History

Our Origins as a Resort Hotel

Flintridge Sacred Heart was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose in 1931. The school’s original Mission-style buildings, designed in 1927 as a resort hotel by noted Southern California architect Myron Hunt, overlook the San Gabriel Valley and the Pasadena Rose Bowl from the crest of the scenic San Rafael Hills.

The resort, originally built and managed by Senator Frank P. Flint, opened in 1928 as the Flintridge Hotel and was soon after sold to the Biltmore Hotel chain. Unfortunately, the hilltop retreat was deemed too expensive to maintain and closed shortly after the onset of the Great Depression. At the same time, the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose were making plans to build a convent and girls’ school on a tract of land they had purchased in Sierra Madre. 

The Legend of a $5 bill, statue of the Blessed Mother and Faith

After hearing about the hotel's closure, Archbishop Cantwell, the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, contacted the Dominican Sisters and suggested that the abandoned hotel would suit their needs. After careful consideration, the Sisters purchased the entire resort — including the nine original buildings, hotel furnishings and surrounding land — at auction for $150,000. According to legend, on August 15, 1931, three Dominican Sisters traveled up the hill to take possession of their new school, bringing a five-dollar bill, a statue of the Blessed Mother and their faith. The school opened for the first day of classes two weeks later — on September 2, 1931 — with 200 students enrolled in grades 1 through 12.

Originally founded as a boarding school, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy began welcoming day students in 1952, gradually phasing out its elementary grades to become the all-girls high school it is today. From the start, our day student community has reflected the diversity of the greater Los Angeles area, drawing students from across the basin, including the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys.

Rooted in a global perspective, Flintridge Sacred Heart has welcomed international boarding students since its earliest days—enriching our community with cultures and experiences from around the world.

A Lasting Commitment

Since Flintridge Sacred Heart’s inception, the Dominican Sisters, as well as many dedicated professionals, have provided leadership and staffing for the school, its classrooms and residence halls. Together, they have built a school committed to the development of young women through its challenging academic program, complemented by a lasting commitment to an arts education, a vibrant campus ministry, Christian service, a competitive athletic program and a history rich in tradition.