On September 3, 1968, Canyon High School officially opened its doors, becoming the second high school in the Santa Clarita Valley, following Hart High School, which had opened in the 1940s.

The school’s opening was completed in three phases at a cost of $3.6 million. 

Initially, the campus consisted of five buildings and a library, with administrative offices located in portable buildings. C.T. Haan served as both the first principal of Canyon High and the superintendent of the Hart School District.

Over the decades, Canyon High School has been the site of many memorable moments, from a snow day in 1974 to winning a football state championship in 2006.

January 4, 1974 — Canyon High School in a rare snowfall. It started snowing Jan. 3 and continued into Jan. 4.
Image from the 1974 Canyon High School “Trails” yearbook, pgs. 12-13.

In 2018, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary. The milestone coincided with “Back to School” night, held the day after Labor Day, and became a much larger celebration of Canyon’s legacy.

Festivities kicked off in the school’s new Performing Arts Center, featuring performances, recognitions, and a special video presentation highlighting the school’s history. Guests were then invited to explore decades of memorabilia, reconnect with classmates and teachers, enjoy a car show and food trucks, and honor the community that helped shape Canyon High.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the school recognized its “50 Most Influential People” — a diverse group of graduates, teachers, administrators, and community members who played key roles in the school’s development. Honorees were spread across six categories: Education, Athletics, Arts/Entertainment, Business, Government, and Other.

Today, Canyon High School remains a cornerstone of education in the Santa Clarita Valley, growing and evolving along with the community it serves.

To read yesterday’s Today in History, click here.

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