Grapevine High School

Grapevine High School is a public high school in Grapevine, Texas, serving students in grades 9 through 12 as part of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD).^[1] Founded in 1906 with its current campus opening in 1969, the school enrolls approximately 1,749 students as of the 2023–2024 school year and features the Mustangs as its mascot.^[1][2] Located at 3223 Mustang Drive in Grapevine, the school operates from 8:35 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. and emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses that contribute to its college readiness index of 51.8 out of 100 as of 2024, with 65% of students taking at least one AP exam and 48% passing.^[1][3] The student body is diverse, with a minority enrollment of 45.8%, including 27.7% Hispanic, 7.9% Asian, and 5.5% Black students, and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.^[3] Grapevine High School is recognized for its strong performance in state assessments, achieving proficiency rates of 77% in reading, 38% in math, and 60% in science, alongside a 98% graduation rate.^[3] The school ranks #239 among Texas high schools and #2,308 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report as of 2024, reflecting its overall score of 87.11 out of 100.^[3] In athletics, the Mustangs compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 5A, with notable successes including the girls' soccer team's 2023 state championship.^[4][5] The school's fine arts programs have earned national recognition, with nine GCISD music ensembles, including those at Grapevine High, receiving 2025 Mark of Excellence and Citation of Excellence awards from The Foundation for Music Education.^[6] Educators at the school have also been honored, such as history teacher Kyle Norwood, named the 2025 Texas Outstanding Teacher of American History by the Daughters of the American Revolution.^[7] These achievements underscore Grapevine High School's commitment to academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement within the GCISD, which serves over 13,500 students across 17 traditional campuses.^[8]

History

Founding and early years

The origins of Grapevine High School trace back to the early 20th century within the Grapevine school system, which had established its first dedicated high school program by 1907. In 1908, voters approved a $12,000 bond issue and a 15-cent maintenance tax to construct a two-story red brick school building on what is now Austin Street, completed by late March 1908 and serving both elementary and high school students. This facility marked the beginning of formal secondary education in the area, with the first high school graduating class of one student in 1908.^[9][10] By the mid-1910s, rapid population growth in the rural community necessitated expanded facilities for high school students. Overcrowding in the 1908 building prompted a $10,000 bond election in April 1916, which passed overwhelmingly (96-46), leading to the construction of a dedicated high school designed to accommodate up to 75 students, complete with laboratories, classrooms, and an auditorium; the structure was finished by late 1916. This building represented a significant upgrade, reflecting the community's commitment to education amid agricultural and early suburban development in Tarrant County.^[9][11] The Great Depression and subsequent economic recovery shaped further developments in the late 1930s and early 1940s. A proposed $45,000 bond for a new high school in 1931 failed due to financial concerns (224-135 vote), but by December 1938, a $25,000 bond for a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project passed decisively (198-9). Construction began in 1940 and concluded in January 1941, yielding a modern facility with eight classrooms, a gymnasium-auditorium, library, study room, and home economics room at a total cost of approximately $95,000, with the WPA contributing about $68,000 and local funds the balance. Under Superintendent W.F. Cannon, who led from 1938 to 1958, this WPA-era school addressed post-Depression needs and served the growing student body during World War II.^[9][12] Postwar suburban expansion in the Dallas-Fort Worth area drove the transition to a larger institution. In 1952, a new high school building opened on East Worth Street under the Grapevine Independent School District, preceding the 1962 consolidation with the Colleyville school district and the 1975 formation of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD). The 1952 building addressed surging enrollment from the area's shift from rural farming to suburban living, though it was later repurposed as Grapevine Middle School. The current campus at 3223 Mustang Drive opened in 1969 to accommodate further growth, with initial high school figures reflecting a student body that had outgrown the 1941 facility; by the mid-1950s, district-wide attendance had risen notably under continued leadership from Superintendent Cannon. This era solidified Grapevine High School's role in serving an expanding community.^{[13][14][12][1]}

