[3] Teacher Leodis V. McDaniel became the principal of the school in 1983, and remained until his death in 1987.

Classes took place at the former Marshall High School in Portland's Lents neighborhood during the renovation.

[8] McDaniel High School offers a full range of college preparatory core content classes as well as unique elective options in the areas of mathematics, performing & visual arts, science, social science, psychology, craftsmanship, and world languages.

Students may challenge themselves by enrolling in Advanced Placement and dual credit courses.

The latter are taught by McDaniel faculty who work in partnership with Portland Community College.