Bethel High School (Virginia)

Bethel High School is a public high school located in the northeastern section of Hampton, Virginia, United States. Bethel is the third of four public high schools in Hampton along with Kecoughtan, Hampton, and Phoebus.HistoryBethel High School was built in 1968 to handle the overflow of Hampton High School and Kecoughtan High School students. Since the school board liked the Kecoughtan High School floor plan, Bethel's floor plan was designed similarly, with only a couple of differences (e.g., the courtyard and the 900 hallways). Bethel was named after the area of Bethel and also after the Civil War battle of Big Bethel. Since the school was in a rural location at the time, Bethel had the biggest school zone in the city. Most residents from Langley Field heading west toward the city of Newport News were all zoned for Bethel. Today the school is still considered the highest-populated school and still has the biggest zone in the city of Hampton.In 2009 Bethel became the first high school in America to ever have its own arena racing team. The school partnered with Hampton Roads Racing in an effort to raise student involvement, provide mentorship opportunities, and improve graduation rates.In 2010, Phenix School (K-8) opened behind Bethel High, making Phenix and Bethel a shared campus.In late 2010, during winter break, the school began a remodeling project. Promethean boards were installed in all classrooms. The gym got a complete make over with a new finish and logo on the floor. In June 2011, new light fixtures were installed and the ceiling was lowered. Many of the classrooms have been repainted, and the awnings in the courtyard and main entrance/bus loading zone have been replaced.