In 1891, residents of San Bernardino approved a $60,000 bond to construct a high school. One year later, San Bernardino High School was officially established. It was a three-story brick building located at the southwest corner of Eighth and E streets.
David B. Sturges, an influential educator in the San Bernardino school system, served as a teacher when the school opened and later became principal of San Bernardino High School for several years.
By 1915, the school could no longer accommodate the growing number of students. As a result, a larger campus was constructed at 18th and E streets, an area considered too far out into the country for a school to be built.
During this period, a new educational model featuring intermediate schools for seventh, eighth and ninth grade students became popular. San Bernardino school officials embraced the idea, and when the new high school opened, the old school became a junior high school.
In 1956, the student body requested and secured approval to operate as a city government under a charter approved by San Bernardino Mayor Raymond Gregory. In 1963, California Governor Edmund G. Brown officially recognized San Bernardino High School under the name Cardinal City inspired by the school’s mascot, the cardinal.
Following approval of the city charter, the school celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1915 campus by adding “Cardinal City” signage to gain distinction. Each year, students are elected as Cardinal City mayor, Mr. Cardinal and Miss. Cardinal to represent and serve the student body.
In 2015, the city’s oldest high school celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 1915 campus with the dedication of a historical marker at 18th and E streets. Notable San Bernardino High School alumni include former Stater Bros. CEO Jack Brown, NFL player Mark Seay, MLB player Dee Fondy and NBA player Bryon Russell.
Additional County Update News – May 28, 2026
- County earns national award for 2025-26 budget
- Remote participation to begin for Board of Supervisors meetings
- The heart behind fostering: Leann’s story
- San Bernardino County statewide direct primary election: Your vote. Your choice. Make it count.
- Flood Control District modernizes county hydrology standards
- Free summer meal program ensures children have adequate nutrition
- SBC LevelUP resources help job seekers apply with confidence
- Submit your Route 66 photos for a chance to win a Regional Parks or Big Bear Alpine Zoo annual pass
- Applications now being accepted for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Bluff Lake Reserve
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Flower