Founded in 1890, Mission High School was the first comprehensive high school west of the Rocky Mountains. The current complex was built during San Francisco's golden age of school construction, 1920-1930, when the city built fifty public schools.

Mission High School was designed by City Architect John Reid, Jr. in the Spanish Baroque architectural style commonly known as Churrigueresque. The 127-foot bell tower, red roof tiles and decorative façade are a dominating visual landmark in the Mission District.

Source: Adapted from San Francisco Landmark Designation Report Case Number 2006.0571L dated 7 June 2006