William R. Boone High School


William Rennick Boone High School is a public high school in Orlando, Florida. Built in 1952, the school is one of twenty-two high schools in the Orange County Public Schools system.

History

Two new high schools, North Orlando and South Orlando, were built after World War II to take the place of Orlando High School. The last principal of Orlando High School, William R. Boone, died of a heart condition before the two new schools were opened in 1952, so the school board dedicated South Orlando High School in his memory, then christened North Orlando High School as Edgewater High School, after its surrounding community.

Campus

In the fall of 2005, Boone High School was rededicated after an eight-year campus renovation process was completed. The renovation included a new media center.

Academics

For the school year 2007–2008, Boone received an "A" under the school rating system. For the 2008–2009 school year, BHS again received an A, making it the only "A" school in Orlando, and one of only two in Orange County. Boone offers several college-preparatory and technical education programs. College bound students can participate in the Distinguished Scholars program and the Gifted program. Students seeking technical preparation can participate in programs such as drafting, early childhood education, and Tech Prep. Students can dual enroll with local community colleges and technical schools for courses specific to careers.

Academies

Magnet Programs

The school offers three magnet programs, which attract students from all over Orange County. These programs offer four years' worth of elective courses with an aim of preparing students for similar majors in college. All of these tracks have won awards from the county and state.

Other

Other academies at Boone include the Creative Arts Academy, the Health-care Academy, and the Academy of Information Technology.

Advanced placement

Boone also offers Advanced Placement courses. Students of any year may take an AP course.

Student life

Academic

The Mock Trial team won the State Championship in 2006.
The theatre department puts on several productions each year. In their most recent season, their productions consisted of "A Little Princess: Sara's Heart", "Boys, Bois, Boyz", and "Chicago: The Musical". Thespian Troupe 1139 competes in local and state theater competitions. They won a total of seven "Best in Shows" as well as the "Critics Choice" acting award in this latest season at the Districts Level. In early 2009, the drama department formed an improvisation troupe, Deep Thoughts, which plays several shows a year to this day.
The Legend yearbook has received the Gold Crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association for its 2006 and 2007 books. In 2010 Hi-lights received a Silver Crown. Both publications have been Pacemaker Finalists from National Scholastic Press Association.

Brave TV/News

Boone's News Report is recorded the school day before, and will reports on important opportunities, activities, and sports news to students. During the first quarter the code of conduct will be addressed on Brave Tv.

Music

The music department includes the following areas of study:
Band
  • Wind Symphony
  • Symphonic Band
  • Concert Band
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Color Guard
  • Marching Band- an ensemble that is the combined forces of the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensembles, and Color Guard
Chorus
  • Men's Choir
  • Ladies' Choir
  • Belles Voix
  • Advanced Women
  • Concert Choir
  • Vocal Techniques
Orchestra
  • Beginning Orchestra
  • Concert Orchestra
  • Sinfonia Orchestra
  • Counterpoint Orchestra
  • Chamber Orchestra
Piano-Keyboard
  • Keyboard I
  • Keyboard II, III, IV
Theory

Athletic

Boone is a member of the Orlando Metro Conference, and participates among the largest classes of the FHSAA state athletic competitions. Boone has held a rivalry with Edgewater High School since both schools opened in 1952. The schools compete in football each year in a game dubbed "The Battle for the Barrel" for a "Spirit Barrel."

Student body composition

Boone High School has 3,000 students and 230 faculty and staff members. Almost one quarter of the students receive free or reduced lunch, and the population served by Exceptional Student Services is growing. As of 2005, Boone is a magnet for the deaf/hard-of-hearing population of Orange County and provides many outreach programs to the community including the American Sign Language club.

Notable alumni