Annapolis High School

Annapolis High School
Name	Annapolis High School
Established	1896
Type	Public high school
District	Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Grades	9–12
Principal	[Name]
Enrollment	1,200 (approx.)
Colors	Navy and Gold
Mascot	Riverhawk
Location	Annapolis, Maryland, United States

Annapolis High School is a public secondary institution serving grades 9–12 in Annapolis, Maryland. Located near the United States Naval Academy and the Maryland State House, the school draws students from a range of neighborhoods across Anne Arundel County, with programs that connect to local cultural and maritime institutions. Its curricular and extracurricular offerings have ties to regional museums, state offices, and national organizations.

History

Annapolis High School traces origins to late 19th-century municipal schooling in Annapolis, Maryland and expanded through the Progressive Era alongside facilities developments influenced by the City Beautiful movement, the New Deal, and post-World War II suburbanization. During the mid-20th century the school district responded to demographic changes related to the Great Migration and federal civil rights actions such as the Brown v. Board of Education decision, leading to desegregation policies implemented across Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The school’s campus was rebuilt and renovated during periods coinciding with federal programs and state education initiatives under governors like Spiro Agnew and William Donald Schaefer, with later capital improvements funded by county bonds and state grants influenced by legislators from Maryland General Assembly.

Throughout its history the school engaged with regional institutions including the United States Naval Academy, the Maryland Historical Society, the Annapolis Maritime Museum, and educational consortia involving universities such as University of Maryland, College Park, Towson University, Johns Hopkins University, St. John’s College (Annapolis), and Anne Arundel Community College. Notable visits and community events have featured officials from the Governor of Maryland office, members of the United States Congress representing Maryland, and civic organizations like the Annapolis Rotary Club and the Annapolis Chamber of Commerce.

Campus and Facilities

The campus sits in proximity to landmarks including the Maryland State House, St. Anne’s Church, and the Severn River, with athletic fields oriented toward local waterfront views and municipal parks maintained by Anne Arundel County. Facilities include a performing arts auditorium used for productions associated with the Annapolis Opera and touring companies from the Cultural Arts Commission, science laboratories configured for partnerships with institutions like National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration field programs and cooperative projects with the United States Naval Academy Museum. The library media center hosts collections and exchanges with the Maryland State Archives and offers access to digital resources aligned with standards promoted by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Campus renovations have incorporated accessibility and sustainability features influenced by state policies and federal programs such as those advocated by the Environmental Protection Agency and local initiatives coordinated with the Annapolis Green Network. Security and emergency planning follow guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.

Academics and Programs

Annapolis High School offers college preparatory curricula with Advanced Placement courses recognized by the College Board, dual-enrollment opportunities with Anne Arundel Community College and articulation agreements facilitating transfer to institutions like University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Morgan State University, and Towson University. Career and technical education pathways align with workforce development frameworks promoted by the U.S. Department of Labor and partnerships with local employers including those in maritime trades linked to the United States Naval Academy Shipyard and regional hospitals such as Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Special programs include STEM initiatives supported by grants from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute, arts education collaborating with the Maryland State Arts Council and regional theaters. Counseling and college advising services coordinate FAFSA preparation and scholarship counseling that reference federal programs such as Pell Grant and state financial aid administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Student Life and Extracurriculars

Student clubs reflect broad interests, with chapters of national and international organizations including National Honor Society, Key Club International, DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, and Model United Nations. Cultural and affinity groups connect to community institutions like Maryland Humanities, NAACP, League of United Latin American Citizens, and faith-based campus ministries associated with local congregations such as St. Mary’s Church (Annapolis). Performance groups collaborate with regional ensembles including the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and youth arts programs sponsored by the Kumar Foundation for the Arts.

Community service and civic engagement often involve partnerships with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Habitat for Humanity, and local government offices including the Annapolis City Council. Competitive academic teams participate in tournaments hosted by organizations like the Maryland Scholastic Association and national competitions run by Academic Decathlon and National Science Bowl.

Athletics

The athletic program fields teams in sports governed regionally by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association and locally by the Anne Arundel County Athletic League. Programs include football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, cross country, track and field, swimming, and rowing, with rowing crews rowing on the Severn River and competing against schools from the Intercollegiate Rowing Association circuit and area regattas hosted by organizations such as the Annapolis Junior Rowing Association. Athletic events draw rivalries with nearby schools including Broadneck High School, Crofton High School, and South River High School; postseason competition leads to appearances in state playoffs run by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association.

Strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and athletic training are supported through collaborations with local health providers including Anne Arundel Medical Center and university sports medicine programs at University of Maryland Medical Center.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Alumni and faculty have included individuals who went on to roles in United States Congress, state government within the Maryland General Assembly, the United States Navy, academia at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, College Park, journalism at outlets like The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post, arts and entertainment connected to Kennedy Center performances, and athletics competing at collegiate conferences such as the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big Ten Conference. Local civic leaders have also served on bodies including the Annapolis City Council and the Anne Arundel County Board of Education.

Category:High schools in Anne Arundel County, Maryland