State College Area High School: A History of Education and Community

State College Area High School, often called "State High," stands as a cornerstone of education in State College, Pennsylvania. As the sole public high school within the State College Area School District, it has a rich history intertwined with the growth and development of the surrounding community, also known as "Happy Valley". The district encompasses the borough of State College and the neighboring townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, and Patton.

Early Days and Evolution

The story of State College High School begins well before its current modern facilities. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for secondary education, the community established its first high school building on Fraser Street.

The Fraser Street School (1914)

On September 1, 1914, a new chapter began as high school students moved into their own building on Fraser Street. Previously, all grades shared the Frazier Street School at Highland Alley. This marked a significant step forward, providing a dedicated learning environment for the growing student population. The inscription on the State College High School Marker commemorates this event, noting that with increased enrollment, the high school eventually occupied the entire Fraser Street block from Nittany to Fairmount avenues.

In 1934, a large second-floor room in the 1931 addition was transformed into a combined school and public library, serving as State College's official public library during school hours and Monday evenings, before the establishment of Schlow Memorial Library. The school also fostered creativity, with two murals added to the basement cafeteria in 1947. "Pioneer Mural," designed and painted by a 1944 alumnus and Penn State Art Professor Stuart H. Frost, and "Mount Nittany," a collaborative effort by teachers, alumni, and students, adorned the walls.

Post-War Expansion and the Fairmount Avenue Building

As State College continued to grow, so did the need for expanded educational facilities. The post-World War II era saw significant changes, including a gradual transition of tenth to twelfth graders to a new high school. For a period, the Fraser Street building served as the junior high school. Later, from 1965 to 2002, it housed the Fairmount Avenue Elementary School. In 1981, the Delta Program (formerly the Alternative Program) found its home there, followed by Community Education (formerly Continuing Education) in 1982.

One individual recounts attending the Fairmount Avenue School from the fall of 1965 to the spring of 1970, emphasizing the building's welcoming and lived-in atmosphere. They recall the sense of exploration it provided, with its maze of staircases, corridors, and classrooms. The student crossing guards, the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and the auditorium are all vivid memories.

Another individual who attended State College High School, recalls transferring to the Fairmount Avenue building in the fall of 1954. They entered eighth grade in the block-long, brick building with its confusing hallways, tunnels, and multiple floors. The poorly designed building additions made it difficult to navigate between classes. They recall a narrow, net-walled bridge above the gymnasium, Mr. Shadel’s chemistry room, and Mrs. Shadel’s English and literature class.

Modern Facilities: North and South Campuses

To meet the demands of a growing student body and provide state-of-the-art learning environments, State College Area High School underwent significant construction projects in recent years, resulting in the creation of distinct north and south campuses.

South Campus

A modern, 520,000 square feet (48,000 m2) south campus facility was constructed in 2018 on the site of the original South Building. The original South Building was built in 1962 and had undergone numerous renovations. This original part of the building was single story and included classrooms along with the auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria and main office area. In 1965, a single story addition was built, but due to grade changes on the site it operates as a second level. This addition included classrooms, the Library and the fitness center. Another classroom wing was built in 1999. Some aspects of the Career and Technical Center program were also included in the South High School.

North Campus

A 160,000 square feet (15,000 m2) north campus facility was constructed in 2019 on the site of the original Senior High School North Building. The original North Building was built in 1955 and had undergone numerous renovations. The building's original portion, centered around the Logan Avenue entrance, was two-story and included classrooms along with the auditorium, two gymnasia, one cafeteria, library and main office area. In 1965, a two-story classroom addition was built parallel to Westerly Parkway. In 1989, the natatorium and a new gymnasium were added to the building. An additional classroom wing was constructed in 1999. Some aspects of the Career and Technology Center program were also included in the North High School.

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The Delta Program: A School of Choice

The Delta Program is a democratic school of choice associated with State High. Students are encouraged to use community resources and can take classes from the high school, Delta, and Penn State. Delta Students enjoy small class sizes, mixed grade levels, and a set of freedoms which are typically restricted to college-age learning. To encourage a unity between teachers and students, teachers are referred to on a first name basis. Community service is an important aspect of the Delta experience. Students, parents, and advisors meet regularly to discuss academic progress and set new goals. Students are allowed open campus and are free to leave the Delta building during their lunch and free periods.

Extracurricular Activities and Traditions

State College Area High School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, fostering student involvement and school spirit. Interscholastic athletics are governed by eligibility standards set by the State College Area School Board Policy.

Driver Education

State College has a history with driver's education. It was not until ten years later, in 1932, that the most obvious approach was undertaken to reduce traffic accidents - the development of a driver education course. Budget cuts eliminated the behind-the-wheel component of the course in 2010, and Fisher said he's the only in-class instructor left.

Notable Alumni

State College Area High School has produced many accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. These alumni exemplify the school's commitment to fostering talent and preparing students for success.

Larry Johnson Jr.
Ron Dickerson Jr.
Laura Secor - American journalist whose work has focused on Iranian Politics and Iran-US relations.
Jack Hurley - former State College outfielder
Jonathan Stupar
Nathan Stupar

The State College Area School District

The State College Area School District serves a diverse community, encompassing not only the borough of State College but also the surrounding townships. The district is committed to providing a quality education to all students, preparing them for college, careers, and citizenship.

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Demographics and Early History

The "Happy Valley" nickname reflects the positive atmosphere of the State College area. The Shawnee and Delaware Indians were State College’s earliest inhabitants. The valley and its famous landmark, Mount Nittany, are named for the mythical princess Nita-Nee, a Lenni-Lenape of the Delaware tribe. The earliest record of the word Nittany is found in an Indian deed dated 1768. The first white man reportedly to see our area was Captain James Potter in 1764. The first white man to settle in the Centre region was Abraham Elder in 1784. Early settlers included English, German, Mennonites, French Huguenots, and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Before the 19th century began, iron furnaces sprang up in the region, using timber, ore, and flowing streams. The furnaces have been preserved and still can be seen today. It wasn’t long before higher education took the place of iron as the new area industry. As of the 2000 census, the borough population was 38,420, (estimated 39,898 in 2009) and roughly double that total lived in the borough plus the surrounding townships. State College was ranked No.

School Board

The State College Area School District is governed by an elected school board, responsible for setting policies and overseeing the district's operations.

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