Along Penafrancia Avenue ( formerly known as Via Gainza St.) is an eye-catching view of a glorious landmark of age and history. Bringing the passers-by to the past is not a museum, a shrine nor a large cross on the mountain top but a proudly standing academe that has endured the test of time. Camarines Sur National High School has long catered life-learning experiences to the Bicolano youth.
On July 15, 1902, the Camarines High School was originally a provincial school located in Nueva Caceres, now City of Naga, to meet the need for a secondary school to accommodate elementary graduates coming from various municipalities of the province.
The earliest faculty of this institution consisted mostly of the Thomasites who managed the first public school system in the country during the American colonization; through few Filipino Teachers were given the opportunity to teach in the high school. Frank L. Crone, from whom the fourth year honors class is presently named after, was the first principal, with Monerva Udell as his assistant. The institution had undergone many educational changes during the Commonwealth era, including the mandatory teaching of yhe National language.
During the American occupation, World War II broke out which hugely affected the school. Many of its original buildings, especially the Gabaldon were occupied as garrisons of the Japanese troops. This brought the popular urban legend about alleged sightings of dead soldiers wandering around the school premises. Moreover, the School sheltered handicaps and the injured in 1945.
With the approval of the RA5529, the Camarines Sur High School was converted into a Nationalism nationalized high school to be the nationalized high school to be Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) on June 21,1969 by then President Ferdinand Marcos through the efforts of Congressman Ramon H. Felipe, School Principal Pedro O. Bornas, Faculty Club President Pura Luisa V. Magtuto ,and Liaison Officer Ms.Estela D. Anciano.
In 1968, night classes with 254 students provided opportunity to working students to afford free education. Cam High's aspiration for quality and accessible education has extended beyond high school students as midwifery and general education courses were offered by the Camarines Sur Community College in 1971. The "Barangay Balik Adal" project was launched on July 1985 holding review classes in Science, Math, English, Filipinos and Araling Panlipunan for the village officials of the city who were high school undergraduates in preparation for the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT).
CSNHS continued to strengthen the holistic foundation of students by offering special curricula. The Special Science Oriented Class (SSOC), now Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP),started offering quality science and math specialization in 1991.Region. SPA has since been providing young artists the ideal environment, exposure and training in various art genres: performing, creative and music. In June 2002 under DepEd Secretary Raul Roco, the School implemented the Basic Education Curriculum via RA 9155.
Adhering to the educational breakthrough of multiple intelligences, CSNHS presently offers eight curricula namely: K-12 Basic Education Curriculum, Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP), Special Program in the Arts (SPA), Special Program in Sports (SPS), Strengthened Technical Vocational Education (STVE), FFC (Family Farm Curriculum), Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL), and Special Education (SPED). Each education program exposes aspiring students to their desired field of learning wherein they are holistically trained to be future scientists, engineers, artists, musicians, athletes, agriculturists, and professional technicians of the country.
Education Program (ESEP),Special Program in the Arts (SPA), Special Program in Sports(SPS), Strengthened Technical Vocational Education (STVE), FFC (Family Farm Curriculum),and Special Education (SPED). Each education program exposes aspiring students to their desired field of learning wherein they are holistically trained to be future scientists, engineers, artifacts ,musicians, athletes, agriculturists, and professional technicians of the country.
The school is currently administered by Sulpicio C. Alferez, IIl. On his watch, the institution still holds the largest student population of at least 7,000 in the province with more than 200 personnel. Despite its large population, Cam High has been a consistent frontrunner as a child-friendly and eco-friendly school.
Camarines Sur National High School does not and shall not falter on its commitment to Bicolano youth in dire need of the greatest treasure as it continues to provide vibrant, quality and accessible education for the total man. This education transcends beyond the limits of the classroom walls and corners. The 100th Commencement Exercises on March 26,2015 should carry on the CSNHS mission and vision amidst its success and glory - that graduates of CSNHS have served and will continue to serve this country with pride and honor in reverence to their Alma Mater.
(The Gabaldon, Official Centennial Graduation Souvenir Program, p.g 4-5, Matel R. Barrios et.al )