Leon High School History

Leon High School is unique because it has always been a part of the history of Tallahassee. Beginning in 1831, the Leon Academies helped shape the fabric of the community. In 1903, the Leon County Board of Education established the first public high school for whites on the corners of Duval, Tennessee and Bronough Streets and named it the Leon County Graded and High School.

In 1911, needing more room to house a growing student population, the School Board built the second Leon High School where the LeRoy Collins Public Library now stands.

Born in controversy, and built by the WPA in 1937, the current Leon High School is located at 550 E. Tennessee Street. At the time it was built, citizens fretted over the cost ($500,000); the location (it was considered too far out of town); and the size (it was thought to be too big and would never have all the space utilized).

The classrooms have been filled, Tallahassee has grown far beyond the old city limits, and other less architecturally unique high schools have been built at far greater costs. Leon High School continues the tradition of excellence that began over 100 years ago.

Leon High School Alumni Association
P.O. Box 15047
Tallahassee, Florida 32317-5047
info@leonhighalumni.org