According to Diana Meehan, the name “Archer” was chosen to signify a place where girls would be taught to be self-sufficient based on research specific to female learners.

In 1999, the school purchased the Eastern Star Home for Women in Brentwood Village, a building designed by California architect William Mooser.

[3] The building has been designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and is listed in the California and National Register of Historic Places.

The tradition began in 1981 when an anonymous donor arranged to have the maypole constructed for the residents of the Eastern Star Home for Women and then located at the site.

[9] Notable figures who have spoken at Archer include producer and author Oprah Winfrey,[10][11] actress Kerry Washington, actress and comedian Sarah Silverman, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Julie Foudy, and journalist Lisa Ling.