The construction for the first high school in Johnston since 1898 (when Olneyville was annexed to Providence) was approved in a bond referendum in March, 1966. In the intervening years, Johnston students were bussed to public schools in Providence or attended private schools outside of Johnston.

For a short time, nearby N.A Ferri Middle School held double sessions for high school students before the new building opened.

Within a year and a half of the referendum, the building began hosting high school classes. Construction on the school's athletic complex was completed in 1973.