What began as the private Manassas Institute blossomed into what we know today as Osbourn High School. The story of this school is one of dedication and growth. It is a testament to the power of education in a community.
Let’s journey back to 1890. Miss Eugenia H. Osbourn arrived in Manassas. She became the assistant principal of the Manassas Institute. Her sister Fannie Osbourn was the principal. Together, they elevated the school’s reputation. By 1898, graduates were regularly admitted to colleges. This success reflected the Osbourns’ high educational standards.
In 1908, the Manassas Institute transitioned. It became part of the Virginia Public School System. Its new name was the Manassas Agricultural High School. Eugenia Osbourn took over as principal in 1912. This followed the passing of her sister Fannie Osbourn Metz.
A new chapter unfolded in 1928. A new high school building arose on Lee Avenue. It was named Manassas High School. Eugenia remained principal until her retirement in 1935. To honor her legacy, the school was renamed Osbourn High School in 1939. Even after retiring as principal, Eugenia stayed on as the school librarian until 1943. She passed away in 1951.
The building on Lee Avenue served Osbourn High School until 1953. A new school then opened on Tudor Lane. By the early 1970s, the Tudor Lane building was too small. Despite additions, it couldn’t accommodate the growing student population. In 1975, Prince William County Public Schools closed the Tudor Lane location. Students then began attending a new building on Euclid Avenue. This building was named Osbourn Park High School. The Osbourn Yellow Jackets became the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets. The original school colors shifted to Osbourn Park High School.
Manassas transformed into a city in 1975. Soon after, Manassas City created its own school system. The city acquired three old school buildings. These were renovated. In the fall of 1977, the building at 9005 Tudor Lane reopened. It was once again Osbourn High School. Grades 9-12 were housed here. Mr. Victor Egidi was the principal. Mr. L.A. Rorrer Jr. was his assistant. The eagle was chosen as the school mascot. Navy blue and silver gray became the school colors.
To accommodate increasing enrollment, portable classrooms appeared on the front lawn. Additions were constructed several times during the 1980s. When Grace E. Metz Junior High School opened in 1990, Osbourn became a three-year high school. It served grades 10 through 12. Enrollment continued to grow. The building became severely overcrowded. Classroom trailers returned. The older sections of the school were deteriorating. The decision was made to raze all parts of the school. The additions built in the early and mid-1980s would remain. A new building would be constructed adjacent to these portions. The science wing from the 1980s was renovated. It housed the Johnson Learning Center.
On November 8, 1999, students and staff moved from the old Osbourn to the new Osbourn. The old building was reduced to rubble. In September 2000, eighth graders from Metz moved to Osbourn. The 9-12 grade level structure was restored.
The Johnson Learning Center is once again part of the high school. It is now connected to the main building by a breezeway. The Joseph B. Johnson Wing reopened in 2014. It provided additional classrooms.
Today, Osbourn High School continues to uphold its mission. It provides a safe, inclusive, and innovative learning environment. The school engages and empowers students. It offers multiple opportunities to excel emotionally, socially, and academically. Osbourn High School stands as a beacon of education. It reflects the enduring legacy of the Osbourn sisters. Their vision continues to shape the lives of countless students.