North High School was built with funds from the Public
Works Administration and opened its doors in the fall of 1939. At that
time, its location at 1101 East Thomas Road (see map) was at the northeastern
outskirts of the city. It was first named North Phoenix High School and
was the second school in the Phoenix Union High School District, which
today has nine other comprehensive high schools. North High is the oldest
school remaining in the district.
Over the years North High has faced many changes.
In 1962, the school's name was officially changed to North High, dropping
the explicit reference to Phoenix as its home city. During the late 1970s,
North and other district schools were impacted by declining enrollment.
In 1981, budget shortfalls forced the district governing board to close
North High. Shortly after that, law suits were filed by inner city parents,
and the U.S. District Court ruled that the Phoenix Union High School District
must restore educational opportunities to inner city high school students.
The district chose to reopen North High in order to satisfy the court's
concerns. In the fall of 1983, after a $1.2 million renovation, North was
opened once again. However, North would receive further improvements to
ensure that inner-city students have access to a quality education.
In order to fully desegregate the school population,
the Phoenix Union High School District created a plan for many, district-wide,
magnet programs. This meant that individual schools would have special
programs which would attract students from the entire district. Therefore,
an International Baccalaureate program was established at North High.
In the early 1990s, North High and many other district
schools were faced with yet another problem, the removal of asbestos from
their buildings. Building by building, over a three year time period, the
school was torn apart, rebuilt, and remodeled. At that time, a new Administration
building was constructed, and a new Art wing was added to the Science building.
The large student eating area and covered ramada in the center of campus
were also added at that time. The original brick exterior of the school
was replaced with stucco and a Southwestern trim.
Unlike the 1970s during which the school saw a declining
enrollment, the 1990s have been a time of continual growth for North's
student body. In December of 1998, construction was completed on an addition
to the Language Arts Building. This addition was part of continued efforts
to ease crowded conditions. The high-point, student population of the 1998-99
school year was over 2700.
As students begin the 2001-2002 school year, at
the dawn of a new millennium, they follow in the footsteps of thousands
of alumni and alumnae who have enjoyed all North High has to offer its
students. During the early days of North High's existence, it was called
the "Honor School of the West" and was considered one of the finest high
schools in the United States. Today, North High continues to lead in academic
excellence.
School Traditions
Mascot
Fighting Mustang
Colors
Royal Blue & Fire Engine Red
School Fight Song
Fight, Mustangs, Fight!
And We Are Sure To Win The Game
Drive, Mustangs, Drive!
And We Will Win Our Way To Fame.
Go, Mustangs, Go!
Whether Leading Or Behind.
If You're A ~ M-U-S-T-A-N-G
Get Out And
Fight, Mustangs, Fight!
