MacArthur High School

Was it destiny that brought Douglas MacArthur High School to be? Perhaps. In 1950, the school first opened its doors as North East Rural High School. Later, in the 1958-1959 school year, it was renamed Douglas MacArthur High School. This happened after the opening of Robert E. Lee High School, now known as Legacy of Educational Excellence High School. This made MacArthur High School the very first high school in the North East Independent School District. Imagine the excitement of those first students, attending a brand new school. The original campus was a collection of separate buildings spread across nearly 40 acres. This layout changed drastically in 1999. A major renovation saw most of the old buildings demolished, making way for a modern, unified structure. The auditorium, cafeteria, and fine arts building were preserved and renovated. A new gym and a four-winged main building were constructed around a central courtyard. This allowed for more athletic fields, enhancing MacArthur High School’s focus on student activities. The school’s track also received an upgrade in 2008, and new science and athletic facilities were added in 2016. The fine arts building underwent renovations and expansion in 2018. Douglas MacArthur High School boasts a rich history of achievement, particularly in extracurriculars. A letter from General Douglas MacArthur himself, sent after a birthday celebration in his honor in 1964, is proudly displayed in the administration office. The school hosted the first Texas French Symposium in 1964 and several more times throughout the years. The MacArthur Blue Guard, the school’s armed drill team, has earned national recognition, even winning the national championship in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1990. MacArthur’s football team played in the UIL State 5A Championship game in 1998. Their baseball team reached the state finals twice, in 1966 and 1987. The “Big Blue Marching Machine,” the school’s marching band, won two State Marching Band Championships in the mid-1980s. MacArthur also offers a unique Electrical Systems Technology Program (TAP). This program allows students to earn apprenticeship hours towards professional certifications. The program partners with local electrical contractors, offering students a direct path to employment after graduation. Many TAP students have won state and national SkillsUSA competitions. Douglas MacArthur High School has produced a notable list of alumni, from professional athletes to politicians and artists, proving its dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals.