Cotulla High School

Cotulla High School. It is a comprehensive public secondary institution serving students in grades nine through twelve within the Cotulla Independent School District in Cotulla, Texas. As the sole high school in the district, it is a central educational and community hub for the city and surrounding La Salle County area. The school's athletic teams, known as the Cowboys and Cowgirls, compete in the University Interscholastic League (UIL).

History

The institution traces its origins to the early 20th century, with its establishment in 1909, reflecting the growth of the South Texas region alongside the expansion of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. For much of its early history, it operated within a segregated system, consistent with the Jim Crow laws prevalent in the American South. A significant chapter in its history involves the future U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who taught at the affiliated Welhausen School for Mexican-American students in 1928-1929, an experience that profoundly influenced his views on poverty and education policy. The school integrated following the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent federal mandates, evolving to serve an increasingly diverse student body drawn from the Eagle Ford Shale economic region and the agricultural communities of the South Texas Plains.

Academics

The school offers a standard Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)-based curriculum designed to meet the requirements of the Texas Education Agency. Students can pursue courses in core subjects like English, mathematics, science, and social studies, alongside career and technology education pathways. It participates in the statewide University Interscholastic League academic competition, fielding teams in events such as debate, journalism, and science. The school provides support services for students with special needs and offers programs for gifted and talented learners, preparing graduates for entry into institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin, or direct entry into the workforce.

Athletics

The Cotulla Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) Conference 3A for most sports. The athletic program includes football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, baseball, softball, and cross country. The football team plays its home games at a dedicated stadium, while basketball and volleyball competitions are held in the school gymnasium. The program emphasizes regional rivalries with schools from districts such as Carrizo Springs, Pearsall, and Dilley, fostering a strong sense of community spirit and tradition in South Texas.

Notable alumni

Individuals who attended the school have achieved recognition in various professional fields. This includes figures in state politics and public service, such as former members of the Texas House of Representatives. Alumni have also found success in professional rodeo circuits, reflecting the area's strong cowboy culture, and in military service, with graduates serving in branches like the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps. The school's legacy is also connected to the formative teaching experience of Lyndon B. Johnson, though he was not a student.

Campus and facilities

The campus is located in central Cotulla, Texas, within the Cotulla Independent School District administrative footprint. Primary structures include a main academic building housing classrooms, administrative offices, and a library. Separate facilities include a gymnasium for athletics and assemblies, an agricultural sciences barn supporting Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs, and a cafeteria. Outdoor facilities consist of a football stadium with track, baseball and softball fields, and tennis courts. The architecture and expansions of the campus reflect the practical needs and economic cycles of the surrounding Eagle Ford Shale and agricultural community. Category:High schools in Texas Category:La Salle County, Texas Category:Educational institutions established in 1909