The high school was founded in 1957 as Madison High School, named after Founding FatherJames Madison. Construction on the campus began in 1955.[3] Teacher Leodis V. McDaniel became the principal of the school in 1983, and remained until his death in 1987.[4] On June 29, 2004, the school was damaged by fire, probably caused by fireworks.[5]
Two movies have been filmed at the school: Paranoid Park (2007) and Twilight (2008).
The school was renovated in 2019-2021 as part of a $790 million bond measured passed in 2017. Classes took place at the former Marshall High School in Portland's Lents neighborhood during the renovation.[6] During the renovations, the school board began a process to re-name the school, as Madison had been a slaveholder.[4] On February 24, 2021, Portland Public School Board voted to rename Madison High School after Leodis V. McDaniel, a former principal of the school who was well respected in the community.[7] In April 2021, the school mascot was changed from the Senators to the Mountain Lions.[8]
Curriculum
McDaniel High School offers a full range of college preparatory core content classes as well as unique elective options in the areas of mathematics, performing & visual arts, science, social science, psychology, craftsmanship, and world languages. Students may challenge themselves by enrolling in Advanced Placement and dual credit courses. The latter are taught by McDaniel faculty who work in partnership with Portland Community College.[9]
