Purcell High School began in 1928 as an Archdiocesan High School for young men. The site was originally purchased in 1924 by the Rt. Reverend Msgr. J. Henry Schengber for the parish of St. Francis de Sales. Under the direction of the Most ReverendHenry Moeller plans were drawn up for a high school which was to occupy the site of the present day Walnut Hills High School. In 1928, the Most Reverend John T. McNicholas decided to locate the school on Hackberry Street and gave it the name Purcell, in honor of the first Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, John Baptist Purcell. Purcell High School was under the administration of the Brothers of Mary and was staffed by Brothers, Marianist Priests, and lay men and women. The Eveslage Athletic Center was dedicated in 1971.
Marian High School
Marian High School began in 1908 as a co-educational parish school – the first school of its type in Cincinnati. It was named St. Marys and was located at St. Mary Parish in Hyde Park. For years the high school shared facilities with the elementary school in the building that had been erected in 1903 as St. Mary Mission Chapel. A new St. Mary High School was constructed in 1923. In 1928, St. Mary became a diocesan regional high school for girls only. The boys who had been enrolled there were transferred to the new Purcell High School. In 1963, a new high school called Marian High School was under the administration of the Sisters of Charity and was staffed by Sisters, Archdiocesan Priests, and lay men and women.
Merger to Form Purcell Marian
In 1980 the decision was made to merge both schools and the name changed to Purcell Marian High School. Purcell High School and Marian High School merged beginning with the 1981-82 school year. The name of the new school would be Purcell Marian High School. It would be located at the Purcell site and begin with the 1981-82 school year. The mascot would be the Cavalier, and the school's colors would be Crimson, Blue and Gold. The school seal shows the picture of the Blessed Virgin and Child. The inscription includes the school's motto, Praestans Inter Omnes, and the date of foundation.
Academics
The curriculum is accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association. Purcell Marian has recently adopted a new method of "blended" learning using a combination of online and class taught curriculum for the 2013-14 school year. The program so far includes mathematics and is expected to expand to other subjects in the near future.
The school's Latin Club functions as a local chapter of both the Ohio Junior Classical League and National Junior Classical League. Black Student Union represents diversity among the students. In April 2008, the Ultimate Frisbee team won the B-Division City Tournament.
