William Jennings Bryan Senior High School’s story is one that reflects the ever growing and ever evolving community it has proudly served for more 50 years.
In 1964, under the leadership of veteran OPS educator, Dr. John McQuinn, a faculty and staff of 40 young educators and approximately 600 students, set out to create the values and traditions that we honor today at Bryan High.
Designed to house the junior high and senior high students of the burgeoning southwest community of Omaha, Bryan High first school year welcomed only 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders. It wasn’t until the 1967-1968 school year, that Bryan Junior-Senior High had all six grades represented. Even then, as the first graduating 1968 class crossed the auditorium stage, it had become clear that the small building wouldn’t be able hold all the students who wanted to join Bear Country.
Construction began, down the hill on 48th and Giles, on a new, larger facility and in 1972, Dr. McQuinn, along with his 10th, 11th, and 12th graders moved westward, six blocks to the building we know today as Bryan Senior High School.
Since its dedication in 1972, Bryan Senior High has seen the graduation of more than 15,000 students, the transition of five principals, the construction of several building renovations and expansions, and the addition of five award winning of academies. And we are just getting started!
As a “destination school” known for its inclusion and school spirit, Bryan High is currently home to more than 1800 students from all over the Omaha and Bellevue area. Over 30 countries and 33 languages are represented in the hallways of Bryan High School with our diverse student and staff members, and we pride ourselves on celebrating all cultures and walks of life. A 50-year tradition of creating a family bond between all Bears can be seen by the fact that forty-five Bryan alumni currently have returned home to work at their beloved school.
WE ARE COMPASSIONATE
WE ARE INCLUSIVE
WE ARE RESILIENT
WE ARE PROUD
Bryan High is hosting its annual Boo Bash, a safe trick-or-treating event this Thursday, the 24th, from 5:30-7:30. It also serves as a food-raiser for the Bryan High Food Pantry. This event is student-run and club-driven, is hugely attended, and benefits the community.
