Seattle Preparatory School history

Also in 1894, the school moved to a new building on land that the Province had purchased from Arthur Denny.

1902: Blue and White adopted as the school colors (in honor of the Virgin Mary).

In 1905, The priest who was in charge of this small co-ed Catholic school asked the Order of the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits to take over.

In 1918, the McHugh’s sold their interest in the Deep Sea Cannery Company and used much of the proceeds to purchase Adelphia College, a Swedish Baptist seminary and school located on North Capitol Hill.

1923: The Panthers of Prep played their first football game against the Fighting Irish of O'Dea, a 7-0 Prep victory at Broadway Playfield.

1924: The Mother's Club, precursor to Prep's Parent Board, was formed.

1925: Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth visited Prep.

1929: William A Garrigan, SJ Gymnasium

1930: Eamon De Valera, President of Ireland, addressed an assembly in Garrigan Gym.

In 1933, the high school was renamed Seattle Preparatory School.

The opening of the school year in 1937 saw the beginning of the “Christy” McDonnell era at Seattle Prep.

McDonnell, SJ served as principal, president and rector until 1956 and, with his commanding presence and charisma, is deservedly recognized as one of the great leaders in Prep’s long history.

Seattle Prep’s first Co-Ed graduating class in 1975.

Val Ritchie joined the Prep community in 1981 as the first female gym teacher.

There is an article titled “Prep Celebrates 25 Years of Coeducation” in the Seattle Prep Panther dating back to 1999.