Expansion and recognitions

Following the 1952 building's opening and the 1969 campus establishment, Grapevine High School underwent several expansions to address surging enrollment driven by rapid population growth in Grapevine and surrounding areas of Tarrant County. The city's population expanded from approximately 1,850 residents in 1951 to over 50,000 by the 2020 census, fueled by suburban development and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.^[15] This growth prompted district-wide bond initiatives, such as the 2016 bond package totaling $248.9 million for upgrades including HVAC systems, accessibility improvements, and facility enhancements across GCISD campuses. Later bonds, like the 2024 $150 million package approved by voters in May 2024, continued to fund infrastructure updates, including technology and security enhancements district-wide.^[16][17] The school has earned notable academic recognitions reflecting its commitment to excellence amid this expansion. In 1999–2000, Grapevine High School was designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, an honor awarded to just 377 public and private schools nationwide for outstanding performance in closing achievement gaps and overall academic achievement. Building on this, in 2005, Newsweek ranked it #100 among the top 1,000 high schools in the United States, based on metrics like Advanced Placement participation and performance.^[18] Enrollment milestones underscore the school's adaptation to regional growth, reaching over 1,700 students by the 2020s, with 1,749 enrolled in the 2023–2024 school year.^[4] Administrative leadership has also evolved to guide this progress; Dr. Alex Fingers was appointed principal in April 2020, bringing experience from within the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District to oversee operations during a period of continued enrollment and facility demands.^[19]

Campus and facilities

Location and attendance boundaries

Grapevine High School is situated at 3223 Mustang Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051, within Tarrant County, Texas.^[20] The campus lies in a suburban setting in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, at approximately 32.915°N 97.120°W.^[21] The school's attendance zone encompasses portions of several nearby communities, including Grapevine, Colleyville, Hurst, Southlake, and Euless, as defined by the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD) boundaries.^[22] In November 2025, the GCISD proposed closing Dove Elementary and Bransford Elementary schools and revising feeder patterns, potentially affecting middle school assignments to Grapevine High School.^[23] Students are assigned based on their residential address within these areas, ensuring a geographically diverse draw from the region's suburban neighborhoods.^[24] Feeder middle schools for Grapevine High School include Cross Timbers Middle School, which fully feeds into the high school, as well as portions of students from Colleyville Middle School and Grapevine Middle School.^[25][26] As of November 2025, the district is considering adjustments to feeder patterns, with Colleyville Middle School and Cross Timbers Middle School proposed to fully feed into Grapevine High School, while Grapevine Middle School would feed into Colleyville Heritage High School.^[23] The school's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex contributes to a diverse student body, reflecting the area's multicultural suburban demographics, with approximately 54% White, 28% Hispanic, 8% Asian, and 6% multiracial or other ethnicities among enrollees.^[27] Accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to major thoroughfares, including State Highway 114 and Interstate 635, which provide convenient transportation options for students commuting from across the attendance zone.^[28]

Key buildings and amenities

Grapevine High School's main academic buildings, originally constructed in 1968 with expansions in 2001, 2012, and 2016, accommodate classrooms across various disciplines and include dedicated science laboratories for hands-on instruction.^[29] The Learning Commons, functioning as the school's library and media center, offers flexible learning environments with diverse print and digital collections, makerspaces, and collaborative areas to foster research and creativity.^[30][31] Athletic facilities on campus center around Mustang-Panther Stadium, which features a distinctive brick exterior and high archways evoking traditional architecture, along with modernized concession stands, restrooms, a spirit shop, an upgraded press box, and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.^[32][33] The adjacent Multipurpose Athletic Center provides essential training spaces, including a spacious weight room, locker rooms, offices, storage areas, and an indoor practice field consisting of 60 yards of full-width artificial turf with a 10-yard endzone.^[34] Additional amenities include the school's gymnasium, equipped with accessible seating options, and an auditorium that supports theatrical productions and assemblies under the direction of the fine arts department.^[35][36] The Ecology Center, dedicated in 1989, serves as a specialized outdoor ecological laboratory and nature preserve, integrating environmental education with hands-on activities for students across subjects like science and art.^[37][38] Recent enhancements to campus infrastructure focus on accessibility and safety, such as repairs to ADA-compliant ramps, installation of standalone fire alarm systems, and the addition of security cameras in parking lots and stairwells.^[35] These improvements, along with broader security and ADA features in athletic areas, contribute to a safer environment for the school's 1,749 students (as of the 2023-2024 school year).^[3] Overall facility maintenance and operations, including HVAC systems, groundskeeping, and custodial services, are managed by the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District's Facility Services department to ensure ongoing functionality and compliance.^[39]

