School History

In the early 1980's, two families gathered in an Everett home. The availability of a good Catholic education for their children was the primary topic. The closest Catholic high school was located in Seattle. "Why can't we have a Catholic school in our own community?" they asked themselves.

In the beginning, community support for a new high school was uncertain. However, over time the need for a school became clear and the community, Snohomish County pastors and Archbishop Hunthausen were in support of the project. Northsound Association for Catholic Education was formed and board members were selected. Between 1983 and 1985 the Association began the search for a location to house the school. No existing structure or facility was deemed a viable option, and it became clear that property would have to be secured on which to build the new school.

Through the enormous generosity of 20 donors, property was purchased in South Everett. Fundraising began to secure funds for the actual building of the school.  While funds were being raised to build a permanent school on the South Everett property, Holy Cross High School opened in September 1988 at the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help grade school. There were fifteen freshmen and eight sophomores that first year. For most of a decade, the number of students increased gradually, eventually outgrowing an inadequate facility.

In early 1999, the school was re-named to honor the late Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy and prepared to move to the twenty-two acre permanent campus at the South Everett location. In October 1999, 254 students and twenty faculty moved to the new campus, which consisted of a two-story building housing the gymnasium, administrative offices, a library, computer room and seven classrooms. Six additional modular classrooms were located adjacent to the main building.

Growth of Archbishop Murphy High School, both in facilities and enrollment, has been tremendous. A second building, Grace Hall, was built in 2003. A football/soccer field was installed with bleacher seating and a press box, and a five-acre athletic complex was developed in 2003.

Heath Hall, our third building, was completed in September of 2007. The 40,000 square feet building includes classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, office space, a student life and counseling center and performing arts space. Enrollment has increased steadily over the years, to approximately 450 for the 2012-2013 school year. A larger, free-standing chapel is in our future plans.

Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School is a Catholic, college preparatory school that welcomes students of all faiths. True to the spirit of the Gospel, Archbishop Murphy nurtures the full development of the gifts that God has given to each student, fosters service as an outgrowth of faith, and values diversity. Working with parents as partners in this educational ministry, we strive for academic excellence, spiritual enrichment, and Christlike leadership for the transformation of the world.

AMHS achieves this mission by emphasizing faith formation, academic excellence focusing on college preparation, active student involvement through community service, quality performing arts programs, and exceptional athletic programs.

At AMHS, we are proud of our Catholic traditions. We strive to foster within our students a deeper understanding and appreciation of their own faith lives through participation in liturgies, prayer services and class retreats. Daily prayer is a regular part of the school day. Students also enrich their understanding of the Catholic faith by completing four years of Theology classes. Students live out their faith within their own communities by performing community service as part of their Theology requirements. Our students are required to complete over one hundred hours of community service during their four years at AMHS, and in 2010-2011 over 18,000 hours of service were provided to over 100 organizations in our community.

Academically, students at AMHS excel. Class of 2011 graduates included five National Merit Commended students. 99% of the class is pursuing higher education -- 93% are attending four year universities; 16% are attending a Catholic university. Collectively, the class was offered merit scholarships and awards totaling over $9.3 million dollars. 85% of the class graduated with academic honors. AMHS was the winner of the 2009-2010 WIAA 2A Scholastic Cup, and took second place in 2010-2011, including four teams who were awarded 2010-2011 WIAA 2A State Academic Championships (boys' baseball, boys' soccer, girls' soccer, and girls' swimming). In the 2010-2011 athletic arena, athletic teams won seven league championships, seven district championships, two individual state championships, and six teams or individuals placed within the top four at state competitions. Students have many opportunities to become involved at AMHS, including a wide range of performing arts programs, clubs and activities.