William R. Boone High School is a public high school in Orlando, Florida, United States. Built in 1952, the school is one of twenty high schools in the Orange County Public Schools system, created to accommodate the growing number of students at Orlando High School. The plan involved building two high schools, Orlando North and Orlando South, to take the place of Orlando High School and convert the old high school facilities into what is now Howard Middle School. The last principal of Orlando High School, William R. Boone, died of a heart condition before the two new schools were opened, so the school board dedicated one of the high schools in his memory, then christened Orlando North as Edgewater High School after its surrounding community.
Campus
The school's 2017-2018 online profile states that "The campus is referred to as 'The Reservation' as the school mascot is an Indian Brave." In the fall of 2005, Boone High School was rededicated, after an eight-year campus renovation process was completed. The renovation included a new media center.
Academics
For the school year 2007-2008, Boone received an "A" under the school rating system. For the 2008-2009 school year, BHS again received an A, making it the only "A" school in Orlando, and one of only two in Orange County. Boone offers several college-preparatory and technical education programs. College bound students can participate in the Distinguished Scholars program and the Gifted program. Students seeking technical preparation can participate in programs such as drafting, early childhood education, and Tech Prep. Students can dual enroll with local community colleges and technical schools for courses specific to careers.
Academies
Magnet Programs
The school offers three magnet programs, which attract students from all over Orange County. These programs offer four years' worth of elective courses with an aim of preparing students for similar majors in college. All of these tracks have won awards from the county and state.
The Mock Trial Team won the State Championship in 2006. The theatre department puts on several productions each year. In their most recent season, their productions consisted of "A Little Princess: Sara's Heart", "Boys, Bois, Boyz", and "Chicago: The Musical". Thespian Troupe 1139 competes in local and state theater competitions. They won a total of seven "Best in Shows" as well as the "Critics Choice" acting award in this latest season at the Districts Level. In early 2009, the drama department formed an improvisation troupe, Deep Thoughts, which plays several shows a year to this day. The Legend yearbook has received the Gold Crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association for its 2006 and 2007 books. In 2010 Hi-lights received a Silver Crown. Both publications have been Pacemaker Finalists from National Scholastic Press Association.
Listing of academic clubs
Brave TV/News
Boone's morning news show, Brave TV News, delivers the news Monday through Friday, with the exception of Wednesday during third period. It consists of two anchors, one male, one female, and a sports anchor. Brave TV News was named the best daily news show in the 2008 fall nationals by Student Television Network.
Music
The music department includes the following areas of study: Band
Boone is a member of the Orlando Metro Conference, and participates among the largest classes of the FHSAA state athletic competitions. Boone has held a rivalry with Edgewater High School since both schools opened in 1952. The schools compete in football each year in a game dubbed "The Battle for the Barrel" for a "Spirit Barrel."
Athletic teams by season
Miscellaneous organizations
Other organizations, sponsored by faculty members, exist on the reservation. Some of these bodies, like the Senior Class, Junior Class, Sophomore Class, Freshman Class, and their umbrella organization, the Student Government Association, seek to teach. Other campus groups give students a platform from which to engage in social or political activism. These clubs are Environmental Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Social Justice Club, Key Club, Operation Smile, HAVEN, SADD, F.C.A., The Young Democrats, and the Young Republicans.
NJROTC
The school's Naval JROTC unit was formed in 1980, and won a top ranking in the nation in 1994. The unit has been to the NJROTC state finals and participates in community service, drill competitions, athletic competitions, and Color Guards. The unit also has an orienteering team and a marksmanship team. The unit was awarded most improved unit in the nation during the 2011-2012 school year.
Student body composition
Boone High School has 3,000 students and 230 faculty and staff members. Almost one quarter of the students receive free or reduced lunch, and the population served by Exceptional Student Services is growing. As of 2005, Boone is a magnet for the deaf/hard-of-hearing population of Orange County and provides many outreach programs to the community including the American Sign Language club.
