School History

The roots of our Catholic high school go back to 1924. At that time, a Catholic high school was established as part of the St. Paul Parish School in Daytona Beach. As the population grew, the Diocese of St. Augustine built a new, central Catholic high school that opened in 1959. Father Lopez Catholic High School, located between Madison and Mason on the east side of Nova Road, served the area for the next 49 years.

With the Catholic population in central Florida continuing to grow, the Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968. The new diocese would include oversight of the Catholic parishes and schools in the Daytona Beach area, including Father Lopez.

In the early years, the high school staff was comprised of diocesan priests and women religious from the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt (NY). Although priests and sisters no longer teach at the school, we are blessed to have dedicated lay educators who are committed to the school’s mission of pursuing excellence within the Catholic tradition. The current faculty have been trained at 43 different colleges and universities located in 18 different states and Canada. Collectively, they have earned a total of 33 graduate degrees.

During the summer of 2008, Father Lopez Catholic High School moved to its current location at 3918 LPGA Blvd. Our state-of-the-art facility is housed on an attractive 98-acre campus.

Since its inception, some 4,400 young men and women have graduated from Father Lopez. Most have continued their studies at the collegiate level and beyond. Today, our alumni are recognized as leaders in their parishes, communities, families and chosen careers. The most recent graduating class included seven children of alumni, adding to our growing number of second-generation Green Wave.

Our diverse and talented student population comes from 36 different zip code areas in Daytona Beach and surrounding communities in Volusia, Flagler and Seminole counties. Our cultural diversity is enhanced with the  addition of international students from around the world.

Throughout these past 60 years, the school has pursued a noble mission. The Father Lopez faculty and staff, in partnership with parents, the first teachers of their children, share Catholic values and knowledge. Working together, we strive to form well-rounded persons of faith while we continue to provide a valued education that prepares today's students for tomorrows challenges.