About Us

Our Academic Programs

Pasadena High School is committed to providing students with diverse pathways to success:

• Traditional High School Academic Program: Pasadena High School offers a comprehensive academic program with rigorous core courses, honors and AP options, diverse electives, and robust student support services to prepare all students for post-secondary success.
• Pasadena Early College High School (PECHS): PECHS allows motivated students to earn a high school diploma and an Associate Degree from San Jacinto College at no cost. Students begin taking college courses in 9th grade, with increasing coursework each year, and benefit from strong academic and social-emotional support throughout the program.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) - Bobby Newcomb CTE Center: The Bobby Newcomb CTE Center offers hands-on training in high-demand fields including Animal Science, Audio Video Production, Business, Computer Science, Culinary Arts, Engineering, Health Science, Outdoor Education, Process Technology, JROTC, and Welding. Students earn industry-recognized certifications and gain real-world experience through industry partnerships and work-based learning opportunities.

Our History

Pasadena High School has a rich and evolving history spanning nearly a century. What began as a modest "chicken-shack" accommodating just 20 students and one teacher has grown into a thriving educational institution serving over 2,300 students today.

As Pasadena's population grew in the early 1900s due to the booming strawberry crop, so did the need for local high school education. Students originally had to travel to nearby Milby High School in Harrisburg, a challenge that prompted the Pasadena Independent School District to act. In 1924, construction began on a new Pasadena High School at our current location on Shaver Street, which was dedicated that same year and completed in 1925.

Building Our Campus

Over the decades, Pasadena High School expanded thoughtfully to meet the needs of our growing community:

• 1929: Girls’ gymnasium and auditorium added
• 1931: Home Economics building constructed (still in use today)
• 1935: Manual Training building added to support vocational education and later aid in World War II efforts
• 1945: Band hall dedicated to Mr. Gene Stuchberry, PHS’s first director of bands; cafeteria construction began
• 1947: $329,000 Vocational Building and $100,000 Boys’ gymnasium completed
• 1950: Science building added
• 1952: Major expansion of Vocational, Science, and Boys’ gymnasium facilities to accommodate growing enrollment
• 1957: New auditorium built
• 1963–1965: New Main building constructed and completed, replacing the original structure
• 1970s: Three-story, $2.5 million building added with modern cafeteria and classrooms
• 1990s: Significant campus expansion with new vocational building, main building, gymnasium, and vocational annex

Today

Located at 206 Shaver Street along Texas State Highway 225, Pasadena High School is the first established high school in Pasadena and serves grades 9–12 with an enrollment of around 2,000 students. Our school is home to 164+ faculty members dedicated to fostering the values of Courage, Responsibility, and Respect—The Eagle Way.

Our mascot is Baldy the Eagle, and our school colors are green and white. With a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1, we maintain a supportive learning environment where every student matters.

Leadership & Legacy

Pasadena High School has been guided by dedicated principals throughout its nearly 100-year history:

• 1923–1924: Richard T. Gore
• 1924–1925: Clara Taylor
• 1925–1945: Jack F. Horton
• 1946–1947: Bill Avara
• 1947–1967: Tilman White
• 1967–1982: Lonnie Keller
• 1982–1995: Tom Hancock
• 1995–2002: Wayne Adams
• 2002–2006: Morris Fuselier
• 2006–2009: Chris Bolyard
• 2009–2019: Joe Saavedra
• 2019–2025: Laura Gomez
• 2025–Present: Steven Friend

Our Feeder Schools

Students come to Pasadena High School from across our district:

• Elementary Schools: Gardens, Kruse, L.F. Smith, Morales, Red Bluff, Richey, South Shaver, Pomeroy, and Williams
• Middle Schools: Bobby Shaw, DeZavala, Keller, and Sullivan
• Intermediate Schools: Jackson, Queens, San Jacinto, and Southmore

Athletic Excellence

Pasadena High School boasts a diverse and accomplished athletic program, with teams competing in baseball, basketball, cross-country, track, football, soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis, and aquatics (swimming, diving, fin swimming, open water).

Our football and basketball programs have the most storied traditions, including a state finalist finish in football, a state championship in basketball, and state championships in track. Our athletes compete at state-of-the-art facilities including Bob Barfield Gymnasium, Pasadena Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, the Weldon “Stoney” Phillips Field House, Maguire Field, and the Shippey Aquatic Center.

Clubs, Organizations & Activities

Beyond the classroom and athletic field, Pasadena High School offers students numerous opportunities to grow and lead:

• The Eagle Alliance (band)
• Junior ROTC (Marine Division)
• Orchestra
• The Eagle Escort (dance team)
• HOSA
• Choir
• Theatre
• Photography
• Plus numerous clubs and organizations

Notable Alumni

Pasadena High School has produced outstanding graduates who have made their mark on Texas and beyond:

• Bill Henry (Class of 1946) – Former Major League Baseball player
• Bert Coan (Class of 1958) – Former professional football player
• Paul Ratliff (Class of 1962) – Former Major League Baseball player
• Robert Talton (Class of 1963) – Texas House of Representatives member (1993–2009)
• John Eddie Williams (Class of 1972) – Pharmaceutical injury and mass tort attorney, founding partner of Williams Hart
• Marlen Esparza (Class of 2007) – American professional boxer

Join the Eagle Family

For nearly 100 years, Pasadena High School has been a cornerstone of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community pride. Our students don’t just attend school—they become part of a legacy.