William R. Boone High School

William R. Boone High School is a public high school in Orlando, Florida, United States. Built in 1952, the school is one of twenty high schools in the Orange County Public Schools system, created to accommodate the growing number of students at Orlando High School. The plan involved building two high schools, Orlando North and Orlando South, to take the place of Orlando High School and convert the old high school facilities into what is now Howard Middle School. The last principal of Orlando High School, William R. Boone, died of a heart condition before the two new schools were opened, so the school board dedicated one of the high schools in his memory, then christened Orlando North as Edgewater High School after its surrounding community.CampusThe William R. Boone High School campus is frequently referred to as "The Reservation", most likely as an allusion to the school's mascot, a Native American "Brave". This is perhaps most notable in the weekly newsletter, "From The Reservation".Boone High School has finished an eight-year renovation process and the campus, featuring a new media center and updated buildings, was rededicated in the fall of 2005.AcademicsFor 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.