Paraclete High School was founded in 1963 to provide the growing Antelope Valley region of Southern California with an opportunity for Catholic secondary education. Parents in the area, already transporting their children 70 miles south to Catholic facilities in the San Fernando Valley (Alemany), received an audience with His Eminence Cardinal McIntyre of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Cardinal McIntyre, impressed by the enthusiasm and earnest pleas of that group of parents, agreed to Archdiocesan support for such a school in Lancaster.
Paraclete High School held its first classes in September of 1963 with 41 students and three faculty members on the grounds of the old Antelope Valley Fairgrounds on Ave I. One year later, Sister Sheila Marie, I.H.M. would welcome freshmen and sophomores to new classrooms on its current property. By 1965, enrollment had increased to 240 students in grades 9-11. The school was officially dedicated on November 6, 1965 by Cardinal McIntyre, with Paraclete’s first Graduation held in June of 1967. Paraclete’s commitment to Christian education has been brought to life by the service of faculty members from the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Congregation of St. Joseph, the Divine World Missionary religious orders, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and our dedicated lay people.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Paraclete’s vitality and growth in the past 50 years has been its solid faith in the value of family, a value seen in the community spirit on campus, the dedication of faculty, the generosity of Antelope Valley businesses and social organizations, and, in particular, the commitment and sacrifice of Paraclete parents. Paraclete offers a curriculum which meets the highest standards of accreditation, while seeking to shape students who value themselves and others, who make value-oriented decisions, and who exhibit the ability to lead. Each year, young men and women graduate from Paraclete High School, 99% of who continue their educational pursuits at the college level. About 40% of our alumni return to the valley, make their home here, and work in the area. The Antelope Valley sees a tremendous return on its investment in Paraclete High School.