Saint Elizabeth High School first opened its doors to children and their families living in the Fruitvale District of Oakland in 1921. Its mission was to provide an outstanding Catholic education to high school students. First staffed by Franciscan friars and Dominican nuns, Saint Elizabeth was served later by the Marist brothers. As the number of religious declined, the school’s dedicated lay staff grew to meet the needs of the students. Those transitions were virtually seamless in meeting the school’s educational mission and embracing the rich migrant culture coming into the East Bay early in Saint Elizabeth’s history: Irish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Latino, and African-American families. Each generation of families came to Saint Elizabeth with the same desire – to ensure that their children receive the best Catholic education possible. 

As we recognize and honor the rich 97 year history of Saint Elizabeth High School, on August 15th, 2018 we welcomed a new school to the Fruitvale district of Oakland: Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School. Located on the site of the former Saint Elizabeth High School Campus, Cristo Rey De La Salle’s mission as a diverse, Lasallian Catholic learning community that educates young people to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. This approach provides a rigorous and personalized college preparatory curriculum integrated with a corporate work study experience that prepares students of limited economic means to succeed in college and in life.

Anchored in the rich history of Saint Elizabeth High School, we wanted to dedicate a page on our website to it’s legacy. Thus, we will have class photos and an In Memoriam page recognizing and honoring those Saint Elizabeth High School Alumni present and those who have gone on before us. 

GO MUSTANGS!