First Colonial High School

First Colonial High School
source
Name	First Colonial High School
Established	1966
Type	Public high school
District	Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Grades	9–12
Principal	[redacted]
Enrollment	~1,800
Colors	Green and White
Mascot	Patriotic
Location	Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

First Colonial High School is a public secondary school located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. Founded in the mid-20th century, the school serves a diverse student body and is part of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system. The school has developed programs in academics, arts, athletics, and community engagement and has produced alumni active in politics, entertainment, sports, and the sciences.

History

First Colonial opened in 1966 during an era marked by the administration of Lyndon B. Johnson, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the broader context of Vietnam War era expansion of suburban institutions. Its establishment coincided with growth in Virginia Beach, Virginia and planning influenced by regional trends in Norfolk, Virginia and Chesapeake, Virginia. Over subsequent decades, the school experienced facility expansions during the administrations of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, adaptation to federal initiatives such as the No Child Left Behind Act and later federal and state education reforms under Barack Obama. The campus has weathered natural events including storms related to Hurricane Isabel and Hurricane Irene, prompting renovations and infrastructure upgrades funded through city bond referendums and collaborations with Virginia Department of Education programs. Enrollment shifts reflect demographic changes tied to military base realignments at Naval Air Station Oceana and economic cycles affecting Port of Virginia commerce and regional housing.

Campus and Facilities

The campus includes classroom wings, a media center, science laboratories, an auditorium, and athletic facilities. Renovations created specialized spaces for programs aligned with partnerships involving institutions like Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Tidewater Community College. Athletic facilities host competitions involving regional associations such as the Virginia High School League and draw visiting teams from schools in Norfolk Academy, Cape Henry Collegiate School, and other Tidewater programs. Technology upgrades have integrated networks compatible with standards from companies such as Apple Inc., Google LLC, and Microsoft. Accessibility and safety projects were influenced by guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act and local building codes administered by Virginia Beach City Hall.

Academics and Programs

The curriculum offers Advanced Placement courses sanctioned by the College Board and dual-enrollment options in partnership with Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University. Career and Technical Education pathways align with state frameworks and industry certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and Project Lead The Way. Fine arts programs coordinate with regional events including the Virginia Music Educators Association festivals and Scholastic Art & Writing Awards submissions. STEM initiatives have received support through grants from entities like the National Science Foundation and collaborations with research outreach from NASA Langley Research Center and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility programs. Guidance services prepare students for matriculation at institutions including University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, George Mason University, and national universities such as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Pennsylvania State University.

Student Life and Extracurriculars

Student clubs include chapters recognized by national organizations such as National Honor Society, Key Club International, Future Business Leaders of America, and DECA. Cultural and service groups foster ties with community partners like United Way of South Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach Public Library, and municipal programs managed by Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation. The school hosts performing arts productions drawing material from playwrights represented by Dramatists Play Service and musical repertoire associated with the National Association for Music Education. Journalism students have produced yearbooks and newspapers adhering to standards of the Student Press Law Center and participated in statewide competitions organized by the Virginia Scholastic Press Association.

Athletics

Athletic teams compete in the Virginia High School League across sports including football, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, and track and field. The program has faced rivals from nearby programs such as Kellam High School, Ocean Lakes High School, and Bayside High School. Student-athletes have advanced to collegiate competition at institutions including Liberty University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Norfolk State University. Strength and conditioning programs adhere to best practices informed by organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations and training partnerships with local clubs affiliated with USA Track & Field and USA Swimming.

Administration and Demographics

Administratively, the school reports to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools division and the superintendent appointed by the Virginia Beach School Board. Demographics reflect the regional composition of Virginia Beach, Virginia, with student populations fluctuating in response to housing trends, military assignments linked to Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana, and regional employment shifts tied to entities such as Hampton Roads Transit and the Port of Virginia. Title I and federal funding classifications follow guidance from the United States Department of Education and state policy from the Virginia Department of Education.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Alumni and faculty have included individuals who later became public figures in politics, entertainment, sports, and academia. Notables have pursued careers connected to institutions and organizations such as the Virginia General Assembly, United States Congress, NASCAR, National Basketball Association, National Football League, Broadway Theatre, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, National Institutes of Health, and higher education faculties at Old Dominion University and University of Virginia.

Category:High schools in Virginia Category:Schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia