
- Phil Mickelson - PGA and Champion golfer
- Luke Walton - Basketball player
- Carlos Quentin - Baseball player for the Arizona Diamondbacks
- Mark Prior and Barry Zito - Baseball players
- Scott Peterson - Convicted murderer
- Bobbi Weiss - prolific writer for Warner Bros and Disney
- Kelly Rulon - Water polo player for the UCLA Bruins, who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
- Moriah van Norman - Water polo player for the USC Trojans, who won the Peter J. Cutino Award in 2004, recognized as the best female collegiate player.
- Tim Foley - Member of the acclaimed San Diego based band Skelpin, also the new Praise and Worship Director at Cathedral Catholic High School
[edit] Academics
The USDHS Academic Curriculum Guide can be found on Cathedral Catholic High School's website. [1]