Academics

Curriculum offerings

Grapevine High School provides a comprehensive core curriculum aligned with Texas state standards, requiring students to complete courses in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for graduation. In English, offerings include four levels from English I to IV, with advanced options such as Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition. Mathematics courses range from Algebra I to AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Statistics, while science encompasses Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and AP courses like AP Biology and AP Environmental Science. Social studies covers World Geography, World History, U.S. History, and Government, supplemented by AP U.S. History and AP Government and Politics. Additionally, AP courses extend to computer science (AP Computer Science A and Principles) and fine arts (AP Studio Art, AP Art History, and AP Music Theory).^[40] The school's Gifted and Talented (GT) program serves secondary students through differentiated instruction, including GT sections in core subjects like GT Algebra II, GT Chemistry, and GT AP Human Geography. These services emphasize self-directed learning, independent research projects, and accelerated pacing to meet the unique intellectual needs of gifted learners, with options for advanced seminars and portfolio development.^[40] Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Grapevine High School features coherent sequences of courses leading to industry certifications and endorsements in areas such as business (e.g., Accounting I-II, Business Management), health sciences (e.g., Medical Terminology, Principles of Health Science, Certified Nursing Assistant), and technology (e.g., Computer Science I, Digital Communications, Engineering Design and Problem Solving). These programs integrate hands-on experiences and practicums, allowing students to earn up to three credits per pathway while fulfilling core requirements in some cases, such as science credits through Advanced Animal Science or Medical Microbiology.^[40] Advanced academics initiatives include dual credit opportunities with Tarrant County College, enabling students to earn college credits in subjects like English III/IV (ENGL 1301/1302), U.S. History (HIST 1301/1302), and College Algebra (MATH 1314), subject to Texas Success Initiative assessments. Endorsement pathways prepare students for college and careers through focused sequences in STEM, Business and Industry, Arts and Humanities, Public Services, or Multidisciplinary Studies, often combining AP, CTE, and dual credit courses.^[40] Graduation from Grapevine High School requires 26 credits under the Texas Foundation High School Program, including four credits each in English, mathematics, science, and social studies; one credit in physical education; 0.5 credits in health; one credit in fine arts or a CTE equivalent like Floral Design; and local requirements such as Professional Communications. The course selection process occurs annually in spring via the district's Course Selection Guide, where students and parents review offerings, prerequisites, and pathways with counselors, with final schedules determined by staffing and approvals for advanced programs.^[40]

Performance and rankings

Grapevine High School enrolled 1,749 students in grades 9 through 12 during the 2023–2024 school year.^[2] The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.94 to 1, supported by 125.50 full-time equivalent teaching staff.^[4] In state assessments, Grapevine High School ranks 239th among Texas high schools according to U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its performance in college readiness metrics and standardized testing.^[3] The school offers opportunities for Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams, with a 65% AP participation rate contributing to its overall academic profile.^[3] The school's Campus Improvement Plan outlines performance goals focused on academic growth, including the continuous development, monitoring, and evaluation of personalized and advanced programs to enhance student outcomes.^[41] These objectives emphasize preparing students for higher education through rigorous advanced academics initiatives.^[42] Recent academic achievements include multiple state qualifiers in University Interscholastic League (UIL) Academics competitions, with the team securing the UIL 5A State Championship in 2023 and additional team and individual state titles in 2024.^[43] In 2025, the UIL Academics team earned bronze (third place) at the state meet with multiple individual placements.^[44] The school also tied for 15th place in the 2025 UIL Lone Star Cup with 60 points.^[45] Students have also earned honors at Texas History Day events, contributing to the district's recognition in historical research competitions.^[46]

Athletics

Sports programs

Grapevine High School's athletic programs are governed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and operate within Class 5A Division II. The Mustangs mascot represents the school's teams, with official colors of red, royal blue, and white.^[47][48] The athletics department emphasizes developing leaders through high standards, fostering teamwork, discipline, and academic eligibility among student-athletes.^[49] The school offers a wide range of varsity sports for both boys and girls, promoting comprehensive physical education and competitive opportunities. Boys' varsity sports include:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Swimming and diving
• Track and field
• Cross country
• Tennis
• Golf
• Wrestling

Girls' varsity sports include:

• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Softball
• Soccer
• Swimming and diving
• Track and field
• Cross country
• Tennis
• Golf
• Cheerleading

