How about stepping into a place where crimson and gold fly high? I am talking about Wheaton High School. This school is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a hub of history, education, and community spirit.
Wheaton High School first opened its doors on September 7, 1954. Back then, it was known as Wheaton Junior–Senior High School. The original building spanned 75000 square feet on 27.4 acres of land. Elwood B. Mason was the first principal. Imagine 1400 students in grades seven to eleven filling those halls. The construction cost a cool $3 million.
Wheaton High School got its name from the surrounding Wheaton area. That area was named after Major General Frank Wheaton. He was a Civil War hero. Impressively, he rose to the rank of major general without attending West Point. In 1864, General Wheaton defended Washington from Confederate General Jubal Early’s attack at Fort Stevens.
Now, let’s talk about what makes Wheaton High School special today. The school is part of the Montgomery County Public School system. It is also a member of the Downcounty Consortium. Wheaton High School boasts four main academies. These are the Academy of Biosciences and Medicine, the Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Information Technology, and the Academy of International Global and Cultural Studies. The Academy of Engineering was voted the top CTE program in Maryland.
Wheaton High School also has magnet programs in Biomedical and Engineering. These started in the 2012–2013 school year. The Institute of Global and Cultural Studies features a state-of-the-art digital music lab. It has 34 new iMac computers and Roland Fp-4 keyboards. Students can use software like Garageband, Logic, and Sibelius. This lab is unique. It incorporates popular music styles like electronic music and rap into the curriculum.
In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked Wheaton High School as the 27th best school in Maryland. It was also ranked 1019th nationally. The report noted that 70 percent of Wheaton High School students participate in Advanced Placement courses.
Sports are a big deal here too. The school mascot is the Wheaton Knight. It represents valor, chivalry, and bravery. Wheaton’s athletic teams have won several state championships. The football team won a 2A state championship in 1996. The girls’ basketball team won state championships in 1985, 1997, and 1998. Wheaton’s wrestling program has the longest running tradition of state qualifiers in Maryland. It has continued since 1970.
Wheaton High School’s primary rival is John F. Kennedy High School. The Wheaton-Kennedy rivalry is one of the oldest in Montgomery County.
The campus underwent a major renovation. In January 2016, Wheaton High School moved into a new building at the corner of Randolph Road and Dalewood Drive. In September 2019, Wheaton had its first football game on the new field.
Notably, Wheaton High School alumni have achieved great things. Joan Jett is a famous musician. Debra Monk is a television and stage actress. Josh Hart plays in the NBA.
As you leave Wheaton High School, remember its grand stair and courtyard. These spaces encourage students to gather, socialize, and innovate. Wheaton High School is not just a school. It is a place where students prepare to reach their greatest potential.