Harrison High School

Envision a high school where tradition meets innovation. Harrison High School, nestled in Harrison, New York, stands as a testament to academic excellence and community spirit. Harrison High School isn’t just a building; it’s a living, breathing entity. It pulsates with the energy of over a thousand students, each pursuing their dreams within its circular, rotunda-like walls. Established in 1974, Harrison High School replaced the older Junior-Senior High School, a relic of a bygone era. This modern structure boasts two gyms, a cafeteria, a theater, and a staggering 213 classrooms. Harrison High School has consistently ranked among America’s Most Challenging High Schools. In 2016, it secured an impressive 211th position nationally and 13th in New York State, according to the Washington Post. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report placed it 328th nationally. The school’s academic prowess is further amplified by its impressive 95% enrollment rate in AP or IB courses among the graduating class of 2019. A remarkable 99% of 2019 graduates were admitted to institutions of higher learning. Harrison High School is more than just academics. The Huskies, the school’s athletic teams, proudly wear maroon and white. Their rivalry with Rye High School fuels the legendary Harrison Rye Game, a football tradition steeped in local lore. Beyond sports, Harrison High School nurtures creativity. The Harrison Performing Arts Center (HPAC), renovated in 2007 with a $1.25 million grant, hosts performances in its 825-seat theater, complete with two balconies and cutting-edge lighting and audio systems. Uniquely, the HPAC is entirely managed by students, a testament to their dedication and skill. The school originally housed a state-of-the-art planetarium. However, the need for a dance studio, a requirement for the International Baccalaureate program, led to its transformation into a multi-purpose space. Now, it serves as a dance studio, planetarium, and black-box theater, aptly named the Sirius Black Box Theater, a nod to the brightest star in the sky. Harrison High School is a vibrant hub of extracurricular activities. From the Art Club to Youth Volunteers of Harrison, students can explore their passions and develop their talents in a multitude of clubs and organizations. The Husky Herald, the school newspaper, keeps the community informed and connected, while the yearbook preserves memories for years to come. The diverse demographics of Harrison High School, with students of various ethnicities and backgrounds, further enrich its vibrant community. Harrison High School is not just a school, but a microcosm of society, preparing its students for a future filled with possibilities.