Ready to explore a place named for community collaboration? Gar-Field High School stands as a testament to local generosity and a commitment to education. It educates students in grades 9 to 12.
Gar-Field High School opened its doors on December 8 1953. It replaced Occoquan District High School. The name “Gar-Field” comes from two prominent families. They were the Garbers and the Manderfields.
The Garbers and Manderfields donated about 20 acres for the original school. It was near Neabsco Creek. This land was once part of “Round Top Farm”. The land gift came with a stipulation. It was to be used for a public school for white children. In 1961 the school integrated. Joyce Russell Taylor was the first African-American student.
The Gar-Field High School mascot was originally the Indians. This dated back to 1927 with Occoquan District High School. In March 2021 student leaders requested a change. The mascot became the Red Wolves in June 2021.
Matthew Mathison is the current principal. He started in 2019. Before Gar-Field, he was an assistant principal at Woodbridge Senior High School.
Gar-Field High School is an International Baccalaureate World School. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme. It also offers the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career Related Programme. Gar-Field was authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in 2000. The IB Middle Years Programme followed in 2002. The Career Related Programme was added in 2016.
Students can participate in full IB Programs. They can earn a diploma or certificate. Students can also take individual IB courses. These are known as IB or MYP Course Students. College credit can be awarded for IB classes. Gar-Field is one of two high schools in Prince William County with the IB Program. Unity Reed High School is the other.
Gar-Field High School offers CTE programs too. These include Culinary Arts, Law and Public Safety, and plumbing.
The student body is diverse. As of 2022-2023, it is 62.6% Hispanic. 20.7% of students are Black. 7.1% are White. 6.5% are Asian. 3.0% identify as Two or More Races. 0.1% are American Indian or Alaskan.
Gar-Field High School is in the 6A Cardinal District of the Virginia High School League. The school offers many sports. These include cheerleading, cross country, and field hockey. Football, golf, basketball, and gymnastics are also available. Students can participate in indoor and outdoor track. Swimming, diving, baseball, and crew are options. Other sports include lacrosse, soccer, softball, and tennis.
Many notable alumni have walked these halls. Jeff Baker played in MLB from 2005-2015. Benita Fitzgerald won an Olympic gold medal in 1984. She competed in the 100-meter hurdles. Emmylou Harris is a country western singer. Chris Sprouse is a comic book artist. Shaboozey is a recording artist. Sheena Tosta won an Olympic silver medal as a hurdler in 2008.
Originally located at 15941 Cardinal Drive, the school moved in 1972. Its current address is 14000 Smoketown Road. The Gar-Field High School story illustrates community support. It shows a dedication to providing diverse educational opportunities. From its humble beginnings to its current status, Gar-Field remains a pillar of the community.