Burlington High School (Massachusetts)

Burlington High School (Massachusetts). Burlington High School is a comprehensive public secondary school serving students in grades nine through twelve in Burlington, Massachusetts. Part of the Burlington Public Schools district, the school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is known for its strong academic programs and competitive athletic teams. The school's mascot is the Red Devil, and its colors are red and white.

History

The institution was established in 1960 to serve the growing suburban community of Burlington, Massachusetts, which experienced significant population growth following the construction of the Interstate 95 corridor and the expansion of the Route 128 technology belt. The original building was designed by the architectural firm Perry, Dean, Rogers & Partners and opened with an inaugural class drawn from the former Middlesex County agricultural region. A major renovation and expansion project was completed in 2004, funded by a debt exclusion approved by the Town of Burlington, which added modern science laboratories, a new library media center, and updated facilities for the performing arts. The school has maintained a continuous accreditation status with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges since its founding.

Academics

The school offers a curriculum that includes over twenty Advanced Placement courses across disciplines such as Calculus, Biology, United States History, and English Literature. Students can also pursue specialized programs, including a nationally recognized Robotics program that competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition, and a comprehensive Career and Technical Education pathway in partnership with the Minuteman High School network. The world languages department offers instruction in Spanish, French, Italian, and American Sign Language. Academic performance consistently ranks above state averages on standardized assessments like the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, and many graduates attend prestigious institutions including Boston College, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts.

Athletics

Athletic teams, known as the Red Devils, compete in the Middlesex League under the governance of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The school fields varsity teams in sports such as football, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. The boys' hockey team has won multiple MIAA Division I state championships, and the girls' basketball program has produced several players who continued to compete in the NCAA Division I. Athletic facilities include the Varsity Field complex for football and soccer, the John A. Ryan Skating Arena for hockey, and multiple tennis courts and baseball diamonds.

Notable alumni

Notable individuals who attended the school include Jay Leno, longtime host of The Tonight Show; Mike Milbury, former National Hockey League player and coach for the New York Islanders; and Steve Sweeney, a prominent Boston comedian and actor. In the field of science, alumnus Dr. Robert S. Langer, a renowned MIT professor and pioneer in Biotechnology, attended the school. Other distinguished graduates include John F. Crowley, a biotechnology executive featured in the film Extraordinary Measures, and several officers in the United States Armed Forces.

Campus

The campus is located at 123 Cambridge Street on a 40-acre site adjacent to the Burlington Mall and the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. The main academic building houses a 500-seat Auditorium, a Black box theater for drama productions, and a Distance learning lab. Athletic facilities are extensive, featuring the Vincent E. Murray Gymnasium, the John A. Ryan Skating Arena, and multiple outdoor fields. The school's location provides students with access to internship opportunities at major corporations along the Route 128 corridor, including Raytheon and IBM.

Category:High schools in Middlesex County, Massachusetts Category:Public high schools in Massachusetts Category:Educational institutions established in 1960