On 19 September 1955, the school was founded by the Sisters of Providence, who already had a presence in the San Fernando Valley and ran a hospital.

Due to construction delays, the building was not finished upon their arrival, and they start instruction in circus tents in the school parking lot.

During the 1970's, enrollment dipped dangerously low, as was the trend throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at that time due to the aging population of the San Fernando Valley and stiff competition from other private schools.

Special programs focused on healthcare and media communications were added to the school curriculum, leveraging on the order's affiliation with the nearby Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and the school's location in a major hub for the entertainment industry.

Cinema Arts students are given the opportunity to compete in various film competitions and to hear from guest speakers currently working in the industry.