Serra Catholic was established in September 1961 as an all-boys school by the Order of Friars Minor of the Province of the Immaculate Conception in New York City.

Incoming ninth grade students take the STS High School Placement Test, which helps determine the best courses to fit their academic needs.

Students in both ninth and tenth grades take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills during the school year.

Students in tenth and eleventh grades prepare for the SAT exams by taking the Practice Scholastic Aptitude Test.

[7] Serra Catholic offers a wide variety of college-level courses for students through four local colleges and universities.

These include a Walk-a-Thon to support local organizations, a powderpuff football game, formal and informal dances, the March for Life in Washington, D.C., a talent show, a spring musical, and a summer trip to assist the needy in the Appalachian Mountains.