This college preparatory institution was founded on the spiritual ideals of St. Francis of Assisi and the academic fervor of its namesake, St. Bonaventure.

On February 22, 2015, a WASC/WCEA accrediting committee arrived at Saint Bonaventure to begin a three-day process of observation, interviews, and goal-setting.

[citation needed] The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles founded the school in 1963 with 70 students.

Over the next 100 years, people began to move to and live in the area around the mission, and in 1887 the city of San Buenaventura was formed.

St. Bonaventure's first student body consisted of 70 freshmen that started classes in partially completed buildings in September 1963.

Under their guidance, the school grew in enrollment, curriculum, and facilities, displaying excellence in academics, athletics, and service to the community.

The Seraphs girls' soccer team won CIF-SS championships in 1998 (shared with Maranatha High School of Pasadena) and 2021.

The Seraphs continued their success, sharing the 2010 league title with Oaks Christian and Westlake High School, all with identical 8-1 conference records.