Francis Howell High School - History

History

Founded by Francis Howell in 1881, Francis Howell High School opened under the name of Howell Institute in Howell's Prairie. Originally, Francis Howell was a school where children could come to learn the basics of education and move up into high school.

After building up the school district, the district finally became Francis Howell School Consolidated District Number 2. On September 28, 1915, the Consolidated District Number 2 school board voted to name the new high school building "Francis Howell High School." On February 15, 1916, the new Francis Howell High School was dedicated.

The current Francis Howell High School is located between Highway 94 South and Highway D. The property was originally purchased in 1949 from the United States America under the jurisdiction of the War Assets Administration. Army barracks buildings, which were located on the property, were used by the high school for several years following until they were later demolished in 1991. There are still army barracks buildings being used at the Francis Howell School District Administrative Annex, which adjoins Francis Howell High School to the west.

Today, Francis Howell High School is a large suburban high school due to large population growth in southern St. Charles County. The original Francis Howell mascot was the "Dragoons" a horse riding soldier. Since at least the late 1960s, they have been known as the "Vikings".

Construction on a new academic building began in the summer of 2009. The new building features a new cafeteria, media center and classrooms. Portions of current buildings "A" and "C" will be the only buildings remaining after construction is completed in 2011.