How many schools can claim to have educated a heart surgeon, a cosmetics queen, and a legendary news anchor? Right here, before you stands Heights High School. It boasts just such a legacy. Originally known as John H. Reagan High School, Heights High School has been a fixture in the Houston Heights neighborhood since 1926.
The school you see today rose from the ashes of its predecessor, which burned down in 1924. Designed by John Staub and William Ward Watkin, the architects behind Rice University’s original campus, Heights High School boasts a blend of architectural beauty and academic rigor. Imagine walking these halls alongside future icons like heart surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley, Mary Kay Cosmetics founder Mary Kay Ash, and renowned journalist Dan Rather – all alumni of this very institution.
The school’s history hasn’t always been smooth sailing. It was desegregated in 1970, reflecting the changing demographics of the community it serves. In 2016, the school underwent a significant change: it was renamed Heights High School, shedding its previous name that honored a Confederate figure. This decision sparked both support and controversy, underscoring the complexities of history and the evolving values of the community.
Today, Heights High School is a vibrant hub of learning, offering a range of specialized programs including a Magnet School of Computer Technology and the International Baccalaureate program. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and the remarkable individuals who have passed through its doors. Their stories are woven into the very fabric of the building, a legacy waiting to be discovered by those who listen closely.