As a cultural and university historian focusing on Europe and the United States, Sheldon Rothblatt is more interested in understanding the multiple bearings of liberal arts education as it has developed across the ages. The American high school, from its origins in the 19th century to the contemporary period, represents only a fraction of the educational terrain that Rothblatt surveys. While commentary on the purposes and effectiveness of secondary schooling in the United States has been rich and varied, the task of plotting U.S. high schools against Rothblatt's academic map for liberal education remains. Such a study may prove more enlightening for audiences who approach the subject from general discussions on the liberal arts but it promises to enhance one's understanding of the historical development of secondary schooling in the United States, as well. In the first phase of this research project, the author examines landmark documents--the "Report of the Committee of Ten," "Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education," and "The American High School Today"--for traces of the six characteristics of liberal education as defined by Rothblatt: (1) character formation; (2) leadership; (3) breadth; (4) personality development; (5) critical thinking; and (6) general education. This article focuses on the "Cardinal Principles." (Contains 1 figure and 4 notes.)