The Piner area was settled early in the history of Sonoma County. The name “Piner” was the family name of one of the early settlers. The high school is located within the Santa Rosa City limits and within the boundaries of the present Piner-Olivet Elementary District.

A faculty-student committee was responsible for suggesting “Piner Prospectors” as the team name of the new school. This suggestion was forwarded to the principal and superintendent, who approved this choice. The same committee selected the colors of the school: maroon and gold.

During 1965, plans for Piner High School were completed and approved by the Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education. Albert F. Biella was appointed first principal of the new school.