In 1953, Bishop Emmett M. Walsh obtained the present site of Cardinal Mooney High School from the Youngstown Park Department and began the organization of a high school fundraising committee.

Ground was broken in 1954, and in the fall of 1955 the first freshman class was organized and began attending classes at the old Glenmary convent. Construction of Cardinal Mooney was completed in time for the first day of school in September 1956. A total of 610 students were enrolled as freshmen or sophomores. The school was named after Edward Cardinal Mooney, a former southsider, who was the Archbishop of Detroit. He had distinguished himself as a scholar and Vatican diplomat.

Father William Hughes, who recently retired as Bishop of Covington, Kentucky, was named the school's first principal. Red and Gold were selected as the school colors. They symbolized the blood of the martyrs, and the responsibility of all Christians to accept suffering and the Blessed Sacrament.

The initial faculty included sisters from the Ursuline, Dominican, Notre Dame and Vincentian communities, two priests and five lay teachers.

In June of 1959 the first graduating class celebrated Baccalaureate Mass at St. Columba Cathedral, and on June 7th graduation ceremonies were held at Stambaugh Auditorium.

Enrollments grew rapidly in the early '60's. By 1960 an addition to Cardinal Mooney was being planned and an overflow of students were once again attending classes at the old Glenmary Convent. The addition opened in 1961. It included an auditorium, seven classrooms and a physics laboratory.

Today, Cardinal Mooney's reputation for excellence continues. Recent renovations have updated the physical plant. A permanent Chapel is available for class liturgies as well as private reflection. Expansion and renovation of the Library/Information Center provides Internet access, computerized catalog system and access to a variety of print and software resources in a college library atmosphere. Total renovation of the school auditorium will provide appropriate setting for whole school liturgical ceremonies as well as facilitate student dramatic productions. Permanent seating was removed. New carpeting and chairs were provided to allow flexible seating arrangements. New window and stage draperies were added as well as modern stage lighting..Complete kitchen facilities and storage rooms were added to facilitate social functions. An additional science lab has been created and the existing labs have new equipment. The art room has also been renovated and expanded to allow for computer applications. All student restrooms have been completely remodeled. All new desks have been provided for students and teachers.

A revitalized curriculum, continually evaluated and revised, provides Mooney's students with exceptional opportunities to prepare themselves for the demands of their future roles in life. Excellence can be seen annually in the numerous academic awards, scholastic achievements and scholarships won by Mooney students. Mooney's alumni can be found at the forefront of community business, professional and political groups--a clear testimonial to the fact that Cardinal Mooney is a vital community resource. It is a school that not only demands excellence of its students but returns it to the community in its alumni!