Did you ever imagine that a simple farm could be the birthplace of a prestigious high school? This is Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, a school that has shaped the lives of thousands of students, many of whom have become prominent figures in American society. This grand old school, established in 1936, is named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, a key figure in the Texas Revolution and the second President of the Republic of Texas. Standing here, it’s easy to picture a humble school, but today, this is a school that has a long tradition of academic excellence. Lamar High School is known for its comprehensive education, offering neighborhood, Advanced Placement, and IB Diploma programs, along with a unique business magnet program. It boasts one of the six IB Diploma programs in the entire HISD. You might be surprised to learn that Lamar consistently graduates the most IB Diploma candidates in Texas.
Perhaps you’re wondering what the school was like before the Texas integration. Lamar was initially known as “Southwest High School” and is known as Houston’s “society school.” During that period, its student population was made up mostly of the children of prominent families. The school experienced rapid growth and, due to overcrowding, Robert E. Lee High School was built in 1962. Lee eventually became Lamar’s primary athletic rival. The school integrated in the 1970s, with many wealthy families sending their children to private schools. However, Lamar’s reputation as a school of academic excellence remained strong.
The original building, designed by two prominent architects, is a distinct Art Deco style, built with Texas limestone and steel ribbon windows. In 2018, Lamar High School underwent a major $108 million renovation project that brought the school into the 21st century. This project included an entirely new classroom and instructional facility, preserving the historically significant portions of the north building. This school still boasts a large map of Texas, mounted on the wall of its performance hall.
Today, you can feel the energy of Lamar’s history in every brick and beam. This school has been a center of not only education, but also community and achievement. The legacy of Lamar High School is evident in the successes of its many notable alumni. It’s a place that has nurtured the aspirations of generations of Houston students. As you continue on your tour, keep in mind that you’re walking on the grounds where individuals who have gone on to make their mark in the world first learned the value of education and perseverance.