[4][5][6] Fairfax High School was founded in 1924 under the direction of Principal Rae G. Van Cleve, for whom the athletic field is named.

When first built, with a backdrop of the iconic rotunda and Dewitt Swann Auditorium, a reflecting pond was the first thing students saw when they arrived at school.

The original Spanish Colonial Revival main building did not meet earthquake safety standards.

When the 1971 San Fernando earthquake struck with a magnitude of 6.5–6.7, nearby Los Angeles High School was damaged severely and closed for repairs.

[7] Organized by a group of local theater artists, the first Melrose Trading Post flea market was held in 1996 in the school's parking lot.

Regarded as the most successful on-going fund-raising activity in the LAUSD, the flea market evolved into the Greenway Arts Alliance, the Friends of Fairfax and the Institute for the Arts at Fairfax High School, all which are of immense benefit to the school and students.

[11] In 1953, Fairfax High introduced Modern Hebrew classes, initially taught by the principal of the Beverly-Fairfax Jewish Community Center, Ronnie Tofield.

"[12] Eventually, racial tensions subsided as the school worked toward an active integration plan led by Layne.

It opened in 1981 and is the only visual arts magnet in Los Angeles Unified School District.

Since 1997, the Melrose Trading Post outdoor flea market has created opportunities for Fairfax High School and the surrounding neighborhood.