Stratford High School

Opened in 1974, Stratford High School wasn’t always the bustling hub of Spartans it is today. Initially, it was a solution. A solution to the overcrowding at nearby Westchester High School. Westchester, bursting at the seams with close to 4,000 students, needed relief. Stratford High School became that relief. The rapid development of neighborhoods like Yorkshire and Wilchester had led to a surge in students. This surge prompted the Spring Branch Independent School District to act swiftly. Before the Stratford building was complete, its first students attended classes in temporary buildings on the Westchester campus. Construction delays meant a longer than expected stay in these cramped quarters. The first freshman class of Stratford High School finally graduated in 1977. They were the pioneers. The first class to graduate from the actual Stratford building was the class of 1975. Stratford High School isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about the students. It’s about the Spartans. It’s about their newspaper, The Oracle. It’s about their yearbook, Mnemosyne, named after the Greek goddess of memory. It’s about the diverse range of courses offered. From traditional academics to foreign languages, technology, vocational education, and fine arts. Numerous Advanced Placement courses are also available. Stratford High School even offers lacrosse. It also boasts a vibrant athletics program, competing in baseball, basketball, cross country, diving, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. The Spartans have a fierce rivalry with Memorial High School. This rivalry is a highlight of the school year, especially during the annual “Green Out” football game. The school’s motto, “Excellence without exemptions,” reflects its dedication to high standards. Stratford High School has a rich history. It weathered the 1980s oil crisis that impacted Houston’s population. It saw other schools close and welcomed their students. It even faced a major structural crisis in 2004, requiring students to temporarily relocate back to the Westchester campus. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. Through it all, Stratford High School persevered. It rebuilt, it adapted, and it continued to thrive. And today, it stands as a testament to the power of community and the dedication to education.