Salpointe Today

Over 1300 students and 17,000 alumni call Salpointe home. For almost 75 years, the school has enjoyed a distinguished reputation for rigorous curriculum, award-winning arts programs, competitive athletics, faith‐strengthening religious programs and spirited co‐curricular activities. We treasure our past and look toward a bright future.

The Tradition Begins

After purchasing 40 acres in the Florence Addition neighborhood in 1940, the Diocese of Tucson broke ground on September 19, 1949, to begin the construction of Salpointe High School. The Most Rev. Daniel J. Gercke, Bishop of Tucson, laid the cornerstone and blessed the school, naming it for the first Bishop of Arizona, Most Rev. Jean Baptiste Salpointe (1825-1898).

Salpointe’s first school year began on September 11, 1950 with 170 freshmen and sophomores. The campus included the original patio (later called Farr Patio or Freshman Patio), cafeteria, nine classrooms, library and administrative offices as well as a room next to the cafeteria that housed a locker room and showers for students taking physical education.

Tuition was $10.00 a month. In the first school year, maroon and gold were chosen as the school colors, the Lancer became the school mascot and the first Horizons yearbook was printed. The bust was Bishop Salpointe was unveiled and first issue of The Crusader newspaper was published. The first clubs to be established included Sodality, men’s and women’s Glee Clubs, as well as the Library, Science, Spanish and Latin Clubs. The musical comedy, Waltz Time was staged and the May Crowning and Rosary was first celebrated in honor of our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

In 1953, the Carmelites of the Most Pure Heart of Mary took over the administration of the school and the Carmelite order continues to lead and inspire our students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff today.