These programs compete in Region 1, with football in District 3-5A Division II and other sports in District 6-5A for the 2024-2026 cycle.^[50][51] Prior to this realignment, the teams competed in District 4-5A.^[52] Facilities such as Mustang-Panther Stadium, which hosts football and track events, and the school's Multipurpose Athletic Center, featuring a 60-yard indoor practice field, support year-round training and conditioning for all teams.^[53][34] This infrastructure enables consistent preparation regardless of weather, reinforcing the department's focus on athletic development and team cohesion.^[48]

Championships and achievements

The Grapevine High School baseball team achieved significant success in recent years, securing back-to-back UIL Class 5A state championships. In 2024, the Mustangs defeated Lucas Lovejoy High School 6-5 in a walk-off victory to claim the title.^[54] The following year, in 2025, they repeated as champions in the inaugural UIL 5A Division II classification, defeating Humble Kingwood Park High School 9-5, marking the first time a 5A baseball team has won consecutive state titles.^[55] Under head coach Jimmy Webster, the program also captured the 7-5A District Championship in 2024 with a 40-5 overall record.^[56] In cross country, the Mustangs demonstrated dominance at the district level in 2025 by sweeping the UIL 5A District 6 championships, with both the boys' and girls' teams earning gold medals.^[57] The boys' team further excelled by winning the UIL 5A state championship later that year, their fourth title in program history following previous victories from 2020 to 2022.^[58] The track and field program has produced multiple qualifiers to area and state competitions, highlighting individual and team performances. In 2025, junior Andrew DeYoung advanced to the UIL 5A state meet in the 3200m event, finishing sixth overall.^[59] The boys' team contributed to the strong GCISD showing at the district meet, where over 30 athletes from the district qualified for area events.^[60] The girls' soccer team won the UIL Class 5A state championship in 2024.^[61] Historically, Grapevine athletics has seen successes across other sports, including two UIL state football championships in the late 1990s (4A Division I titles in 1996 and 1998).^[62] The volleyball team has recently advanced deep into playoffs, winning their seventh area championship in 2025, the regional semifinal, and the regional final before advancing to the UIL Class 5A state tournament.^[63] In swimming and diving, the Mustangs consistently qualify for regionals and state, with the girls' team placing second at the 2025 UIL 5A District 7 meet and individual divers like Margaux Wheat earning fourth place at the state championships in prior years.^[64] The athletics program annually sends over 30 athletes to district qualifiers across various sports.^[60] Individual athletes have received recognitions for excellence, including scholar-athlete honors for balancing academics and athletics, such as those awarded to seniors Vision Graham and Orlando Roman in 2022.^[65]

Student life

Extracurricular activities

Grapevine High School offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities that foster leadership, service, and academic engagement among its students, with over 50 clubs and organizations available to promote personal growth outside the classroom.^[66] These groups are largely student-led and must adhere to district guidelines for formation and operation, ensuring they align with educational goals while providing opportunities for community involvement.^[66] Student government and leadership organizations play a central role in school governance and recognition of excellence. The Student Council serves as the primary governing body at Grapevine High School, representing student voices in decision-making and organizing school-wide events.^[67] The National Honor Society chapter upholds high standards in academics, character, leadership, and service, selecting members based on these criteria to encourage exemplary conduct.^[68] Service and interest clubs provide platforms for environmental stewardship, professional development, and cultural exploration. The Ecology Club, active since the dedication of its Ecology Center in 1989 by Dr. Jane Goodall, focuses on environmental projects to enhance the school and local community, including maintenance of the center as an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning and service hour accumulation.^[37] DECA, an international association for marketing and business students, prepares members for careers through competitive events in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional skills.^[69] The robotics program, known as Mustang Robotics and founded in 2021, competes in the FIRST Tech Challenge, with the team qualifying for the UIL 5A State Championship multiple times, including a bronze medal finish in 2025.^[70][71] Cultural organizations such as the Spanish Club promote Hispanic heritage through events featuring music, food, and celebrations, open to students in Spanish classes or with prior coursework.^[72] Academic competitions emphasize intellectual challenge and teamwork through University Interscholastic League (UIL) events. Grapevine High School fields teams in quiz bowl, science, and history contests, with participants advancing to regional and state levels; for instance, the school secured the UIL 5A State Championship in an academic category in 2023.^[73][74] The Math & Science Team prepares for UIL and Texas Math and Science Coaches Association competitions in areas like number sense, calculator applications, and physics.^[75] Other activities include debate and community service initiatives integrated with Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD) programs. The debate team, established in 1918, competes in UIL Cross Examination Debate, with students qualifying for the state tournament, such as in 2025.^[76][77] Band auxiliaries, like the Mustang Guard color guard, support marching band performances with dance and flag routines, tying briefly into fine arts ensembles.^[78] Community service projects, often coordinated through clubs like FCCLA and HOSA, align with GCISD's emphasis on real-world problem-solving and local outreach.^[79][80] The Ex-Student Association supports current students by awarding annual scholarships and inducting one alumnus into its Hall of Fame each year, honoring contributions to the school community.^[81]

