Chandler High School

Chandler High School. Established in 1914, it is the original and oldest comprehensive high school within the Chandler Unified School District in Maricopa County, Arizona. The school serves students in grades 9–12 from the city of Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas, operating on a traditional semester schedule. Its notable programs include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and a wide array of career and technical education pathways, contributing to its recognition as an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

History

The institution was founded in 1914, initially holding classes in the historic Chandler Grammar School building. For decades, it served as the sole secondary education provider for the agricultural community, with its early growth tied to the development of the Arizona Railroad and local cotton farming. A significant expansion occurred in the 1990s alongside the rapid population growth of the Phoenix metropolitan area, leading to the construction of a new, larger campus that opened in 1997. Throughout its history, it has maintained a fierce rivalry with nearby Hamilton High School, particularly in football.

Campus and facilities

The main campus is situated on a 65-acre site at 350 North Arizona Avenue, featuring a collegiate-style layout with separate buildings for academic disciplines. Facilities include the state-of-the-art **Chandler Center for the Arts**, which serves both the school and the wider community, and the **Ken Lindley Field** stadium complex. Specialized learning environments encompass engineering labs, a television production studio, a student-run restaurant, and dedicated spaces for the **Army JROTC** program. The campus also houses one of the district's premier performing arts auditoriums.

Academics

The school offers a rigorous curriculum highlighted by its authorization as an **International Baccalaureate World School**. It features a comprehensive **Career and Technical Education** department with programs in fields like digital photography, automotive technology, and sports medicine. Students consistently perform above state averages on standardized assessments such as the **ACT** and **SAT**, and the school is regularly honored by the **U.S. Department of Education**. Advanced Placement course offerings are extensive, and the school maintains partnerships with local institutions like Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Athletics

Athletic teams, known as the Wolves, compete in the **6A Conference** of the **Arizona Interscholastic Association**. The football program has won multiple state championships, most recently in 2020, under coaches like **Shaun Aguano**. The school has also claimed state titles in wrestling, swimming, and track and field, producing athletes who have gone on to compete in the **NCAA** and **NFL**. Other prominent sports include baseball, softball, and soccer, with teams utilizing facilities like the **Austin Field** baseball complex.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved distinction in diverse fields such as professional sports, entertainment, and public service. Notable figures include **Brett Hundley**, former **UCLA** quarterback and **NFL** player; **Taylor Lewan**, Pro Bowl offensive tackle for the **Tennessee Titans**; and **J.J. Taylor**, running back for the **New England Patriots**. In entertainment, alumnus **Jimmy Kimmel** hosts *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* on **ABC**, while **Michele Vasquez** is a noted television personality. Other distinguished graduates include **Trent Franks**, former member of the **United States House of Representatives**, and **Kyle Soto**, a professional **Major League Baseball** pitcher.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1914 Category:High schools in Maricopa County, Arizona