1896-1929
Established in 1896 as San Fernando Union High School, San Fernando High School (SFHS) holds the distinction of being the third oldest high school in Los Angeles. In its early years, the school day followed a schedule from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, featuring courses that ran for 25 minutes each. Textbooks were not provided by the district but were instead available at the local drug store. The tradition of selecting school colors began with each class choosing its own. In 1903, the Junior class selected purple and gold. The earliest mention of black and gold was in 1935. The first graduating class, with a modest start of 13 students, faced challenges as illness and relocation reduced the number to three female graduates: Lilian Judy, Cora Hoyt, and Ermine Hansen. This early history reflects the pioneering spirit of SFHS and its commitment to education in the Los Angeles community.
First graduating class of 1899: Lilian Judy, Cora Hoyt, and Ermine Hansen.
The first commencement was held on June 23rd 1899 in Harp's Hall.
The above photo is the oldest known photograph at San Fernando Union High School, taken in 1899. This photo represents the entire student body.
These photographs are the earliest known student portraits of San Fernando Union High School, taken around 1900.
Three early principals of San Fernando Union High School. J.T. Anderson, G.S. Trowbridge, Ellie Colgrove Ingham
- J. T. Anderson was the principal and the only teacher at S.F.U.H.S. for the first two years 1896-1898. He received a salary of $120 a month for 10 months a year.
- G. S. Trowbridge took over as principal from 1898-1902.
- E. L. Mitchell briefly took over as principal from 1902-1903.
- E. C. Ingham was the first female principal at S.F.U.H.S. and remained in the position for 23 years, from 1903-1925. She was the second faculty member hired as an English, Latin and History teacher. When she took over, the school had 3 faculty members and a total of 33 students. Upon retirement, S.F.U.H.S. had a faculty of 40 and a student body of 714. While she focused on academics, she also highlighted vocations and focused on creating a livelihood for the students. Mrs. Ingham passed away on December 2nd, 1929.
Debating SocietySan Fernando Union High School students created a debating society in 1903. The team joined the Southern California Debating League and was victorious in the first two debates. As you browse through the yearbooks, you will see a rich history of Debate teams and championships becoming the highlight of the school.
The first debate was against Santa Monica High School and the topic was "Resolved, that the United States was not justified in continuing the war of 1812". S.F.U.H.S. argued in the affirmative and was victorious.
The original campus was located on 5th and Hagar street in San Fernando. San Fernando Union High School remained at this location from 1896 to 1906. Above you can see the inside of the auditorium which was capable of seating up to 450 people. Below, you can see the exterior building a peek into the entrance of the building.
Morningside Elementary was originally located in the building, so they moved the High School to the second floor of the structure for an annual rent of $1. The school housed a library, three laboratories including a botany, chemical and physical laboratories. Commercial classrooms including freehand and mechanical drawing. The school was nestled in between orange groves and olive orchards.
Second Campus 1906-1951
In 1906, San Fernando High School was moved to a seven acre campus on Brand Blvd, which is the current location of San Fernando Middle school. On October 17th 1913, a new industrial arts building was completed. This new space provided a sewing and culinary arts room as well as a model apartment where the female students learned about housekeeping. The new library housed over 5,000 books which were open to students and the public. In order to graduate, students must achieve a grade of over 75%. In order to promote to a university, students must achieve a grade of over 85%.
Student drawing in the 1912 yearbook, the year the Titanic sank.
San Fernando Union High School Junior College
In 1914, the fist Student Body (ASB) was formally organized. A student athlete named Carl C. Cavanaugh became the first Student Body President.
Agriculture
In 1915, the Los Angeles Aqueduct finished completion. The valley began to emphasize agricultural education. S.F.U.H.S added a Horticultural and Agricultural Department. Throughout the years, the school worked with Future Farmers of America, established in 1928, where they trained generations of farmers.
When the water came into the valley, it brought about a change in the school system that was not originally anticipated. In order to get the water on the land, the valley was annexed to Los Angeles, and the city of San Fernando became part of the Los Angeles City High School District in 1915. In 1961, the Los Angeles City High School District and the Los Angeles City School District merged and became Los Angeles Unified School District.
