John Tyler High School, a part of Tyler Independent School District, is located in the northwest section of Tyler, Texas. As of the 2010-2011 academic year, the school boasted an enrollment of approximately 2,047 students. John Tyler offers academic avenues through the AP program, UIL competitions, and the College and Career Center. John Tyler also carries a long history of athletic excellence in sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. John Tyler High School shares a long-standing crosstown rivalry in sports with Robert E. Lee High School, located in south Tyler. Both compete in the University Interscholastic League's District 11-6A across a wide array of athletic endeavors. Class 6A is the state's largest classification.
Demographics
As of the 2006–2007 school year, the student population consisted of:
56% Hispanic
41% African American
3% White
0% Asian/Pacific Islander
0% American Indian
Athletics
John Tyler High is known for its elite football program. The J.T. Lions have won two state championships: 1973 under coach Corky Nelson, and in 1994 under coach Allen Wilson. In addition, Tyler High School's state championship in 1930 under coach George Foltz is credited to John Tyler, as Tyler High was ultimately renamed John Tyler High School. The 1994 championship season featured the noteworthy 1994 John Tyler vs. Plano East high school football game, which ultimately won ESPN's 1995 Showstopper of the Year ESPY Award. In the regional final against Plano East, John Tyler had a 41–17 lead with 2:42 remaining. Plano East scored a touchdown, then recovered three consecutive onside kicks and scored touchdowns on each of them to take a 44–41 lead with 24 seconds remaining. However, on the ensuing kickoff, John Tyler returner Roderick Dunn ran for a touchdown to win the game 48–44.
Aqua Franklin, Texas A&M women's basketball 2004-2008, WNBA drafted 38th pick Sacramento Monarchs, assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin 2010-2011, University of Kansas 2011-2012, Mississippi State University. Currently she is the associate head coach with University of Kansas.
Jeremy Johnson former all-state quarterback, SMU wide receiver, holds the record for most receptions in a single season. Former NFL player with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Greg Ward Jr., NFL player
Tyus Bowser, NFL player
Notable events
On September 23, 2009, a 16-year-old student stabbed 52-year-old music therapist Todd Henry.
On February 14, 1981, fire destroyed nearly 90 percent of John Tyler High School's campus.
