Waltham High School


Waltham High School is a public high school in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States.
Founded in 1849, it is among the oldest public secondary schools in the Commonwealth and the only high school in the Waltham Public Schools district.

History

1849 – 1903: first campus

City voters authorized a dedicated high‑school building in 1849; the brick structure at Church and School Streets served students for more than fifty years.

1902 – 1969: second campus (55 School St.)

A Classical‑Revival/Romanesque building—designed by Samuel Patch and Robert Glancey—opened in 1902 and was expanded in the 1920s. It housed Waltham High until September 1969, then Central Junior High, and since 2003 has formed the historic façade of John W. McDevitt Middle School. The original portion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

1969 – 2024: third campus (617 Lexington St.)

The third incarnation, opened in 1969, comprised 265,000 sq ft of vocational shops, science wings, and a 1,000‑seat auditorium. Accreditation concerns and aging systems placed the school on NEASC warning in 2005, spurring replacement planning.

2024 – present: fourth campus (554 Lexington St.)

After prolonged debate, the city took the 33‑acre former Stigmatine Fathers property by eminent domain in 2018 and approved a $375 million bond in 2019; the Massachusetts School Building Authority contributed $118 million. Construction began in September 2020, and the 422,000‑sq‑ft, net‑zero‑ready campus welcomed students for the 2024‑25 school year.

Academics

Advanced coursework: 20 AP offerings; 45% student participation. CTE pathways: Engineering technology, robotics, biotechnology, health assisting, culinary arts, early‑childhood education, and more. Student–teacher ratio: 10.9:1.

Athletics

Waltham competes in MIAA Division I within the Dual County League. Baseball: Division 1 state champions. Ice hockey: Division 1 state champions. Cheerleading: State champions ; national titles in 2016, 2017, 2021, 2024.
The football teams of 1906 and 1907 finished undefeated during an era without formal playoffs.

Performing arts

The fine‑arts department fields two competitive show‑choirs—Music Unlimited and Music Express —and hosts the annual Eastern Show Choir Festival. Year‑end productions include Senior Revue and Dance Theater.

Leadership

Administration (2025 – 26)

Superintendent: Dr. Marisa Mendonsa Principal: John Barnes Associate principals: Dr. Shelby Hale Roper, Dr. MaryJo Rendon, Robert Admire, Dr. Robert Lyons Athletic director: Steve LaForest

2024 – 25 principal transition

Principal Darrell Braggs emailed families on December 23, 2024 announcing his June 2025 departure. A committee named three finalists—Donavan Tracey Jr., Courtney Gosselin, Mike Sabin—on March 27, 2025, but on April 3, 2025 Superintendent Dr. Marisa Mendonsa restarted the search, saying "we had not yet found the right fit." John Barnes was hired as a principal-in-residence on July 20, 2025.

Notable alumni