The Definitive Answer: 5 Shocking Facts About Jayson Tatum’s High School Career At Chaminade

Jayson Tatum’s journey from a promising high school prospect to an NBA superstar is a story of relentless dedication, and it all began in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. For fans and aspiring young athletes, knowing the foundation of his success is key to understanding his elite mentality. As of December 2025, the most current and definitive answer is that Jayson Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he established himself as one of the most dominant high school players of his generation.

The four years Tatum spent at Chaminade were not just about developing his prodigious talent; they were a masterclass in winning, culminating in a spectacular senior season that cemented his status as a consensus five-star recruit. His time there is a critical chapter in his career timeline, directly preceding his one-and-done year at Duke University and his subsequent selection as the third overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Jayson Tatum: Full Biographical Profile

Jayson Christopher Tatum Sr. is one of the NBA's most celebrated small forwards, known for his scoring versatility and clutch performances. His roots in St. Louis and his family's deep connection to basketball laid the groundwork for his professional career.

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• Full Name: Jayson Christopher Tatum Sr.
• Date of Birth: March 3, 1998
• Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
• Parents: Brandy Cole (Mother) and Justin Tatum (Father)
• Father's Career: Justin Tatum is a former college basketball player and high school coach, providing Jayson with an early, high-level introduction to the game.
• High School: Chaminade College Preparatory School (Creve Coeur, Missouri)
• College: Duke University (One season, 2016-2017)
• NBA Draft: 2017 NBA Draft, 3rd overall pick by the Boston Celtics
• NBA Achievements (Selected): Multiple-time NBA All-Star, All-NBA Team selections, and a key player in the Celtics' consistent Eastern Conference success.

The Chaminade Era: A Dynasty in St. Louis Basketball

The question of "what high school did Jayson Tatum go to" leads directly to the legacy he built at Chaminade College Preparatory School, an all-boys Catholic school located in Creve Coeur, a suburb of St. Louis. Tatum's arrival marked the beginning of one of the most dominant runs in Missouri high school basketball history. His impact was immediate, earning him national recognition from the very start of his career.

Tatum’s high school career was characterized by a rare combination of scoring prowess and rebounding dominance, skills that have translated perfectly to his role with the Boston Celtics. His consistent excellence on the court earned him a slew of prestigious awards and honors, solidifying his reputation as the top prospect in the nation.

Fact 1: The State Championship Triumph (2016)

The pinnacle of Jayson Tatum’s high school career was leading the Chaminade Red Devils to the Missouri Class 5 state championship during his senior season in 2016. This title was the culmination of four years of hard work and team building.

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The championship run was highlighted by a spectacular performance in the state tournament, where Tatum showcased his ability to take over games. In the state quarterfinal, he scored a staggering 45 points in a decisive victory against rival Christian Brothers College (CBC), demonstrating the elite scoring ability that would later define his NBA career.

Fact 2: Unbelievable Junior Year Statistics

While his entire high school tenure was impressive, Tatum’s junior season (2014-2015) stands out for its eye-popping statistics. During this campaign, he averaged an incredible 25.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

These numbers highlight his versatility as a forward, capable of both scoring at an elite level and controlling the glass. His performance earned him recognition as a Second-team Naismith Trophy honoree, an extremely rare achievement for a high school junior.

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Fact 3: A Consensus National Top Prospect

By the time he graduated in 2016, Jayson Tatum was not just a local star; he was a national phenomenon. He was unanimously rated as a five-star recruit and ranked among the top four players in the entire 2016 recruiting class by all major recruiting services, including ESPN and Rivals.

This elite status led to him being named the 2016 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, an award that recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character. He maintained a B average in the classroom and was a student ambassador at Chaminade.

Fact 4: McDonald's All-American and All-Star Game Dominance

The capstone of any elite high school basketball career is the McDonald's All-American Game, and Tatum was a key participant in 2016. He also participated in other prestigious all-star showcase events, including the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit.

In the Jordan Brand Classic, Tatum scored 18 points in 25 minutes of play, further proving his ability to perform under the brightest national spotlight. These games served as the perfect transition from the high school level to the collegiate game at Duke, where he would spend a single, impactful season under Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Fact 5: An Unlikely High School Classmate

A fascinating, lesser-known detail about Tatum's time at Chaminade is that he shared the campus with another future professional sports star: Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk, an NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup winner, also attended Chaminade, which is an independent Catholic school for boys.

This shared experience highlights the unique athletic environment at the St. Louis school, producing two of the biggest names in professional basketball and hockey from the same graduating class. It's a testament to the school's commitment to developing elite talent across multiple sports.

From Chaminade to the Celtics: The Path to NBA Stardom

Jayson Tatum's time at Chaminade College Prep was the essential first step in a carefully planned and executed career path. His dominance in the Missouri Class 5 ranks prepared him for the rigor of the ACC and his brief but brilliant stint with the Duke Blue Devils.

His high school success, particularly the state championship victory and his national awards, made him one of the most coveted recruits in the country. The transition was seamless: from McDonald's All-American to a one-and-done lottery pick. The Celtics' decision to select him third overall in 2017 was a direct result of the potential he demonstrated during his foundational years, which began at Chaminade College Preparatory School. Today, he continues to build on that foundation, leading the Boston Celtics as a perennial NBA MVP candidate.