A History of College Preparatory Schools: From Vision to Modernity
College preparatory schools play a vital role in shaping the academic and personal development of students, preparing them for the rigors of higher education and beyond. These institutions often have rich histories, evolving with the changing needs of society while maintaining a commitment to excellence. This article explores the history of two distinct college preparatory schools: The College Preparatory School (CPS) in Oakland, California, and Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School (MCP) in San Luis Obispo, California. By examining their origins, growth, and significant milestones, we can gain a deeper understanding of the values and traditions that define these institutions.
The College Preparatory School (Oakland, CA)
The Founding and Early Years (1960-1982)
The College Preparatory School was established in September 1960 by Miss Jenks, who envisioned creating a school of her own design before her retirement. With 33 students, four teachers, and supportive parents, the school began its journey at 6264 Claremont Avenue, Oakland. Reverend Charles Guilbert, Mills College Chaplain, offered his blessings at the opening ceremony.
Miss Jenks deeply valued her students, holding them to high standards of scholarship and conduct. She found joy in witnessing their intellectual growth and fostering a love for learning. The school particularly welcomed nonconformists, independent thinkers, and students with a strong sense of social justice.
Robert Baldwin, Jr., Head of School from 1969 to 1990, noted in his account, "Becoming A Real School 1960-1990: The Story of The College Preparatory School," that College Prep thrived by blending high standards with genuine care for its students.
During the early years, the school maintained a small size, accommodating roughly 125 to 150 students. While this fostered intimacy, it also presented economic challenges and limited curricular expansion, especially in the arts and athletics. Students adhered to a dress code, with boys wearing slacks and collared shirts, and girls wearing skirts with blouses or sweaters in blue and white combinations. Although modifications to Miss Jenks' original vision have occurred over time-such as the relaxation of dress codes and the discontinuation of morning prayers-the school has remained non-profit and co-educational.
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Relocation and Expansion (1983-Present)
As enrollment pressures increased due to dissatisfaction with public schools and CPS's growing reputation, the school sought a larger campus. In the early 1970s, an opportunity arose to purchase a six-acre parcel on Broadway. Sixteen portable wooden classroom buildings were acquired from the Oakland Unified School District for $130 each.
In December 1982, College Prep relocated to its new Broadway campus. The move was a collaborative effort, with faculty and students undertaking most of the work. The design of the new campus aimed to capture the spirit of its Berkeley heritage and the intimacy of a central courtyard.
By 1983, 200 students moved to the open-air Broadway campus. Today, the school has grown to accommodate 360 students and 80 faculty and staff members who aspire to live by the school’s motto.
Core Values and Educational Philosophy
From its inception, The College Preparatory School has valued academic excellence, independent thinking, and social responsibility. The school's commitment to providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive remains a cornerstone of its educational philosophy.
Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Growth and Development (2004-2018)
Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School is a private Catholic high school in San Luis Obispo, California. In 2004, Mission College Prep (MCP) underwent a significant renovation, which included the construction of a new wing over the parking lot. The parking lot was transformed into an underground parking facility, and the Cowitz Gymnasium was added.
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In the summer of 2007, the school replaced its football, soccer, and baseball fields to accommodate the transition from 8-man to 11-man football. The remaining sections of MCP were retrofitted in the summer of 2008.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Mission Prep offers a wide range of sports programs, including football, cross country running, tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf, swim and dive, track and field, and baseball. The school frequently participates in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs and has earned numerous banners for basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cross country running.
Mission Prep holds the CIF record for the most consecutive CIF championships in any sport, with 16 straight in girls' basketball. The school also hosts an annual basketball tournament known as the "Christmas Classic."
In the 2018-19 football season, Mission Prep achieved its first sectional title, with an undefeated season in the CIF Central Section 8-Man division.
Traditions and Community Engagement
A long-standing tradition at Mission Prep involves incoming freshmen hiking up Cerro San Luis to repaint the giant cement "M" on the mountain's east face. This "M" was originally built by Raymond Cattaneo during his senior year and has been a symbol of the school for nearly 40 years. Efforts to remove the "M" have been met with strong opposition from students and alumni.
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Recent Developments (2019-Present)
Starting in the 2018-19 season, Mission Prep joined other Central Coast Athletic Association schools in moving to the CIF Central Section.
In late 2025, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School established the “Mission College Preparatory hall of fame.” John Iribarren was the first member inducted, honored for his roles as a physical education teacher, coach, and dean of students from 1962 to 2012.
In the fall of 2023, MCP began a FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter.
Mission Prep also supports their students going beyond classes that are taught in school. Mission Prep allows students to do concurrent enrollment, either with a college, or a high school program. One example of this happening is after physics teacher Mr. Mike Daniels left in 2025 leaving no qualified teacher to teach AP physics. The School worked with students and the UC Scout program to get a physics program for these 9 seniors.
Challenges and Achievements
Mission College Prep has faced challenges, including incidents that have brought negative attention to the school. In November 2017, a student accused a school administrator of assault, leading to the administrator being placed on administrative leave. In April 2024, a football and throwing coach was arrested on child pornography charges, resulting in his immediate dismissal.
Despite these incidents, Mission Prep maintains a high academic standing, with 100% of students graduating with the CSU/UC minimum guidelines. A significant portion of the student body (83%) participates in athletics. Mission Prep has been recognized as one of the top schools in California and has been on the AP platinum roll since 2023.
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