California Preparatory College began operations as a private two-year institution of higher education on July 1, 2007. For two years prior to CPC's opening, its founders operated a small ESL and certificate program in Redlands.

For several years prior to CPC's opening, a number of educators, business people and investors had noticed a large void in value driven faith-based education and were considering the most cost effective remedy. The development and inauguration of CPC is the culmination of their collaborative effort.

The 2008-2009 academic year represents CPC's second year of operation, a year that has seen the college more than tripled its first year enrollment.