Austin High School
historical marker
This historical marker in Austin, Travis County, Texas, commemorates Austin High School. Erected in 1981 by the Texas Historical Commission, the marker notes 'A Centennial of Public High School Education.' Austin High School opened in September 1881. Its establishment marked the beginning of tax-supported, locally controlled secondary education in Austin. On its first day, Austin High enrolled 31 girls and 17 boys. Classes were initially held on the third floor of the West Austin School building. Due to population growth, the school moved to several temporary locations. The first dedicated high school building for Austin High opened in 1900. Austin High is recognized as one of the oldest public high schools in Texas and one of the oldest west of the Mississippi River. The school was originally known as Austin High School. It was renamed Stephen F. Austin High School in 1953. The current school building, its seventh location, opened in 1975. This site represents over a century of public high school education in Austin.