Have you ever heard of a high school with more NFL players than any other in the country? That’s Long Beach Polytechnic High School. Right here before you stands a giant of education and athletics. Long Beach Poly as it’s affectionately known boasts a rich history spanning over a century. Founded in 1895 as Long Beach High School it initially held classes in a Methodist Tabernacle Chapel. Can you imagine? The first graduating class in 1897 had only one student. But Poly’s growth was meteoric. It quickly became the largest high school west of the Mississippi.
The school moved to its current location at 16th Street and Atlantic Avenue in 1911. This wasn’t just a change of address. It was a move to larger facilities better suited to serve its burgeoning student body. It was also around this time the school’s iconic mascot the Jackrabbit emerged. Legend has it rabbits invaded the athletic fields inspiring the track team’s name. This name would soon become the identity of the school’s entire athletic program. The 1933 Long Beach earthquake caused significant damage to the original buildings. Interestingly the bricks from the damaged structures were sold to fund a memorial flagpole that stands to this day a testament to resilience.
Long Beach Poly’s legacy is built on more than just sports. Its academic programs are equally impressive. The PACE Program of Accelerated Curricular Experiences founded in 1975 has consistently sent more students to University of California schools than any other high school. Then there’s the CIC Center for International Commerce magnet program. Long Beach Poly has also earned prestigious awards for its music program a testament to the school’s holistic approach to education. They’ve earned six Grammy Awards including two Golden Signature awards a true recognition of their musical excellence.
But perhaps Long Beach Poly’s most remarkable achievement lies in its athletic success. Sports Illustrated named it the Sports School of the Century in 2005. The school’s accolades are numerous. But the list of notable alumni athletes is truly astounding. From baseball greats like Tony Gwynn to NFL stars like DeSean Jackson and numerous others the school’s athletic program continues to produce exceptional talent year after year.
So as you stand here before Long Beach Polytechnic High School take a moment to appreciate this remarkable institution. It’s not just a school. It’s a vibrant community a place where scholars and champions are forged a place of history and achievement a place that continues to inspire and shape the lives of its students. Its legacy continues. It has become a symbol of athletic excellence academic achievement and community pride. You’ve seen its location. Now you know its story.