Lewis and Clark High School

Lewis and Clark High School
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Name	Lewis and Clark High School
Established	1890
Type	Public high school
District	Spokane Public Schools
Grades	9–12
Principal	(see Administration and Governance)
Enrollment	(varies)
Colors	Green and White
Mascot	Leo the Lion
Location	Spokane, Washington, United States

Lewis and Clark High School Lewis and Clark High School is a historic public secondary institution in Spokane, Washington, established in the late 19th century. The school has served successive generations from the Inland Northwest and occupies a prominent campus near the Spokane River and downtown Spokane. Over its history it has been associated with regional civic institutions, cultural organizations, and state educational initiatives.

History

The school's origins trace to Spokane's rapid growth during the Coeur d'Alene War era and the expansion of Washington (state) settlement following the Treaty of Medicine Creek. Early administrations engaged with leaders from Spokane Tribe of Indians, Spokane County, and territorial legislators who shaped regional schooling policy. The institution moved through several facilities as Spokane responded to the Great Spokane Fire aftermath and the arrival of Northern Pacific Railway and Great Northern Railway influences. During the Progressive Era, curricular reforms paralleled initiatives by figures affiliated with National Education Association, John Dewey, and state superintendents. Mid-20th century developments reflected shifts tied to World War II mobilization, including alumni participation in the United States Army Air Forces, US Navy, and wartime industries centered on entities like Boeing and local defense contractors. Civil rights-era changes aligned with rulings and social movements involving organizations such as NAACP and federal directives from United States Department of Education. Preservation efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries involved partnerships with the National Register of Historic Places, Spokane City Council, and local historical societies.

Campus and Facilities

The campus occupies an urban site near landmarks such as the Spokane River, Monroe Street Bridge, and Riverfront Park. Facilities have been adapted through capital campaigns coordinated with Spokane Public Schools and funding mechanisms like bond measures ratified by the Spokane County Auditor. Buildings incorporate architectural motifs influenced by regional architects connected to projects like the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (Spokane) and restorations supported by the Historic Preservation Office. The auditorium and performing spaces have hosted productions drawing participants from Spokane Symphony, Spokane Civic Theatre, and touring companies that have appeared at venues such as the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Science laboratories were upgraded with grants from institutions mirroring partnerships seen with Washington State University and the University of Washington extension programs. Athletic facilities abut municipal fields used concurrently by Gonzaga University and community clubs, and maintenance coordination often involves the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department.

Academics and Programs

Academic offerings have included traditional college-preparatory tracks and career-technical programs linked to regional employers like Avista Corporation, Providence Health & Services, and manufacturing firms. Advanced coursework mirrors statewide standards set by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (Washington), with Advanced Placement classes aligning to curricula from the College Board. Specialized programs have partnered with higher education institutions including Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, and Community Colleges of Spokane to provide dual-credit opportunities. Elective sequences in arts and humanities collaborate with arts organizations such as Spokane Arts and curricular influences from canon works including productions associated with Shakespeare, Tchaikovsky, and Aaron Copland. Career and technical education paths have linked to apprenticeships and certifications recognized by trade groups like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and health-care accreditation aligned to American Association of Colleges of Nursing standards.

Student Life and Extracurriculars

Student organizations have reflected civic engagement with chapters of national associations such as National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, SkillsUSA, Key Club International, and DECA. Campus media traditions include student newspapers and yearbooks that have documented interactions with cultural institutions like Spokane Public Library and media outlets including The Spokesman-Review and regional broadcasters affiliated with NPR. Performing ensembles collaborate with community choirs and bands that intersect with entities such as Spokane Youth Ballet and Washington Music Educators Association. Service and leadership initiatives have engaged students with volunteer partners like United Way of Spokane County and disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross.

Athletics

Athletic programs compete in leagues governed by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and have rivalries involving schools across the Inland Empire. Sports offerings have included football, basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, track and field, and swimming, with athletes often progressing to collegiate competition at institutions including Washington State University, University of Washington, Gonzaga University, Montana State University, and University of Idaho. Facilities support seasonal competitions and community events coordinated with municipal entities and conference schedules set by associations such as the Greater Spokane League.

Notable Alumni

Alumni have included figures active in politics, arts, sciences, and athletics who have engaged with institutions and events such as United States Congress, Washington State Legislature, Olympic Games, Hollywood, and national research centers. Graduates have pursued careers at organizations including Microsoft, Amazon (company), Boeing, and cultural leadership within Smithsonian Institution-affiliated museums. Notable alumni have also been connected to professional sports leagues including the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball.

Administration and Governance

The school operates under the governance of Spokane Public Schools and oversight involving the Washington State Board of Education and periodic audits by the Washington State Auditor. School administration coordinates budgeting and policy with entities such as the Spokane School Board and engages community stakeholders including business partners, neighborhood associations, and nonprofit funders like the Spokane Public Schools Foundation.

Category:High schools in Spokane County, Washington