Established in 1961 Navarro Early College High School stands proudly in Austin Texas. It wasn’t always known by this name. For almost six decades it served the Austin community as Sidney Lanier High School. Named after a poet and Confederate soldier the name reflected a different era.
The school originally occupied a different building. The current location on Payton Gin Road opened in 1966. This marked a significant expansion and upgrade for the growing student population.
In 2019 a monumental change occurred. The Austin ISD Board of Trustees renamed the school after Army Sgt Juan P Navarro. A 2007 graduate of Lanier High School he tragically died in Afghanistan in 2012. His sacrifice became a symbol of service and courage. The renaming honors a local hero.
Navarro Early College High School has also seen its student body transform over time. Initially almost entirely white the school now boasts a remarkable diversity. It reflects Austin’s international character. Over 53 countries are represented in its student population making it the most diverse high school in Austin.
The school offers a wide range of academic athletic and extracurricular opportunities. It prides itself on fostering a culture of excellence respect and responsibility. Highly skilled faculty and staff have consistently trained community leaders for years.
Navarro’s history is one of adaptation and growth. From its modest beginnings as Lanier High School to its present standing as a diverse and successful early college high school. It’s a testament to the evolving city of Austin. A symbol of progress and remembrance it stands as a vital part of the community. The legacy of both Sidney Lanier and Juan P Navarro lives on within its walls. It continues to shape the future of Austin’s students.