A group of Catholic laymen, many belonging to the Prelature of Opus Dei ("Work of God"), founded The Heights School in 1969.  Starting as a middle school on Garrison Street in Northwest Washington, D.C., The Heights aimed to prepare boys for success in high school while inculcating in them a deep Christian formation, an adventurous approach to life's challenges, and the desire to seek holiness in and through everyday life and work.

Dr. Robert H. Jackson arrived in 1971 to assume the role of Headmaster and to begin the upper school.  Dr. Jackson, an Englishman, left his mark on the School in various ways.  A lively and witty approach to the rigors of study and a disdain for false prestige characterized his leadership of the School.

In 1978, The Heights purchased the Potomac campus and started the lower school.  By 1983, construction of the main building allowed the entire School, grades 3 through 12, to be united on the Potomac campus.  The Garrison Street facility reverted to its original use as a supplemental educational center for young men and is now known as the Tenley Student Center.

The growth of the School continued throughout the tenure of Headmaster Joseph McPherson, 1983-1997.  Capture-the-Flag on feast days, the Maryland Day Gala, the Senior Project, and the intramural flag football tournament became Heights traditions under his aegis.  The Board of Directors adopted a Master Plan for the improvement of the School's physical plant that was approved by Montgomery County.

Under the leadership of Mr. Richard McPherson, Headmaster from 1997 until 2002, The Heights continued to blossom.  Heights students distinguished themselves on the national Advanced Placement exams, and increasing numbers of boys were accepted into the nation's most prestigious universities.  The new log cabin was built in 1997, and the library and Chesterton Hall were built in 1999.  The School's entrance was reconfigured, and outdoor basketball and tennis courts were added.

Alvaro de Vicente ('83) assumed the role of Headmaster in July 2002.  As an alumnus, a former board member, and a soccer coach, Mr. de Vicente brings to the position a thorough knowledge of the spirit and culture of the School: to educate young men of vision and purpose who look to serve society through their professional work and family life.