Did you know that Denver South High School’s stunning architecture draws inspiration from the Basilica of Santa Maria Cosmedin in Rome? That’s right this magnificent building bordering Washington Park boasts a rich history. South High School though the newest of Denver’s directional high schools has roots stretching back to Denver’s earliest days. It emerged from the city’s Union School. Denver’s south side was sparsely populated initially. The area didn’t get its own school until 1883. This school Grant School served students from elementary to high school.
By 1907 a separate junior and senior high school was added to Grant School. It was known unofficially as Denver South Side High School. Junior and senior high schools at Grant split into separate buildings in 1919. Then in 1926 Grant High School officially became Denver South High School. This happened when the high school section of Grant was chosen to be part of the Denver City Beautiful project. The new South High School building designed by Fisher and Fisher was a truly ambitious undertaking. The cost of construction was a staggering $1252000. That’s over $21 million in today’s money. The school was built to last a century and it is still standing proudly today.
But South High’s story is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a story of people. Imagine the generations of students who have walked these halls. Notable alumni include Congresswoman Diana DeGette and former Archivist of the United States Robert Warner. Think of the teachers who have dedicated their lives to shaping young minds within these walls. The school itself has changed significantly over the years. Former study halls have been divided. Other rooms were repurposed into classrooms. A balcony was removed from the boys’ gym in the 1950s and 1960s. New gyms and JROTC offices were added to keep up with the growth of the school. A new gymnasium added in 1989 completed an expansion originally planned before World War II. Wartime rationing and shortages delayed the expansion.
The school’s mascot has had a colorful history too. Initially featuring imagery from the Confederate States of America the school later changed its mascot to a gargoyle. Finally in 2020 the school became the South High Ravens. Today Denver South High School stands as a testament to Denver’s history and enduring spirit. It’s a place of learning and community. It continues to inspire and educate students from all backgrounds. Take a moment to appreciate this iconic landmark a place where countless stories have unfolded and will continue to do so for generations to come.