Duncanville High School

Duncanville High School (DHS) is a public secondary school located in Duncanville, Texas, serving grades 9 through 12. Established in 1935, it is part of the Duncanville Independent School District (DISD) and is recognized for its expansive campus, covering approximately 863,000 square feet. With an enrollment of around 4,607 students, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.2:1. DHS offers a comprehensive curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a Gifted & Talented program, as well as the DHS Collegiate Academy, which allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. The school has a rich athletic tradition with multiple state championships in sports such as basketball, football, track & field, and volleyball. The school’s marching band has also earned recognition as a UIL state champion, and its choral department was awarded a GRAMMY Signature School award in 2022. DHS has produced several notable alumni, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, basketball Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, and actor Jonathan Majors. The original DHS building was constructed in 1929, and the school moved to its current location in 1965, where it continues to be a cornerstone of the community, offering academic rigor, athletic excellence, and a strong sense of tradition.

Duncanville High School (DHS) has a rich history that spans nearly 90 years. The original school building, constructed in 1929, was the first brick school in the city of Duncanville, Texas. The first accredited graduating class was in 1936, marking the beginning of the school’s long-standing educational legacy. Over the decades, the school continued to grow, offering a broader range of educational opportunities and developing strong academic and extracurricular programs.

In 1965, the school moved to its current location, which is situated on a sprawling 863,000-square-foot campus. This new facility allowed for the expansion of both the student body and the array of programs offered at DHS, including its renowned athletics and arts departments. The old building was repurposed into Reed Middle School, further solidifying the educational infrastructure of the area.

Throughout its history, DHS has built a strong athletic tradition, winning numerous state championships in various sports such as football, basketball, track and field, and volleyball. The school's commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics has shaped it into one of the most respected high schools in Texas.

In the 2000s, the school continued to evolve with new programs like the DHS Collegiate Academy, which allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. DHS has remained a significant part of the Duncanville community, with a history that reflects both its academic rigor and its deep connection to the city’s cultural and sporting life.

Duncanville High School (DHS) offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum designed to meet the academic needs of its students. The school provides foundational courses in core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, with classes tailored to each grade level. These courses include English I, II, III, and IV, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, and U.S. History, all aimed at building critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for future success. In addition to these core courses, DHS offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP English Literature and Composition, AP Calculus, AP U.S. History, and AP Biology, which provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit while preparing them for higher education through rigorous, college-level material. The school also offers a broad selection of electives, including Fine Arts courses such as Band, Choir, Theatre, Art, and Dance, allowing students to explore their creative talents. Vocational and technical education courses, including those in Technology, Business, and Physical Education, provide practical skills that prepare students for both college and the workforce. Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses such as Health Science, Computer Science, Auto Technology, Cosmetology, and Agriculture allow students to gain hands-on experience and certifications, making them competitive in the job market. DHS also offers a Collegiate Academy, a program designed for academically motivated students to earn college credits while still in high school, offering college-level courses aligned with local universities. For students with specific learning needs, the school provides specialized courses and support services through its special education department, ensuring that all students can succeed academically and prepare for life after high school. With this well-rounded curriculum, Duncanville High School provides students with the skills and opportunities they need to excel in higher education and beyond.

Duncanville High School (DHS) is ranked #9,274 nationally according to the U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 Best High Schools rankings. This national ranking is based on factors such as state-required test performance, graduation rates, and how well the school prepares students for college.

In the state of Texas, DHS is listed among the top high schools, though its exact position varies depending on the specific criteria and methodology used in different rankings. The school has achieved notable success in specific areas, including a strong athletic program with multiple state championships in sports such as basketball, football, and track and field. Additionally, DHS has been recognized for its excellence in the arts, including a GRAMMY Signature School award for its choral department and multiple UIL state championships for its marching band.

While DHS may not be ranked among the top high schools nationally, it has a strong reputation in several areas, including athletics and the arts.

The school offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that prepares students for the workforce by providing industry-relevant skills and certifications. The CTE program focuses on hands-on learning, mentorship, and connections with local industries to help students enter the job market after graduation. While the state of Texas sets minimum employment standards for vocational programs, DHS's CTE program aims to help students successfully transition to careers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncanville_High_School | Wikipedia
https://dhs.duncanvilleisd.org | Official Website
https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/athletics | Athletics Official Website
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/texas/districts/duncanville-independent-school-district/duncanville-high-school-18984 | US News
https://www.greatschools.org/texas/duncanville/2159-Duncanville-High-School | GreatSchools
https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/ | Duncanville ISD Website
https://schools.texastribune.org/districts/duncanville-isd/duncanville-high-school/ | Texas Tribune