George Washington High School

George Washington High School is a public high school located in the Washington Park neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, and is part of the Denver Public Schools district. The school was named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, and has a long history of academic excellence, with many notable alumni going on to attend prestigious universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of Colorado Boulder. The school has also been recognized for its strong programs in STEM fields, including mathematics, science, and computer science, with partnerships with organizations such as Microsoft, Google, and National Science Foundation. Many students have also gone on to pursue careers in the arts, attending schools such as Juilliard School, Tisch School of the Arts, and California Institute of the Arts.

● History

The school was established in 1926, and has a rich history of academic and extracurricular achievement, with many notable events and milestones, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. During this time, the school was led by principals such as Franklin D. Roosevelt's appointee, Eleanor Roosevelt's friend, and Denver Public Schools superintendent, William Lee Knous. The school has also been influenced by notable historical figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, and has hosted events and speakers such as the Denver March for Justice, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai. The school's history is also closely tied to the development of the surrounding Washington Park neighborhood, with many students and faculty members involved in local organizations such as the Washington Park United Methodist Church, Denver Botanic Gardens, and City Park Jazz.

● Academics

The school offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as English literature, calculus, and physics, as well as International Baccalaureate programs in partnership with organizations such as University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The school has also been recognized for its strong programs in world languages, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, with exchange programs with schools such as Sorbonne University, University of Barcelona, and Peking University. Many students have gone on to attend top universities, including Yale University, Princeton University, and University of California, Berkeley, and have been awarded prestigious scholarships such as the National Merit Scholarship, Gates Scholarship, and Fulbright Scholarship.

● Campus

The school's campus is located in the heart of the Washington Park neighborhood, and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the original 1926 building, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. The campus is also home to a variety of facilities, including a theater, gymnasium, and stadium, which have hosted events such as the Denver Public Schools championship games, Colorado High School Activities Association tournaments, and NCAA games. The school has also partnered with local organizations, such as the Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center, and Denver Zoo, to provide students with unique learning opportunities and experiences.

● Extracurricular Activities

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams such as football, basketball, and soccer, which have competed in leagues such as the Colorado High School Activities Association and have won championships such as the Denver Public Schools championship. The school has also been recognized for its strong programs in the arts, including music, theater, and visual arts, with performances and exhibitions at venues such as the Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Art Museum, and History Colorado Center. Many students have also been involved in clubs and organizations, such as the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Model United Nations, which have participated in events such as the Model United Nations Conference, National Science Olympiad, and DECA International Career Development Conference.

● Notable Alumni

The school has a long list of notable alumni, including Pulitzer Prize winners such as Nicholas Kristof and Sarah Kendzior, as well as Nobel Prize winners such as Al Roth and Oliver Hart. Many alumni have gone on to become successful in fields such as politics, including United States Senator Michael Bennet and United States Representative Diana DeGette, as well as business, including CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, and CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai. The school has also produced many notable figures in the arts, including Tony Award winner, Benj Pasek, and Grammy Award winner, Esperanza Spalding, who have performed at venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and Hollywood Bowl.

● Demographics

The school has a diverse student body, with students from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities, including African American, Hispanic, Asian American, and Native American students. The school has also been recognized for its strong programs for students with disabilities, including special education programs and English language learner programs, which have been supported by organizations such as the National Disability Rights Network and Teach For America. Many students have also been involved in community service projects, including volunteering at organizations such as the Denver Rescue Mission, Food Bank of the Rockies, and Habitat for Humanity, and have participated in events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and National Volunteer Week. Category:High schools in Colorado