Additional classrooms, shower and locker facilities and a science wing were added later, with 10-cent levy funds and federal aid under Public Law 815.

Shortly following the establishment of Catalina, many other high schools opened in the more affluent suburbs of Tucson, including Rincon, and Canyon del Oro.

The school was initially controversial, with critics dubbing Catalina "Disneyland", as the architecture was viewed as lavishly modern and expensive.

The construction academy offers students a traditional vocational experience teaching building trades from nail and hammer and heating and air conditioning to home design.

The career & technical academy offers students the opportunity to earn Pima Community College credit while taking their courses at Catalina.

Catalina presently competes in the Arizona Interscholastic Association 3A Gila Conference, Division II.

Catalina is also home to the AZ-943 Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Cadet Group.

The Senior Aerospace Science Instructor is Lieutenant Colonel Robert Maldonado, USAF, Ret.