Cheverus High School is a private, Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Society of Jesus.
The Ignatian vision of the magis — Latin for “more” — challenges the entire Cheverus community to seek the greater good and to embody this vision by becoming men and women for and with others.
Under the stewardship of the Jesuits, Cheverus has grown to include both qualified male and female students, and remains committed to its founding principles of superior educational and spiritual growth of the individual – the hallmark of an educational program deeply rooted in a Jesuit philosophy spanning over 460 years. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) continues to inspire us.
Cheverus History
1917
Founded on Free Street in Portland in 1917 as The Catholic Institute High School.
1925
Cheverus changed its name to Cheverus Classical High School in 1925 in honor of Bishop Jean de Cheverus, the first Bishop of Boston. During its first 25 years, teaching and administration of the school was handled by diocesan clergy who also served as curates in local parishes.
1942
In 1942, Bishop Joseph McCarthy, then Bishop of Portland, obtained the services of the Society of Jesus as teachers and Cheverus became a Jesuit-operated diocesan school.
1946
In 1946 the Free Street building was sold and the Bishop purchased 32 acres of land along Back Cove on Ocean Avenue in Portland.
1952
Cheverus took up temporary residence in the St. Aloysius School on Cumberland Avenue in Portland while its new — and current — facility was being built. The new school opened in April of 1952.
1960s
The Cheverus Key Club begins the Annual Turkey Drive program to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to families in the greater Portland area. The program continues to the present day, providing more than 400 turkeys and all the trimmings each year.
1970s
Cheverus establishes the May Projects — now the Arrupe Service Projects — as a community service project for seniors. Each senior spends the month of May working at schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and other nonprofits. The students return to campus to share their experiences with the underclassmen before graduation.
2000
The first girls matriculate at Cheverus in all grade levels, making Cheverus a fully-coed school.
2005
Keegan Gym officially opens. This addition includes a 1000-seat gymnasium, indoor track, locker rooms, and sports medicine offices.
2017
Cheverus celebrates its 100-year anniversary.