George Washington Preparatory High School was founded in 1927 as a six-year high school that slowly developed into a four-year school . The first graduating class was 1928 with 5 seniors . The school was badly damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake and the students went to school in tents for a year or two . In 1935 Washington High began accepting 11th and 12th graders only , and before 1950 , Washington Senior High School had expanded to include grades 10 through 12 . In January 1983 , a new founder , the famed George McKenna , redefined Washington High School as a college preparatory school , and George Washington Preparatory High School , " The Prep , " became an academic institution for grades 9 – 12
1933 Long Beach earthquake
1933 Long Beach earthquake
Washington Preparatory High School