“Patriots,” a proud cry echoes through these halls of Yorktown High School. This isn’t just a school. It’s a landmark in Arlington County Virginia. Opened as an elementary school in 1950 it transformed into Yorktown High in 1960.
Initially Yorktown High School served only sophomores and juniors. The first graduating class walked across the stage in 1962. The conversion eased the crowding issues at Washington-Liberty High School.
Yorktown High School faced potential closure in 1982 due to declining enrollment. Strong community backing saved it. Boundary adjustments with Washington-Liberty in 1983 increased its student body. Further expansion in the 1990s brought in students from Rosslyn Courthouse and other communities.
The campus underwent significant changes. Voters approved a bond package in 2000. This led to a new wing with classrooms and a computer lab in 2003. In 2006 voters approved funds for a complete rebuild of Yorktown High School. The new building opened in September 2004 and athletic fields followed in 2007.
Phase II construction finished in January 2012. It added three floors of classrooms an eight-lane pool a wrestling room a weight room and a new main gym. Further renovations approved in 2018 aimed to increase capacity.
Yorktown High School boasts a diverse student body. As of 2021-2022 the school enrolled over 2500 students. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 18 to 1.
Academically Yorktown shines. The winter guard has earned gold medals in Atlantic Indoor Association Championships. The band program has been named a Virginia Honor Band multiple times. The school newspaper The Yorktown Sentry has been in publication since 1959.
Athletics are central to the Yorktown experience. The school partners with Arlington County to use Greenbrier Park’s athletic facilities. Yorktown’s swimming pool serves both the school and the wider community. The football team was led by Coach Bruce Hanson for many years.
Yorktown High School has celebrated numerous state championships since 2005. These include debate girls swimming and diving rowing and girls soccer.
Many notable individuals have walked these halls. This includes James K. Baker co-founder of Dragon Systems and astronaut David M. Brown. Broadcast journalist Katie Couric Olympic swimmer Tom Dolan and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt are also alumni.
Yorktown High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a center of learning growth and community pride. The spirit of the Patriots lives on inspiring future generations. As you stand here consider the history the achievements and the vibrant future of Yorktown High School.