Pittsburg High School was established in 1887, making it one of the oldest high schools in the state of Kansas. Pittsburg High is a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association and offers a variety of sports programs. Athletic teams compete in the 5A division and are known as the "Dragons". On March 6, 2017, the school district hired Amy Robertson as Pittsburg High School's principal. In preparing a feature introducing Robertson to the school community, the staff of the student newspaper were unable to find evidence that Robertson's university, Corllins University, was accredited. The student newspaper published an article questioning Robertson's credentials on March 31, 2017; on April 4, 2017, Robertson resigned.
Extracurricular activities
Non-athletic programs
Student newspaper
The Booster Redux made national news in April 2017 after student editors published an investigative story on the qualifications of a newly-hired principal. The principal resigned shortly thereafter.
Scholars Bowl
Pittsburg High School has won two state scholars bowl championships, in 2006 and 2007.
Chess
Pittsburg High School has also produced a state champion in chess two times.
Forensics
Theatre
In 2010, Pittsburg High School's fall play, Crimes of the Heart, tied for first place in a statewide theatre competition. The show was performed at the Kansas State Thespian Conference in January 2011.
Athletics
Pittsburg High School offers many different sports and extracurricular programs for its students. Some of the programs include: football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, baseball, wrestling, dance team, and cheer-leading. The Purple Dragons are classified as a 5A school according to the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Additionally, the Purple Dragons have won multiple district and state championships in both athletic and non-athletic programs.
Track and Field was established at Pittsburg High shortly after the school was founded. Throughout the years, many students have won individual state titles and have set numerous school records.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a sport offered at Pittsburg High. In 2007, Tyler Koehn won the state title in the 152 lb division. Beau Bennett won the Class 5A state championship at 285 pounds in 2009. Broc Bennett won the 4A 285 pound state title in 2011.
