About SFC

Over 45 Years of Excellence

For over 45 years, students have been coming to Santa Fe Catholic High School to grow academically, spiritually and personally. From our very first graduating class to our most recent, we have been able to look with pride at the accomplishments of our alumni. Our students come to Santa Fe to learn and grow, and they leave ready to lead and succeed.

Santa Fe Catholic High School, a coeducational institution of the Diocese of Orlando, was founded in 1960 and officially opened on September 5, 1961, as Central Catholic High School. Classes were held for 50 students in grades nine and ten in the administration building at Lodwick Airport, known now as Tigertown. In 1962, Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley dedicated the school, and classes were held for the first time in the present administration building. A few months later, the name was changed to Santa Fe Catholic High School. In 1964, Santa Fe experienced many firsts – the first graduating class, the first publication of the yearbook, the organization of a football team and the formation of the National Honor Society.

Because of the increasing enrollment, a building fund was organized in 1969 to raise money for additions to Santa Fe, and that same year the McDonald Building was dedicated. One year later, ground was broken for the new gymnasium. In 1972, Monsignor Martin Power, Pastor of Saint Joseph’s in Lakeland, passed away, and Reverend Patrick Sheedy, the new Pastor, was given permission to solicit funds for the Martin Power Center. Because of the generosity and dedication of so many people, ground was broken for the new center in January of 1973.

Our Motto & Crest

• Our Motto : Ad Fidem Per Scientiam, To Faith Through Knowledge
• The Torch : A sign signifying the knowledge and
  the enlightened meaning it gives to life
• The Chevron : A badge of honor, for excellence in
  both sports and academics
• The Book : Reminder that life is a period of constant study and only though application is a lesson learned
• The Atom : A symbol of progress and active participation in a modern world
• The Hawk : Finally, atop our emblem stands the hawk, our mascot, a bird of keen awareness, courage, and love of freedom.