School History

In memory of Rt. Reverend Thomas J. Conaty, in grateful recognition for his zeal in the cause of Catholic education, Bishop John J. Cantwell founded Los Angeles Catholic Girls’ High School in 1923. The innovative organization of the faculty was comprised of six Religious Orders:  Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of the Holy Cross, Sisters of the Presentation and Sisters of Loretto. This collaboration combined the strength of many teaching sisterhoods and maintained Catholic education at its highest standard.

 

Our Lady of Loretto High School was opened in September, 1949 during the episcopate of Cardinal James Francis McIntyre.  Cardinal McIntyre had just begun a building campaign for Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese. Our Lady of Loretto was the first school to be opened during this campaign. During its forty year history, the school offered a curriculum of studies that challenged young women to meet their educational goals and to reach their fullest potential.

Changing community and times necessitated merging two schools to enable the Archdiocese to preserve the mission it began in 1923. In July, 1994 the school was officially named Bishop Conaty – Our Lady of Loretto High School. Over the years, the strengths, Christian mission and traditions developed, preparing young women for their roles in the world.