Fine arts programs

Grapevine High School offers a robust fine arts curriculum through the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD), emphasizing creative expression and skill development in visual and performing arts.^[82] The programs include music, theater, visual arts, and dance, with opportunities for students to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions and regional exhibitions.^[82] These offerings are supported by dedicated facilities, such as the Madeleine Hemley Auditorium and Black Box Theatre, which host annual productions and performances.^[83][84] The music programs encompass band, choir, and orchestra ensembles that prepare students for both concert and competitive settings. The Grapevine Mustang Band features marching, concert, jazz, and percussion groups, with the marching band earning a superior rating at the 2025 UIL Region 31 contest and placing sixth in the 5A area contest.^[85][86] Concert bands have achieved UIL sweepstakes awards, while the program received the 2024 Mark of Excellence from the Foundation for Music Education for its overall quality.^[87][88] The choir program includes advanced ensembles like the mixed Chamber Choir, which competes at UIL with separate men's and women's groups, alongside beginner-to-intermediate groups such as Choralier Tenor/Bass, Choralier Treble, Treble Voce, and the Mustang Jazz vocal ensemble.^[89] Choral groups have earned sweepstakes ratings at UIL competitions.^[90] Orchestra participation includes pit orchestras for theater productions, such as the 2025 Sweeney Todd musical, and individual student achievements like All-State selections.^[91][92] The theater and drama program provides comprehensive training through classes in acting techniques, including movement, mime, voice, improvisation, and scene presentation, as well as technical theater skills like set design and lighting.^[93] Students engage in annual productions, including musicals, plays, and the UIL One-Act Play contest, where the team won the 2025 5A District 6 championship and received four individual awards.^[94] The program has advanced to regional competitions, earning honors such as Best Tech Crew and All-Star Cast nominations in 2022.^[95] The International Thespian Society Troupe 1574 supports extracurricular involvement, and the musical theater component garnered five individual and seven group nominations for the 2025 Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards.^[84][96] Visual arts classes cover foundational and advanced coursework, including Art 1, Ceramics 1-3, Drawing 1-3, Painting 1-3, AP Drawing, AP 2D Art and Design, and AP Art History, with an emphasis on portfolio development for AP Studio Art.^[97][98] Student works are showcased in the annual GCISD District Art Showcase and compete in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), where participants have received superior ratings, All-State honors, and a 2025 Gold Seal Award for a senior's painting.^{[99][100][101]} Dance programs, integrated into fine arts through performance-focused training, feature the varsity Fillies and junior varsity Mustang Belles teams, which perform at pep rallies, school events, and competitions using styles like jazz, contemporary, and pom.^[102][103] The Fillies earned first place at the 2025 Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) DFW 5A Area Finals.^[104] The cheer program contributes to fine arts performances with routines at assemblies and competitions, achieving national championships and UIL Spirit silver medals.^[105][106] Overall achievements in fine arts include regional and state recognitions across disciplines, with multiple programs earning national distinctions like the Foundation for Music Education awards in 2024 and 2025.^[88][6] These successes highlight the school's commitment to UIL competitions and community performances, fostering student growth in creative fields.

Notable alumni

• Post Malone (Austin Post), musician and singer-songwriter, class of 2013.
• Jenna Dewan, actress and dancer, class of 1999.
• Chip Gaines, television personality and co-founder of Magnolia, class of 1993.
• Bryce Avary, musician known as The Rocket Summer, class of 2001.
• Richard Bartel, former NFL quarterback, class of 2001.
• Alan Bowman, college football quarterback, class of 2018.
• Jack Brewer, former NFL player and philanthropist, class of 1997.
• Colt David, former CFL placekicker, class of 2003.
• Nick Leckey, former NFL center and Super Bowl champion, class of 2000.
• Dasan Hill, MLB pitcher drafted by the Minnesota Twins, class of 2024.^[107]